Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 December 2025
144. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the operational model changes that will be required within the National Transport Authority when it assumes responsibility for collecting and distributing public transport revenues under the next generation ticketing system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [70693/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, as Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects.
The NTA's Next Generation Ticketing (or NGT) project will provide a transformative upgrade to the ticketing system for public transport passengers in Ireland. The project will facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, involving a next-generation 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating both mobile and card-based payments for passengers.
There is a commitment under the Programme for Government to roll out contactless fare payments on all public transport and to keep fares low and affordable.
The NGT project will represent the most comprehensive overhaul of ticketing and fare payment in the history of public transport in Ireland. NGT will transform how people travel by bus, Luas, and train and will mean that customers will be able to pay for journeys by tapping their bank card, mobile phone, or other smart device.
The scope of NGT covers all public service buses, trams, and train stations including bus validators, ticket machines, ticket vending machines, station gates, tram and train platform validators and an Account Based Ticketing (ABT) solution delivered on modern cloud hosting technologies. Each of these items of ticketing equipment, representing thousands of items, will be replaced under the new system.
It is anticipated that the new ticketing system across the Greater Dublin Area will be implemented in 2028, with further rollouts thereafter.
All governance arrangements for public transport initiatives including the NGT project, which are funded through my Department, are in line with the requirements set out in the Infrastructure Guidelines. Governance arrangements are under constant consideration to ensure they reflect the scale of relevant initiatives, provide effective oversight of projects and achieve value for money.
Nothing the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a more detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
