Child Leap Card on Mullingar routes

Sinn Féin Longford Westmeath Deputy Sorca Clarke has asked Minister for Transport if he was aware the TFI Child (5–8) Leap Card is not being accepted on the MU1 and MU2 town bus services in Mullingar.

In a Dáil question, Deputy Clarke asked if the timeline for when the free travel scheme for children aged 5–8 will be operational on the Mullingar routes and what steps the National Transport Authority are taking to ensure that new local bus services are fully integrated with national ticketing schemes from their commencement.

In his reply Minister Darragh O’Brien said: “As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport. However, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport.

“The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the regulation of fares charged to passengers in respect of public transport services provided under public service obligation (PSO) contracts, including the TFI child (5-8) Leap Card.”

Minister O’Brien concluded by saying: “In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the deputy’s question to the NTA for direct reply.”

Darragh O'Brien, TD, is Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment and Minister for Transport.