News
Price Increases for Pre-Paid Dublin Bus Tickets – average 5.6%
February 3, 2012
The National Transport Authority has today approved Dublin Bus’ application to increase prices on its range of pre-paid tickets (eg Travel 90, Rambler), by an average of 5.6%. These price rises will be effective from February 19.
For full story see HERE
For National Transport Authority Analysis see HERE
Grants for Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
February 1, 2012
The National Transport Authority today announced a grant aid scheme to increase the availability of wheelchair accessible taxis for customers.
For full information see HERE
NATIONAL TRANSPORT AUTHORITY INTRODUCES NEW INTERCITY RAIL FARE STRUCTURE
New Fares Structure streamlines and simplifies fares for customers
January 26, 2012
143 fare band increases
66 fare band decreases
15 fare bands unchanged
The National Transport Authority has today (January 26, 2012) published details of the new fares structure and new fares which will apply to all Intercity rail journeys from February 4, 2012. These fares were not covered in the Authority’s fares determination of December 2011.
For full story see HERE
For National Transport Authority analysis see HERE
For consultant’s report (redacted) see HERE
Smarter Travel Workplaces newsletter
January 2012
Our Smarter Travel Workplaces programme supports large employers to encourage more sustainable commuting and travel choices amongst their staff. The January 2012 Newsletter details events for the year ahead, and looks back at activities in 2011.
Read the full newsletter HERE
LEAP CARD GOES LIVE
INTEGRATED TRANSPORT TICKET OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED
December 12, 2011
Today, Public Transport Minister, Alan Kelly, along with the National Transport Authority (NTA) officially launched Leap Card, the new integrated transport ticketing system for the Greater Dublin Area. From today, public transport users will be able to purchase and top up their Leap Card at more than 350 authorised Leap Card agents (Payzone) across Dublin and online at www.leapcard.ie.
Full announcement HERE
National Transport Authority approves public transport fares increases.
Fares to go up in January. Customers will get significantly cheaper fares on new Leap Card.
December 9, 2011
The National Transport Authority has today (9th December 2011) approved fares increases across all public transport operators – Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, Bus Éireann and Luas. These increases will come into effect in January, 2012 and follow from the reduction in funds available to subsidise public transport announced in the Dáil on Monday (December 5). All transport operators suffered deficits in 2011 and will incur deficits in 2012.
Full announcement HERE
CIE Fares Report HERE
Luas Fares Report HERE
INTEGRATED TRANSPORT TICKET TO BE INTRODUCED ‘WITHIN WEEKS’
November 17, 2011
The National Transport Authority is calling for 500 customers (aged 16+) to assist in the final testing of the new integrated transport ticketing system – Leap Card – for the Greater Dublin Area.
From tomorrow, anyone interested can log onto www.integratedticketing.ie to participate in this testing phase.
Details of the testing phase are available HERE
Full press release HERE
Introducing Public Bike Schemes in Regional Cities
November 3, 2011
Taoiseach, Enda Kenny TD, joined Minister Alan Kelly today to launch a series of symposiums to explore the potential for delivering effective public bikes schemes – similar to the internationally acclaimed and successful “dublinbikes” scheme – in the cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford.
For more information see HERE
Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD and Minister Alan Kelly TD announcing the series of regional symposiums.
New Tool Kit for sustainable trips to and from school
September 2011
Our newly-published Toolkit for School Travel promotes a wide range of activities to encourage more children to walk or cycle to school, to take public transport or to car share. We developed this in conjunction with the very successful Green-Schools programme.
Full information HERE
New Web, Smartphone and Text system to tell you when bus is due
September 26, 2011
Minister Alan Kelly TD today launched the National Transport Authority’s new Real Time Information Service which gives up to date arrival information on all 5,000 Dublin Bus stops in Dublin. The service is available online at www.TransportforIreland.ie or on an iPhone App or by text.
