522. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport whether the National Transport Authority has assessed the additional costs incurred by Galway bus passengers who are required to make transfers between services due to the current network design and who cannot avail of an integrated fare system; and if he will provide the findings of any such assessment. [62921/26]

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.

Improving the accessibility, reliability, and affordability of public transport, while ensuring the system remains well-funded and responsive to passenger needs, is a core priority under the Programme for Government. The National Transport Authority (NTA), which regulates fares for services provided under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, plays a central role in achieving this.

Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the NTA which has the statutory responsibility for regulating fares for services provided under PSO contracts publishes an annual Fares Determination. Under the most recent Determination announced by the NTA on the 3rd September 2026, it outlines, regional city bus services operate in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. And advises that fare reform in our urban centres is ongoing and will contribute to a network effect of public transport in our regional cities and towns.

TFI 90 and associated daily / weekly caps was rolled out in Cork City in July this year, and a flat city fare, which is a prerequisite for the implementation of a 90-minute ticket, will be introduced in Galway, Limerick and Waterford.

This Determination will discontinue the standard zone fare for the regional cities and implement a flat urban fare identical to Cork City of Leap Adult €1.70, Young Adult €0.85 and Child €0.55. This represents a 10% increase for Adult passengers currently paying the higher zone fare, and a 26% increase for those paying the €1.35 standard zone fare. The implementation of standard discount rates for younger passengers will lead to a 15% reduction in a leap single fare for children from €0.65 to €0.55.

As outlined above, this 90-minute fare is being implemented in Cork this year, and it is the NTA’s intention to rollout a similar 90-minute offering in the other regional cities in future Determinations to support the BusConnects network redesign programme.

In light of the Authority's responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's specific question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.