Today the National Transport Authority appeared before the Public Accounts Committee.

We learned the following information regarding DublinBikes:

· Roll out of the LeapCard to DublinBikes has hit a road block.

· In the next 3 months negotiations with JC Decaux will conclude one way or the other.

If they say yes, all systems are go for the expansion (see here for more). If they say no, we have to look at tendering for a parallel scheme to run alongside the existing one for the next twenty years or so. This would not be a good outcome but the ball is in their court.

· The NTA has put aside €5 million euro for the expansion of the scheme in the next two years – 1000 extra bikes and 40 extra stations once they get the green light. Follow on funding for further expansion and the running of the scheme will depend on who the city partners with and what deal can be done.