Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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286. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he is considering a proposal (details supplied); and if the inclusion of commercial bus operators in the under-9 free travel scheme is under review. [58242/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to reassure the Deputy that improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.

As the Minister for Transport, my Department sets the overall policy direction and funding framework for the delivery of public transport services nationwide. The 2026 PSO funding allocation of €940m, provides a significant 43% uplift in the PSO allocation from 2025 to further support subsidised bus and rail services across Ireland, as well as maintaining targeted fares initiatives such as the recently introduced free travel for all children up to the age of 9 and the Young Adult Card for those aged 19-25, as part of the NTA's National Fares Strategy.

The previous Government decision did not include provisions for extending free travel for children under 9 to commercial bus operators. While the NTA is responsible for licensing commercial bus services, any decisions regarding fares charged by these services are managed by commercial operators themselves, who largely operate without any State subvention.