For full information see HERE
Minister Alan Kelly TD, Paddy Doherty (Dublin Bus) and Gerry Murphy (National Transport Authority) pictured at the launch of the new online service.
New grants available for Wheelchair Accessible taxis
September 23, 2011
The National Transport Authority is making €1.5 million in grants available to improve the supply of accessible services to people with disabilities in Ireland. The scheme is available to existing wheelchair accessible taxi licence holders and to those applying for a new wheelchair accessible vehicle licence.
For full information see HERE
Marlborough Street Bridge
September 2011
The National Transport Authority is funding the construction of a new bridge – for public transport, walking and cycling – connecting Marlborough Street and Eden Quay on the North of the Liffey to Hawkins Street and Burgh Quay on the South.
Construction will begin this month, and will be completed in 18 months. The contractor on the project is Graham Projects Ltd, Dublin City Council is the client and the National Transport Authority is the funding authority.
For further information click HERE
Greater Dublin Area Draft Transport Strategy presented to Oireachtas
26th July 2011
Officials from the National Transport Authority presented the Greater Dublin Area Draft Transport Strategy 2011–2030 to members of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Environment, Transport, Culture and the Gaeltacht. The submission is available here:
- Greater Dublin Area Draft Transport Strategy 2011–2030 Presentation
- Transcript of Proceedings under the NTA submission »
- See 2030vision.ie for more information »
Carsharing.ie Website Launched
19th July 2011
A new car sharing website that helps people to link up to share journeys and save motoring costs has been launched nationwide today at Carsharing.ie. Developed by the National Transport Authority, the free service was launched by Public and Commuter Transport Minister, Alan Kelly T.D. who is also responsible for smarter travel initiatives.
Minister Alan Kelly TD, launching the Authority’s new Carsharing.ie site, with Caleb Powell, IRFU, Paddy McCaul, FAI and Christy Cooney, GAA who are encouraging players and supporters nationwide to car share going to and from fixtures or simply when ferrying younger players around to the same venues from week to week.
Public Consultation launched on Vehicle Standards in
Taxi, Hackney and Limousine fleet
11th July 2011
The National Transport Authority has today launched a public consultation on vehicle standards for the taxi, hackney and limousine fleet. The Authority is encouraging everyone with an interest in the use and provision of public and private hire services in Ireland to participate in the process.
The document can be viewed online at http://vehiclestandards.nationaltransport.ie, and online submissions can be made to the same web address or by post to 35 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2 before the closing date of August 5th.
Luas Citywest Now Open
2nd July 2011
Luas Citywest is the new 4.2km extension of the Luas Red Line from Belgard to Saggart in West County Dublin. It opened for passenger service on Saturday 2nd July 2011 and includes 5 new stops located at Fettercairn, Cheeverstown, Citywest Campus, Fortunestown and Saggart.
Prime Time Investigates Programme, May 16th 2011
17th May 2011
Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSV): Information from the National Transport Authority
The principal function of the Taxi Regulation Act 2003 is to develop and maintain a regulatory framework for the control and operation of Small Public Service Vehicles (SPSVs) and their drivers. The National Transport Authority manages this framework. A number of other state bodies share regulatory responsibility for the sector; these include the Road Safety Authority (NCT and road-worthiness certification for vehicles), An Garda Siochana (driver suitability and licensing), the Health and Safety Authority (safety at work), local Authorities (provision of taxi rank spaces).
Details of the compliance requirements and licensing conditions for taxi operators and drivers as provided under the 2003 Taxi Regulation Act are available on the Authority’s website at taxiregulation.nationaltransport.ie.
If you have concerns, comments or complaints about taxi or hackney services, please contact the National Transport Authority on 1890 60 60 90 or visit taxiregulation.nationaltransport.ie.
