John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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179. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if commercial bus operators will be included in the continued 20% fare reduction in support of their important contribution to the increased use of public transport. [41423/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As the Deputy will be aware the 20% average fare reduction for all PSO services was introduced in February 2022 as part of a suite of a suite of Government measures to help combat the rising cost of living. It also provided an incentive for the use of public transport as opposed to the private car at a time when fuel prices were increased. This fare initiative was continued under Budget 2023 and 2024 on all PSO services.

Most recently under Budget 2025 funding has been secured to support the continuation of the temporary fare initiatives until the end of 2025, this included funding for the continuation of the 20% fare reduction on PSO services, the Young Adult Card on PSO and participating commercial services, the continued roll-out of the BusConnects and Connecting Ireland programmes, and the planned introduction of further new town services.