Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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205. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the position regarding the roll out of contactless fare payments on all public transport as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8917/25]

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 will provide for an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services. Fundamental to this project is a transition to an 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating mobile and card-based payments.

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.

In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, 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.