Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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177. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the total cost of the recent expansion of the youth travel card discounts to private bus operators; the estimated full-year cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45229/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In recognition of the importance of incentivising young people to use public transport, as part of Budget 2022 I secured €25m of funding to provide for the introduction of a young adult card (YAC) which will allow any person nationwide who is between 19 and 23 years old, to avail of an entitlement for discounted travel costs, and to increase the level of discount over and above the current student discount to an average of discount of 50% across all services, including city, intercity and rural services. The 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.

Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures is matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance. Therefore, in light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question in relation to the total cost of the recent expansion of the youth travel card discounts to private bus operators and the estimated full-year cost to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working day