Move towards flexible tax saver commuter tickets picks up speed – McGahon

The move towards a new flexible tax saver commuter ticket has picked up speed, with welcome clarification from the Minister for Finance.

Fine Gael Louth Senator John McGahon, who has been campaigning on this issue for commuters for some time, raised the matter with Minister Paschal Donohoe and has received the clarity needed to move the idea forward.

Senator McGahon said: “With increasing numbers of people opting for flexible working options since the pandemic, it is ever more important that those using bus and rail to get to the office have access to a flexible tax saver commuter ticket. The old 5 day ticket model no longer works for many people and simply represents bad value for commuters.

“I have been campaigning on this issue for some time and have been in communication with the National Transport Authority (NTA) which has been working on the options for a new flexible ticket.

“The NTA was initially unsure about whether a legislative change would be needed or not, which could have held up progress on this matter.

“I decided to take up the matter with the Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe, and I am pleased to say that Minister Donohoe has now confirmed to me in writing that no legislative change will be required to facilitate a 3 day tax saver ticket for bus and rail commuters.

“This clarification should really allow this project to pick up speed now. Thankfully, even while the while the legislative question was being clarified, the NTA was progressing with the technical implementation of the flexi tickets, with the aim of being able to launch the product either at the end of Q1 or early Q2 2020.

“The NTA is currently examining options for a flexible ticket which would be modelled on an annual ticket, for example a ticket that provides for 100 days of travel over a 12-month period.  Minister Donohoe’s letter to me is clear that such an option would fall within the scope of existing legislation.

“A flexible tax saver commuter ticket would mean better value for commuters and it would also support the ambitions of government around encouraging remote and flexible working, and also encouraging the use of public transport in the wider effort to reduce dangerous C02 emissions.

“I very much hope we can keep up the momentum on this. It is really positive news that Minister Donohoe has provided the clarity needed and we can now push on with our efforts to secure a fair deal for commuters”, Senator McGahon concluded.