- Full Announcement
- Information on licensing and compliance enforcement for Small Public Service Vehicles
€1.5 Million Grants for Wheelchair Accessible Taxis
13th May 2011
The National Transport Authority today, May 13th, 2011, announced a new grant aid scheme, of €1.5 million, to increase the availability of wheelchair accessible taxis for customers. The move is in line with the Authority’s requirements, under the Taxi Regulation Act (2003), to develop high quality, accessible services.
National Transport Authority Approves Fare Increase for Pre-paid Adult Dublin Bus Tickets
25th April 2011
The National Transport Authority has today approved Dublin Bus’ application to increase fares for adult pre-paid tickets by an average of 3.3%. Child and schoolchild prepaid tickets will not be increased in this move. The average increase across all ticket types is therefore 2.5% and is in broadly line with the increase in cash fares agreed at the beginning of the year. The increases will take effect from Sunday, May 1st.
- Full Dublin Bus Fare Increase Announcement
- NTA Consideration of Dublin Bus Fare Increase Application
More Demanding Performance Targets set for Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, Bus Éireann
18th April 2011
The National Transport Authority has reviewed and revised upwards the performance targets it sets for the transport companies it funds through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) budget. These new targets are incorporated as amendments to Schedule B of their contracts. The transport companies provide performance data on a quarterly basis, and these reports are published on the Authority’s website, www.nationaltransport.ie. The companies can lose up to 10% of their annual subvention if they fail to meet the targets set by the National Transport Authority.
Full Performance Targets Announcement
National Transport Authority Approves Irish Rail Service Improvements
18th April 2011
Changes follow new customer feedback process – over 1,000 responses received
The National Transport Authority has approved Irish Rail’s proposed service changes which will deliver shorter journey times, improved connections and some additional services for passengers using Heuston services and regional routes.
Full Rail Service Improvements Announcement
“Nine-year rule” for taxis
21st February 2011
The National Transport Authority assumed the functions of the Commission for Taxi Regulation on 1st January 2011.
The Board of the Authority first discussed the “nine-year rule” for taxis at its January meeting and requested that the CEO write to the Taxi Advisory Committee to ask their current views of the “nine-year rule”. That Committee met on 10th February and communicated its response to the Board.
At its meeting of 18th February 2011, the Board considered the matter fully. The Board decided to review vehicle standards in the taxi industry, and while carrying out this review, and subject to appropriate procedures being followed, to revoke the aspect of the “nine-year rule” for those renewing their vehicle licence in 2011 who applied for their first vehicle licence prior to 1st January 2009 and to allow a wide consultation on standards.
The Board of the Authority also agreed to make, as one of its priorities in 2011, a review of appropriate Vehicle Standards for Taxis for the benefit to the taxi customer.
For more information:
Call: 1890 347 347
Email: taxis@nationaltransport.ie
New Electronic Signs in Dublin Telling Passengers When Next Bus is Due
February 2011
Web and Text-based Service in Development;
Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford to follow
The National Transport Authority’s new real-time passenger information service – where electronic bus-stop signs will tell passengers when their bus is due to arrive – has been launched today, Feburary 11th. Ten new signs are now being live-tested on an introductory basis in Dublin, with a total of 450 to be placed at some of the busiest bus stops across the Greater Dublin Area in 2011. A web and text-based service is also being developed to provide bus arrival information for all Dublin Bus stops and this will be launched later this year when the new signs are fully established and operational. Visit the official website at transportforireland.ie.
National Transport Authority Approves Limited Irish Rail Fares Increases
February 2011
The National Transport Authority announced today, February 7th, that it has permitted Irish Rail to increase DART, Commuter and certain Intercity fares by an average of 3%. Fare increases will take effect following Irish Rail’s advance notification to customers.
- Full Irish Rail Fare Increase Announcement
- NTA Consideration of Irish Rail Fare Increase Application
National Transport Authority Approves Dublin Bus Adult Fare Increase
January 2011
The National Transport Authority announced today, January 31st, that it has permitted Dublin Bus to increase its adult fares, by either 5c or 10c; an average of 2.1% across these cash fares. Neither child fares nor pre-paid tickets will be affected by this move. Fare increases will be effective from Sunday next, February 6th.
