Written answer
National Transport Authority
The Minister said the NTA’s January 2027 PSO fare changes support nationwide fare standardisation, affordability and around 140 planned service and capacity enhancements, subject to the budget process. He referred detailed questions on cumulative impacts, revenue projections and how additional revenue will be used to the NTA for direct response.
263. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport whether the National Transport Authority carried out an assessment of the cumulative impact on passengers at Balbriggan and Skerries of the April 2025 Dublin Commuter Zone fare changes and the further fare increases due in 2027; and whether affordability and the scale of the cumulative increase were considered in determining the 2027 fares. [65118/26]
Comment on this
274. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the way in which the additional fare revenue expected to be generated in 2027 will be used; the amount expected to fund existing services; the amount expected to fund additional or enhanced services; and the specific service improvements or additional capacity, if any, that are expected to be funded from this additional revenue. [65111/26]
Comment on this
275. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the total passenger fare revenue received in 2024 and 2025, the projected passenger fare revenue for 2026 and the projected passenger fare revenue for 2027 following implementation of the NTA Fares Determination 2026, broken down by operator, in tabular form. [65110/26]
Comment on this
277. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Transport the estimated additional fare revenue to be generated in 2027 as a result of the NTA Fares Determination 2026, broken down by operator and service type and the assumptions underpinning these estimates, including projected passenger numbers and any anticipated impact of the fare increases on passenger demand, in tabular form. [65108/26]
Comment on this
I propose to take Questions Nos. 263, 274, 275 and 277 together.
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 this regard on 3 September 2026, the National Transport Authority (NTA) announced changes to the national fare structure for PSO services, effective from January 2027. These changes are the first major revision since 2018 forming part of the NTA’s National Fare Strategy and support the continued expansion and improvement of public transport, while maintaining affordability.
The NTA has identified approximately 140 new service initiatives and capacity enhancements as part of its 2027 budget submission to the Department of Transport. Subject to the outcome of the annual estimates process, this will represent the biggest in year and year-on-year enhancement of services in many years.
They also represent an important step towards standardising fares nationwide, in line with the National Fare Strategy published in 2023.
While adult fares will increase, many child fares will be reduced and young adult fares will remain discounted at 50%, helping to improve affordability for families and young people. The Free Travel Scheme, which is run separately by the Department for Social Protection, will continue for everyone eligible.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's request to the NTA for further information and direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.