160. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Transport the projected annual cost of eliminating all passenger fares on public transportation and funding services solely through public funding. [67120/26]

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.

PSO services support a wide range of Government policy objectives, including climate action, sustainable mobility, regional development, social inclusion, compact growth, economic competitiveness, as well as the accommodation of population growth. These services provide essential access to employment, education, healthcare, and other public services, carrying a record 363.6 million passenger journeys in 2025.

Fare revenue is a vital component to the funding model, representing 35% of total income, allowing the continuation of existing levels of service, the expansion of services under BusConnects, Connecting Ireland and New Town Services, and also the funding of fare initiatives. Fare reductions and the extension of free fares in recent years means that fare revenue has been stagnant.

It is to be noted that the public transport fares in Ireland remain comparatively low due to a range of targeted measures, including the YAC the 90 minute fare and free travel for those aged above 66 or those under in receipt of qualifying payments, plus for children under the age of nine. While these initiatives have improved affordability and accessibility, they also increase reliance on subsidy, and fare revenue remains a vital part of maintaining a financially sustainable PSO model.

Any further enhancement to these fare initiatives would need to be considered through the annual Estimates process, taking account of competing funding demands and wider public transport priorities.

The Government remains fully committed to improving the affordability and accessibility of public transport. The current discounted fare initiatives are designed to help with the cost of living for young people, students and children, encouraging them to start using public transport from an early age, by offering them more affordable and flexible travel options.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, and in order to provide the estimated costs of measures as requested, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.