- Full Dublin Bus Adult Fare Increase Announcment
- NTA Consideration of Dublin Bus Fare Increase Application
Taxi Regulation
January 2011
On January 1st, 2011, the National Transport Authority absorbed the Commission for Taxi Regulation. The Authority now carries out the functions previously undertaken by the Commission, under its Taxi Regulation Directorate.
The principal function of this Directorate is the development and maintenance of a regulatory framework for the control and operation of small public service vehicles (taxis, hackneys and limousines) and their drivers.
Licensing of Public Bus Passenger Services
December 2010
Since December 1st, the National Transport Authority has been responsible for the licensing of public bus passenger services.
Oireachtas Transport Committee
November 2010
On November 3rd, the Chief Executive Officer and the Director of Corporate Policy and Services were invited to present to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport. A copy of the proceedings is available here.
Oireachtas Committee on Transport
Metro North
October 2010
The National Transport Authority welcomes the decision today by An Bord Pleanála to grant a Railway Order for Metro North. High quality integrated public transport is a key feature of the most successful cities worldwide. The success over the last decade of quality bus corridors, the large increase in commuter rail patronage and the large numbers on the Luas Green and Red lines show the strong demand for fast new public transport solutions. The recent successes are modest relative to what can be achieved with the creation of a comprehensive fully integrated network of Luas, Metro, DART and suburban railway lines, supported by a quality bus network. Metro North will form the north south spine of this integrated network, linking the existing densely populated county town of Swords with the Airport and the city centre.
The Authority is pleased that this order now permits RPA to proceed to the final stage of the PPP procurement process, which is due to be complete by the end of 2011. This will allow sufficient time to satisfy the conditions attached to the order, including the planned relocation of the depot. The Authority is also particularly pleased that the order also permits the enabling works to proceed as planned early next year.
Metro North Business Case
(with certain commercially sensitive information removed)
Metro West
October 2010
The National Transport Authority welcomes the Railway Procurement Agency’s application to An Bord Pleanála for a Railway Order for Metro West, a light railway from Old Blessington Road, Tallaght, through Clondalkin, Quarryvale, Blanchardstown and Cappogue to Dardistown, south of Dublin Airport. Full details of the proposed route, stops, Park & Ride and other details are available from the RPA website.
Luas Extended to Cherrywood
October 2010
National Transport Authority welcomes the opening of the Luas extension to Cherrywood, with nine new stops: Central Park, Glencairn, The Gallops, Leopardstown Valley, Ballyogan Wood, Carrickmines, Laughanstown, Cherrywood, and Brides Glen. The journey time between Sandyford and Brides Glen is 20 minutes. The journey time from St. Stephen’s Green to Brides Glen is 40 minutes.
Pedometer Challenge
September 2010
The National Transport Authority is delighted to announce the launch of the 2010 Smarter Travel Workplaces/Irish Heart Foundation Pedometer Challenge.
Over 3,500 people in 30 of Ireland’s largest organisations took part in the 2009 Challenge, walking over 800 million steps and raising over €9,500 for the Irish Heart Foundation in the process.
This year’s Challenge will start on Wednesday the 15th of September and end on Tuesday the 12th of October, with teams of 3–6 walkers covering some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Everest, without leaving the country.
