Written answer
Bus Services
The NTA is developing a nationwide account-based, contactless ticketing system, with Bus Éireann integration planned after initial Dublin rollout and regional expansion. Contactless payments are also being introduced across TFI Local Link by the end of 2026, but no specific commitment was given on daily fare caps or integrated day tickets.
350. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to introduce integrated ticketing for passengers travelling across Bus Éireann and TFI Local Link services, particularly in rural areas where passengers may be required to use more than one operator to complete a journey; and whether consideration has been given to introducing a daily fare cap or integrated day ticket for such journeys. [65886/26]
Comment on this
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and development of public transport infrastructure, including ticketing and technology projects. Furthermore, the NTA has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
Noting the NTA's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NTA for a direct, detailed reply. Please contact my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten 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.
A multi-phase plan has been developed to introduce the new ticketing system, with Phase 1 due by summer 2027 and including integration with existing Leap cards so they can be used on the new equipment. Phases 2 and 3 will roll out devices and turnstiles across bus, Luas and Irish Rail services in the Greater Dublin Area, going live together in summer 2028 to enable contactless payment across all modes, followed by Phase 4 extending ticketing equipment to commuter and regional services outside the Greater Dublin Area.
Separately, the NTA is actively rolling out contactless payments across TFI Local Link services, allowing passengers to pay for single journeys via debit/credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. The system is being deployed across all 15 TFI Local Link offices, with full completion expected by the end of 2026. Already this year, contactless payment fares have been rolled out in Laois, Offaly, Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim.