175. Deputy Joe Neville asked the Minister for Transport if his Department can provide an update on the implementation of contactless payment on our public transport services. [67630/26]

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.

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, the Programme for Government commits to rolling out contactless fare payments on all public transport and to keeping fares low and affordable. 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. 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.

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 new ticketing systems will be delivered through a phased rollout plan, beginning with the development of the system and integration with existing Leap Cards by summer 2027. This will be followed by the simultaneous introduction of new ticketing equipment across bus, Luas and Irish Rail services in the Greater Dublin Area by summer 2028, enabling contactless payment and supporting the 90-minute multi-modal fare. The final phase will extend new ticketing infrastructure to commuter bus and regional public transport 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 24 additional counties right across the country.