Written answer
Bus Services
19. Deputy Charles Ward asked the Minister for Transport the current eligibility rules for the use of TFI LEAP cards on commercial bus services operated by companies licensed and registered in the Republic of Ireland travelling through Northern Ireland; and whether he is taking steps to ensure that all coach operators registered and licenced through the NTA will be approved for the TFI Leap card scheme on an all island basis in the future. [74542/26]
Comment on this
As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. The National Transport Authority has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts.
Third level students travelling from the South to third level institutions in Northern Ireland can avail of the 50% student/YAC reduction on the proportion of the journey carried out in the South. This means, for example, if 90% of the journey is through the South and the remaining 10% is through Northern Ireland, then the 50% discount will just apply to the 90% of the journey that is carried out within the State. The discount does not apply to the element of the journey that is carried out outside of the State.
The Young Adult Card initiative is an opt-in Scheme, meaning that while the discount is available on all PSO services, it is only available on those commercial bus operators that have decided to participate in the Scheme.
It is also important to note the National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for the regulation and approval of fares on public transport services operated under Public Service Obligation (PSO) contracts, within Ireland only. This includes determining fare structures and available ticket products for eligible passengers, such as those using Student Leap Cards and Young Adult (YAC) Leap Cards, across PSO-funded services.
For further information I have forwarded your query to the NTA for their consideration and direct reply. Please notify my office if you have not received a reply within 10 working days.