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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators. The NTA also has statutory responsibility for promoting the development of integrated and accessible public transport networks and infrastructure.
In terms of punctuality and reliability, the performance of all public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance by the NTA and the publication by it of annual performance reports, but importantly, the contracts also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
Further, anti-social behaviour (ASB) is a broad societal issue, to which public transport is unfortunately not immune, and it is those passengers and staff who regularly use and work within our public transport network who are most directly impacted by any safety or security incidents that may occur on the network. All operators, unions, and the NTA emphasise their good relationships with An Garda Síochána, with operations such as Twin Tracks and Operation Saul continuing.
In terms of other interaction between operators and An Garda Síochána, Public Transport Hubs in the Dublin area for multiple transport operators have also been established for Heuston Plaza, Connolly Plaza, and Broombridge. This is a joint initiative between public transport providers Iarnród Éireann/Transdev (LUAS)/Dublin Bus/Bus Éireann and An Garda Síochána Community Engagement Units at Kevin Street, Store Street, and Cabra. These hubs will continue to strengthen the links between Gardaí and public transport operators and allow Gardaí to respond quicker to any safety issues that may arise.
Each operator, in conjunction with the NTA, is doing considerable work on increasing the feeling of safety and security across the public transport network, for example, by improving CCTV quality, extending the Dublin Bus Security Pilot Scheme, and by increasing staff presence on services and in stations. Further detail on security coordination would be a matter for the operators, in junction with the NTA and An Garda Síochána.
In light of the NTA's responsibilities in these areas, 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.
