Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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187. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on matters raised in correspondence (details supplied). [54487/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters of public transport operators, including those related to the operation of commercial bus services, their fare structures, or the acceptance of free travel passes. Further, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has no direct involvement with the free travel scheme on commercial services either.

While all public service obligation (PSO) transport services, including rural Local Link services, provide free travel to eligible pass holders, my understanding is that only some commercial operators provide the service.

Those private bus companies that have chosen to opt into the Free Travel Scheme are reimbursed for carrying non-fare paying passengers at a discount to reflect the 'fares foregone' nature of the scheme.

In view of the above, the issue raised by the Deputy would be a matter for the company concerned.