Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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158. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to some private bus operators that are refusing to apply the youth travel card discount to weekly bus tickets and are only applying the 50% discount to daily tickets; if he will outline the intention of the youth travel card scheme in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45147/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

As the Deputy is aware the Young Adult Card (YAC) was introduced on PSO services on the 9th of May and then extended to participating commercial bus operators on the 5th of September. This will not only promote modal shift in the transport sector among this age group but should also contribute towards a reduced reliance on private transport with associated benefit of transport emission savings.

Due to certain technical limitations with the ticketing systems, it is not possible to include all ticket types in the Scheme. In light of the Authority's responsibility in relation to the roll-out of the YAC, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the Authority for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.