Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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210. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport for an update on the implementation of contactless payment systems on public transport from the NTA, as committed to in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35310/25]

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 will provide for transformative upgrade to the ticketing system for public transport passengers in Ireland. The project will facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, involving a new-generation 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating both mobile and card-based payments for passengers.Following a competitive procurement process, in April 2024 the NTA awarded an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of the new multi-modal ticketing system to a Spanish information technology company, Indra Sistemas, who have designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.

I understand that purpose of the "Major Release 1" of the project in the Greater Dublin Area, set to go live in summer 2027, is to introduce a small number of new bus, tram and train validators to test and prove the functionality of these validators before committing to a large-scale deployment across the entire network in the Greater Dublin Area. Assuming a successful Major Release 1, Major Release 2 aims to install the new validators across the Dublin city bus and Luas network.

A huge effort is being put in by NTA to ensure that this transformational and beneficial project for public transport passengers is delivered as effectively as possible.

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.