About the Authority
The National Transport Authority (NTA) is a State body set up under statute in 2009. The role and functions of the NTA are set out in two Acts of the Oireachtas; the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008 and the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. The Authority also regulates the small public service vehicle sector (i.e. taxis, hackneys and limousines). Provisions to enable this were included in the Public Transport Regulation Act 2009. The staff and functions of the previous body, the Commission for Taxi Regulation, have been incorporated into the Authority, regulating the small public service vehicles sector in accordance with the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act (2003). The NTA’s governing body, the Authority, consists of a chairperson and 11 authority members appointed by the Minister for Transport. The principal functions of the NTA are:
Nationally
- licensing bus routes
- entering into contracts for the provision of public transport services
- providing funding for specified bus and rail travel services that are considered necessary for economic or social reasons
- regulating the small public service vehicle sector
- promoting an integrated public transport network
- implementing integrated ticketing, fares and information schemes
Greater Dublin Area
- preparation and regular review of a transportation strategy
- adoption of an integrated implementation plan and a strategic traffic management plan
- financing the construction of public transport infrastructure
- promoting an integrated public transport network
- implementing integrated ticketing, fares and information schemes
- regulating fares and encouraging increased public transport use
The Greater Dublin Area takes in the local authority areas of Dublin City, Fingal, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, South Dublin, Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. The Authority may request the Minister to extend the area of applications of its GDA roles beyond the confines of the GDA.