Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

133. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on whether it is appropriate that many transport companies are insisting that a non-refundable deposit be made in order for individuals to avail of the free travel scheme; if he will put a stop to this practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23533/24]

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

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.

I would like to reassure the Deputy that non-refundable deposits are not required across Public Service Obligation (PSO) funded bus services. While all PSO transport services, including Local Link services, are part of the Free Travel Scheme (FTS), some commercial bus operators are also part of the Scheme . Those private bus companies that have opted into the FTS are reimbursed directly by the Department of Social Protection for carrying Free Travel passengers.

In relation to rail services, there is no requirement for FTS passengers to book train journeys online in order to use their pass. An allocation of bookings on all Intercity services can be reserved online without a fee for free travel pass/existing valid ticket holders. When this allocation is fully booked, all remaining seats can be reserved by free travel pass/existing valid ticket holders for €2.50 per journey.

I am aware that a number of the commercial bus operators which participate in the FTS require such booking deposits in order for passengers to reserve seats on their services. However, these private companies operate on a commercial basis and as such decisions regarding fares and booking fees are an operational matter for the companies themselves.