James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

196. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will provide an update on plans to extend the short hop zone to Newbridge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21602/23]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

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 statutory responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

On the 27th of April, the NTA published the National Fares Strategy which aims to encourage existing passengers and new users to use public transport more, by implementing a fairer and easier to understand structure. Any assessment of a proposed change to public transport fare structures would be a matter for the NTA to consider in the first instance.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to plans to extend the Short Hop Zone to Newbridge, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.