Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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23. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when commuters will be facilitated to pay public transport fares using a bank card or phone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22839/25]

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 development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project is to 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, who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.Implementing such a complex system across multiple transport operators requires significant coordination. The project involves ensuring that all payment processes adhere to the highest security standards to protect customers' data.Comprehensive cybersecurity verification and testing will be conducted to safeguard the system from potential threats and to help ensure that customers are correctly charged. In addition, the operation of the new ticketing system will involve the introduction of new financial management processes, customer support systems, and the establishment of maintenance, logistics, and operational teams. All of this has to occur while the current ticketing services continue to operate.Consequently, a major effort is being put in by NTA to ensure that this project is delivered as effectively as possible. A comprehensive governance model has been implemented to oversee the project given its importance and scale. It will take a number of years to successfully deliver the full ticketing solution.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.