525. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Transport whether consideration is being given to installing additional Leap card validators on Galway city buses to improve boarding efficiency and reduce delays at bus stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62918/26]

As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. Under the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the planning, development and regulation of public transport services, including the procurement and management of bus fleets.

Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy’s question to the NTA for a direct reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.

Pending this detailed response, I note that the NTA's Next Generation Ticketing project will provide for an upgraded ticketing system to facilitate a variety of payment methods on public transport services, including bus services. Fundamental to this project is a transition to an 'Account Based Ticketing' scheme incorporating mobile and card-based payments.

Following a competitive procurement process, in April 2024 the NTA awarded an overall framework contract for the design, supply, installation and operation of a new multi-modal ticketing system. The successful tenderer has designed, installed and operated similar systems internationally.

The Programme for Government commits to rolling out contactless fare payments on all public transport and to keeping fares low and affordable. Contactless fare payments will be introduced initially as part of BusConnects Dublin, before being delivered nationwide, including on Bus Éireann services. The new solution will replace the Leap Card system, which has served over 9 million users since its 2011 launch but is now nearing end-of-life.