Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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215. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in light of the apparent delays in introducing contactless next gen ticketing on public transport, if he will examine a QR Style scan system as outlined in (details supplied). [24609/23]

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. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.

The Government gave Public Spending Code Decision Gate 2 approval to the BusConnects Next Generation Ticketing project in March 2022. This approval permitted the NTA to enter competitive dialogue with potential suppliers and develop the ticketing solution that will be rolled out as part of the BusConnects programme. In time, this solution will be put in place on other parts of the network.

The indicative timeline included in the programme preliminary business case considered by Government in March 2022 anticipated that Decision Gate 3 approval for Next Generation Ticketing would be sought during 2023. It is now expected that the NTA will submit this material to my Department in early 2024.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 days.