Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Solidarity)
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138. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will report on his engagements with transport workers and trade unions regarding the move to full capacity on public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44061/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 123, 136 and 138 together.

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for the development of public transport policy and its funding.  However, I am not involved in the day-to-day management and operational aspects of public transport. That is the responsibility of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in conjunction with public transport operators such as Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Iarnród Éireann, Go-Ahead and Luas.

As part of the recent further easing of a range of Covid-19 restrictions, the Government decided that from 01/09/2021 public transport could return to operating at 100% capacity. This decision was taken as demand for public transport services has steadily continued to increase week-on-week, with the return of schools and third level education. It is also expected that demand for public transport will increase further with the expected return of more employees to the workplace over the coming weeks.

The Chief Medical Officer and the HSE are responsible for the issuing of guidelines in relation to public health and these advices apply across all modes of public transport. The NTA has a coordinating role and have maintained close links with all contracted operators in respect of the response to Covid-19. The NTA has stated that they will continue to liaise with transport operators to monitor passenger trends and any challenges that may arise as transport returns to full capacity. Passengers are being asked to avoid peak times if possible and the wearing of face coverings remains mandatory. A number of measures have been implemented by public transport operators with the support of the NTA to ensure the safe operation of services, including:

- enhanced cleaning regimes for vehicles and stations;

- distribution of personal protective equipment to public transport staff;

- distribution of hand sanitizer on vehicles and at stations; and

- display of public health advice and guidelines on vehicles and in stations

The NTA continues to have regular engagement with the various public transport operators in relation to the impact of Covid-19 on the sector. In relation to direct engagement with transport workers and representative groups - that is a matter for the individual operators concerned.