Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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295. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will further reduce fares on public transport to help drive down road emissions; if he will extend the 20% fare reduction to private bus operators and cut the price of fares for under-18s to help increase passenger numbers; the estimated carbon emission savings that the increase in passenger numbers as a result of the 20% fare reduction has achieved in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2393/23]

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; I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares. It is the National Transport Authority (NTA) that has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

The 20% average PSO fare reduction was introduced earlier last year as part of a suite of Government measures to help combat the rising cost of living. I am pleased to advise that I secured funding for the continuation of this discount on PSO services in 2023, however, funding was not provided to broaden the discount to include commercial operators.

I can further advise that in October 2022, the Young Adult Card initiative was broadened to include third level students aged 16- to 18-year-olds, who can now avail of the 50% fare discount. On PSO services, those aged under 18 can avail of child fares across the network.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific questions in relation to the passenger numbers and carbon emissions to the NTA for direct reply.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.