Pa Daly
Ceist:251. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport the estimated cost to extend the 20% fare reduction to all commercial operators. [50745/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 2 July 2026
Ceisteanna (251)
Freagraí scríofa
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 responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
An unprecedented allocation of €940 million for PSO services was secured in Budget 2026, a significant 43% uplift in the allocation from Budget 2025. This allocation is ensuring that existing public transport services can operate reliably and sustainably throughout the year in the face of growing passenger demand and increased operational costs. The 2026 allocation also maintains targeted fares initiatives such as 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.
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. In addition, any such extension would be subject to the annual Budgetary and Estimates process. and require substantial Exchequer funding, which is currently being prioritised to deliver on maintaining existing levels of public transport service provision under the PSO programme.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's query in relation to the estimated cost of extending this fare initiative to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.