George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)
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398. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the specific date of implementation for free public transport for children under nine-years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46886/25]

George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour)
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399. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider including commercial bus operators in the planned expansion of free public transport for children under nine-years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46887/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 398 and 399 together.

The new Child (5–8) TFI Leap Card was launched on 3rd September, extending free travel on all PSO services to children aged 5 to 8 years. This welcomed initiative was announced as part of the Budget 2025 package of measures and delivers on a key Programme for Government commitment to make public transport more affordable and accessible for families. The extension of free travel for children under 9 builds on the 2017 introduction of free travel for children under five on subsidised public transport services.

The Child (5–8) TFI Leap Card expires at the end of the month in which the child turns nine. After this point, they should transition to using the Child (5–15) card for discounted fares. Revised Child (5-15) Leap Card products were introduced on 1st September across the Dublin Commuter Leap fare zones, offering a significantly increased discount of 67% off adult fares, up from the previous 50%. These enhanced fares apply to daily, weekly, and monthly ticket products and are available through the TFI Leap Top-Up App and leapcard.ie.

These changes follow a fare determination made in July, building on earlier adjustments in April and June, which established four new Leap fare zones covering Dublin and surrounding commuter areas.

Children travelling in Zones 2, 3, and 4 will now benefit from the same discount levels as those in Dublin City (Zone 1). Additionally, the revised structure allows onward travel within Zone 1 on TFI rail, Luas, and Dublin city buses at no extra cost.

This enhancement responds directly to public feedback and aims to make public transport more equitable, inclusive, and affordable for young people.