Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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142. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the work his Department has undertaken to develop a universal payment system for Ireland’s public transport system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5331/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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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 NTA's Next Generation Ticketing (NGT) project is for an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, including bus services. Fundamental to this project is a transition to an 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating mobile and card-based payments.

It will also enable more ticket choices, which cannot be currently provided in the existing system, as well as allowing faster fare alterations to be introduced.

Following a competitive procurement process, the NTA awarded, in April 2024, an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of a new multi-modal ticketing system to a Spanish information technology company - Indra Sistemas S.A. – who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.

This is a large and complex technology project and it is likely to take in the order of three to four years to roll out the new system. Exact timelines will be finalised in the coming months as the newly appointed supplier commences the detailed design stage of the project.

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