Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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75. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his Department has assessed the impact of private ticketing systems operated by commercial transport providers on fare integration and passenger accessibility; and the steps being taken to ensure a more unified ticketing system across public and private operators. [8203/25]

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; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

The NTA also has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects. Their 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. In April last year, following a competitive tender process conducted in line with all relevant EU and Irish procurement regulations, the NTA entered into a multi-year framework agreement with Indra Sistemas to deliver the NGT project.

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