568. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport the reason the TFI Waterford Bus Red Zone Leap Card does not have daily and weekly fare capping as is available in Dublin and Cork. [63392/26]

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.

In April 2023, the NTA published a new National Fares Strategy. The Fares Strategy followed the previous implementation of a simplified fares structure for Dublin, and proposed an approach that is more equitable, consistent and easy to understand.

This National Fares Strategy implemented by the NTA focuses on a sustainable funding model for PSO services into the future. The Dublin city and commuter Zone went live from April 2025. A key feature of the new zonal structure is the implementation of crow fly distance-based fares in line with the National Fares Strategy 2023. In addition, the multimodal cap was reduced, and TFI 90 was extended to include passengers on commuter rail services from zones two, three and four, greatly expanding the number of origins and destinations available on a single public transport fare.

Most recently on the 3rd of September 2026, the NTA announced a change in the national fare structure for PSO services, which will come into effect in January 2027. The revised fare structure represents the first broad adjustment to PSO fares since 2018 and forms part of the NTA’s National Fare Strategy, supporting the continued expansion and improvement of public transport services while protecting affordable access for passengers.

This Determination will discontinue the standard zone fare for the regional cities, including Waterford, 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. The introduction of this flat city fare is a pre-requisite for the implementation of a 90-minute product. As you are aware, 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.

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.

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.