Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
220. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Transport the status of the programme for Government commitment to ensure that private bus operators and the National Transport Authority operate the free travel scheme on all publicly licensed bus routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61923/22]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I am responsible for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in day-to-day operational matters of public transport operators, including those related to the operation of commercial bus services, their fare structures, or the acceptance of free travel passes. Further, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has no direct involvement with the free travel scheme on commercial services either.
The Programme for Government commitment aims to maintain the entitlement for the Free Travel Scheme for those aged over 66, and to work with private bus operators and the NTA to ensure that the Free Travel Scheme is available on all publicly licensed bus routes.
While all public service obligation (PSO) transport services, including rural Local Link services, provide free travel to eligible pass holders, my understanding is that only some commercial operators have opted to participate in the Free Travel Scheme.
Those private bus companies that have chosen to opt into the Free Travel Scheme are reimbursed for carrying non-fare paying passengers at a discount to reflect the 'fares foregone' nature of the scheme.
