Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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23. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is aware of the concerns of commuters using Bus Éireann services on the Cavan-Dublin route in relation to the excessive increase in fares effective from 16 June 2025; if he will ensure that these fares are reviewed and reduced by the National Transport Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34578/25]

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.

In April 2023, the NTA published a new National Fares Strategy, and following this, the NTA commenced a phased roll-out of revised fare zones and structures. Phase 1 of this Fares Determination was implemented in June 2024.

As the Deputy may be aware, the second part of this Determination is currently being implemented in two phases: Phase 2A (commenced from Monday, 28 April 2025) introduced new multi-modal fare caps in Dublin and revised commuter rail fares. Phase 2B commenced from Monday 16 June 2025 for revised Dublin commuter bus fares and aligns with the new zone structure and the National Fare Strategy.

This implementation has seen the roll-out of the new ‘Dublin City’ fare zone and three new ‘Dublin Commuter’ fare zones. The new zones and revised fares will deliver more consistent and equitable fares and reduce the disparities which currently exist for some passengers, particularly in the outer commuter towns surrounding Dublin.

The fare changes have therefore seen increases for some passengers and decreases for others. It is the NTA’s intention to roll out further changes in future determinations during 2025, designed to deliver a fairer approach that is easier for customers to understand.

My Department supports these measures in line with the recent commitment in the Programme for Government to keep fares low and affordable.

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.