Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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9. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the reason public transport fares have been increased during a climate and cost-of-living crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28461/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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In April 2023, the National Transport Authority published a new National Fares Strategy, aimed at delivering more consistent and equitable fares.

Subsequently, in January 2024, the NTA published its fare determination which introduced specific changes to fares, including the formalisation of new ‘Dublin City’ and ‘Dublin Commuter’ Zone boundaries, simplified Leap capping, as well as changes to some Intercity Rail and town bus fares. The first phase of the fare determination was implemented on the 23rd of June.

While the proposed fare changes will see increases for some passengers and decreases for others, it is estimated that the strategy will be broadly revenue neutral overall.

The latest phase saw slight increases in short journey fares for Luas, Dublin Bus and Irish Rail services, with a 20-cent increase for Leap Card users from €1.30 to €1.50, and cash fares changing from €1.70 to €2.

Phase 2, to be introduced later this year, will involve the implementation of the new Dublin City and Dublin Commuter Zones, a significant reduction in Leap Card multimodal caps, and the introduction of Leap travel credit at all Dublin Commuter Zone rail stations.

Phase 2 will also include the introduction of a new all-modes ticket by the end of September, which will offer full access to Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, Luas and Irish Rail services in the Dublin City Zone. The ticket is to cost €960 annually or €96 monthly, representing a saving of 38% compared to existing prices. Similarly, a weekly Leap cap covering services provided by all operators in the City Zone will be €24, compared to the current equivalent of €32.

I believe that the combination of continued investment in new services, continued implementation of the fares strategy, and our extensive capital investment programme, will all help to ensure that we meet our ambitious climate targets.