Partner companies taking part in the 2010 event include Accenture, An Bord Pleanala, Citi, Deloitte, DIT, Eircom, Eirgrid, ESB, Meteor, Microsoft, Oracle, Railway Procurement Agency and Siemens. More information on the event and participating Partners can be found at pedometerchallenge.ie
Download the 2010 Pedometer Challenge poster…
New Bus Routes
September 2010
New bus routes for people using the Dublin to Dunboyne/
M3 Parkway rail line, for onward journeys at either end
The National Transport Authority is pleased to welcome the newly-launched rail service between Dublin and Dunboyne/M3 Parkway. The Authority has facilitated the co-ordination of bus service connections at M3 Parkway Station for people from Athboy, Trim and other points along the Bus Eireann 111 route to get to the new station and then use the train for onward travel to stations into Dublin, and return. People arriving at the Dublin Docklands Station can catch the 151 Dublin Bus service to Connolly Station and onward to the City Centre.
National Transport Authority approves Irish Rail proposal to suspend Rosslare–Waterford rail service
September 2010
The National Transport Authority has today, September 3rd, approved proposals by Irish Rail to suspend its passenger rail service on the Rosslare to Waterford line in favour of a replacement bus service.
- Press Release
- NTA Evaluation of Irish Rail Proposal to Suspend Passenger Services on Rosslare-Waterford Line
- Irish Rail Business Case for Withdrawal of Rail Services
- South East Regional Authority Business Case for the Maintenance of the Rosslare-Waterford-Limerick Rail Corridor
- Asset Management of the Bellview–Rosslare Strand Line after Service Withdrawl
Public Consultation, Bus Guidelines
July 2010
The National Transport Authority has copies of the Draft Guidelines for public viewing at their offices at Block 6/7 on the Third Floor of the Irish Life Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1.
The documents can be viewed from 9:15am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm, Monday to Friday, until September 30th. Alternatively, the public consultation documents can be viewed online.
Dart Underground
June 2010
The National Transport Authority welcomes Iarnród Éireann’s application to An Bord Pleanála for a Railway Order for Dart Underground, which will connect the Northern and the Western railway lines and provide underground stations strategically located at Spencer Dock, Pearse Street, St Stephen’s Green, Christchurch and Heuston Station, as well as a new surface DART station at Inchicore.
More information about Dart Underground…
Luas Broombridge (Line BXD)
June 2010
The National Transport Authority has welcomed the RPA’s application to An Bord Pleanála for a Railway Order for the Broombridge Luas line (BXD). The line will start at the current terminus of the LuasGreen line, at St Stephens Green, proceed up O’Connell Street, through Broadstone and Cabra to Broombridge in the North West of the City.
More information about Luas Broombridge Line…
Bike Week
13th–20th June 2010
The National Transport Authority has been involved in planning Bike Week 2010 (13th–20th of June).
- We have worked with the Department of Transport in allocating grants to Local Authorities, Community and 3rd level for bike week events. The response has been very strong – there are events in nearly every county, including seven large 3rd level colleges and numerous schools.
- There will be a large event in the Docklands on Friday 18th for commuting cyclists.
- There will be a Family Day in the Phoenix Park on Sunday 20th.
See bikeweek.ie for details.
In addition, we have issued an Update Note on our Cycle Manual. The Cycle Manual will begin its stakeholder testing phase during Bike Week. The final version of the manual will be formally launched, in conjunction with a national workshop(s) for consultants, agencies and other stakeholders in early October 2010.
Metro North
May 2010
The National Transport Authority welcomes the European Investment Bank’s approval of a loan of up to €500 million for Metro North.
More information about Metro North…
Integrated Ticketing
May 2010
Mapflow has been awarded the contract to provide ticketing equipment of Private Bus Operators who wish to take part in the Integrated Ticketing Scheme.
More information about Integrated Ticketing…
Cyclones, Hiring Hurricanes and Velocipedes on Irish Streets!
May 2010
69 teams in 19 companies clock up over 6,200 bike trips in the National Transport Authority’s first 10 Minute Cycle Challenge.
Over 300 people in 19 of Ireland’s largest workplaces clocked up over 6,200 bike trips as part of the first 10 Minute Cycle Challenge. 69 teams from companies including eircom, EirGrid, ESB, Oracle and Pfizer took part in the challenge, which ran for 12 days from the 22nd of March to the 2nd of April 2010. The Challenge was organised by the National Transport Authority as part of the Smarter Travel Workplaces programme and was designed to encourage both regular and new cyclists to take part in a fun workplace event.
