Written answer
Public Transport
The NTA has identified about 140 proposed new public transport services and capacity enhancements for its 2027 budget submission, but delivery depends on the annual estimates process and available resources. Fare changes from January 2027, alongside Exchequer funding, are intended to support sustainability and prioritise reliability, capacity, BusConnects, rural connectivity and commuter rail.
141. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Transport further to PQ64566/26 of 16 September 2026, to provide the report (details supplied); the proportion that are new services; the proportion that are enhancements; the number he expects will actually be delivered given a similar list contained in the submission for budget 2026; if the Government will commit to providing the resources to deliver these 140 new services and enhancements; if there are specific projects that will be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67302/26]
Comment on this
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 statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
On 3rd September 2026, the 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. 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
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 represents the biggest enhancement of services in many years.
The adjustments to fares are required to help offset the cost increases in recent years, improve fare revenue recovery and ensure the sustainability of the PSO funding while ensuring public transport is affordable and accessible for commuters.
The additional revenue generated through this determination together with continued Exchequer investment, will help the NTA manage rising operating costs, improve capacity and reliability on existing services, and continue the rollout of new services.
This includes investment in BusConnects in Dublin, Cork and other cities, the completion of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Programme, and continued development of commuter rail services to increase the connectivity outside our major cities and towns. Within its allocated resources, the NTA will continue to prioritise operational enhancements, such as increased frequency or capacity improvements, where possible.
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.