Bus Services

Thursday, 19 January 2023

Ceisteanna (35)

Frankie Feighan

Ceist:

35. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Transport if any consideration is being given to extending the Bus Éireann commuter fares outside of the greater Dublin area to financially assist those people commuting to Dublin from regions such as the north west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2386/23]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport, nor decisions on fares.

Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority (NTA) in December 2009, the NTA has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services, provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to consideration of extending the Bus Éireann commuter fares outside of the Greater Dublin Area, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.End of T

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

I am writing to you concerning the matter you raised in Parliamentary Question No. 35 of 19 January last which has been referred to the National Transport Authority (NTA) for reply.

The Authority undertook a National Bus and Rail fares review for PSO services in the latter part of 2022. We anticipate that publication of the fares review report, setting out an overall bus and rail fares strategy for PSO services, will occur in the first quarter of 2023. The fares on licensed commercial services are not regulated by the Authority.