The team winning the overall prize was eircom’s Heuston Wheelers, with every member of the team winning a fantastic Trek bike. EirGrid’s Saddle Rashers, Bleeding Barsels, Fox Watchers and Danger on Two Wheels ensured that their workplace was the ‘Best Large Workplace’ with 7% of their employees on bikes for the event. Roughan O’Donovan was the ‘Best Small Workplace’ with 13% of their employees cycling. The ‘Best Individual’ in the competition was John Martin from the ESB/ESBI team HV Cables, clocking up over 200 points.
85% of respondents intend to cycle to work on a regular basis now that the challenge is over, with a further 14% intending to cycle on an occasional/one-off basis.
More information about the Cycle Challenge…
The National Transport Authority welcomes a major milestone in delivering Integrated Ticketing
22nd April 2010
HP has been awarded the contract to operate the Integrated Ticketing Scheme.
More information about Integrated Ticketing…
The National Transport Authority welcomes opening of Dublin’s newest DART Station, Clongriffin
19th April 2010
Clongriffin station, between Howth Junction & Donaghmede Station and Portmarnock Station, will be served by all DART services to and from Malahide, as well as a limited number of Northern Commuter services.
Full schedule details for the Clongriffin Dart Station…
Byrne Wallace partners with Smarter Travel Workplaces
30th March 2010
Smarter Travel Workplaces is a National Transport Authority initiative working with large employers to promote more sustainable travel on the commute and for business.
Byrne Wallace recently became the first legal firm to become a Smarter Travel Workplaces Partner. Pictured above are Paul Mc Gennis, Managing Partner of Byrne Wallace and Gerry Murphy, CEO of the National Transport Authority.
Byrne Wallace employs just under 300 people, and will move offices to Grand Canal Square in summer 2010. The Smarter Travel Workplaces team will be working with Byrne Wallace to promote more sustainable travel for both the current and future office locations.
National Transport Authority submission to Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport
24th February 2010
“…our enabling legislation places transparency and consultation at our very core, and we will be seeking input from the general public, from affected commercial interests and from policy-makers and political representatives—including this Committee—on many occasions in the future, as we discharge our remit in creating new and improved ways for people to travel around our country.”
Excerpt from the National Transport Authority submission to Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport on Wednesday, February 24th, 2010.
Download the NTA submission to Joint Oireachtas Committee…
New Luas Docklands Extension
21st December 2009
The National Transport Authority welcomes the recent opening of the Luas Docklands Extension from Busáras, which stops at George’s Dock, Mayor Square, Spencer Dock and the Point. Opened in early December 2009, the new 1.5 kilometre line will add 1.8 million passenger journeys to the Luas network in 2010, and is a key component of the Government’s Transport 21 programme.
The new Docklands Extension cost €90 million, and was delivered on time and on budget.
More information about the Luas Doclands Extension…
3,500 employees at 30 companies bring 2009 to a heart healthy finish after walking around the earth 13 times
December 2009
Over 3,500 employees in 30 of Ireland’s largest organisations walked over 800 million steps and raised over €9,500 for the Irish Heart Foundation, as part of the month-long Smarter Travel Workplaces Pedometer Challenge 2009. The Challenge was organised by the National Transport Authority in partnership with the Irish Heart Foundation and was designed to encourage participants to take 10,000 steps a day in a fun workplace event.
Over 3,500 employees from companies including eircom, Dell, RTÉ and Microsoft took part in the challenge which saw those walking regularly on the commute to work increase by 15%.
Pictured above is Charlene Tully from the Mater Hospital Team in the Pedometer Challenge, who won a draw for a place on the Irish Heart Foundation’s overseas walk in Santiago de Compostela in May 2010.