Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2023
32. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether a report (details supplied) on free public transport is correct in its estimate of the impact of free public transport; the reason similar fare-free public transport schemes in other cities and regions have had a significantly greater impact than that suggested by the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20793/23]
View answerAs 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 the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
In 2022, the NTA commissioned a report on the impacts of free fares on the public transport system. The report referenced shows that, to fund a fully free public transport system, without accounting for the likely increased level of passenger demand, an additional c.€540m in Exchequer funding would be required at a minimum. It also found that any increase in public transport demand due to free fares would largely be achieved by reductions in active travel, resulting in just a 1 per cent reduction in car travel. The report also found that motorists are more likely to switch to public transport if fuel prices increase, or parking and road usage is restricted, rather than if fares are made free. Budget 2023 is therefore focussed on the existing fare initiatives and alternative policies of a similar cost to improve service provision, to deliver maximum benefit for all passengers.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, and as the EY report referenced by the Deputy was commissioned by the Authority, I have forwarded the Deputy's question in relation to the details and interpretation of the report, to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
