Transport Policy

Thursday, 19 January 2023

Questions (61)

Duncan Smith

Question:

61. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on the practice in London whereby many different transport operators offer free travel for a person and a nominated partner or family member on the TfL network; his further views on whether such a policy would benefit recruitment of transport workers; if such a policy could be implemented in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59901/22]

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Written answers

Minister for Transport

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 issue of free travel for employees and a nominated partner and family member would fall within the terms of employment offered and would be a matter for the individual public transport operators.

Therefore, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to Irish Rail, Dublin Luas, Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and GoAhead for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

A referred reply was forwarded to the Deputy under Standing Order 51.

Dublin Bus offers employees free travel on all our services. Employees living outside of Dublin are provided with free travel on the nearest Bus Eireann Service to their home. If there is no Bus Eireann service close to the employee’s residence, they are offered a train pass which provides free travel between their home and one of the train stations in Dublin City Centre. We also provide employees with 20 free rail passes which can be used by the employee or their spouse and children providing they are in possession of a valid Privilege Ticket Identity card.