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I have to disagree with Nigel. The RPA did not want any Luas tickets combined with other operators before Luas started in 2004, as their grand integrated ticketing scheme was due to be introduced in late 2005. Now we are in 2008 and it still has not happened. The problem with an all operator scheme, as being designed, is that it has to have a way of sharing revenue between operators. That is complex, requires not only agreement between operators on how revenue is shared, but also requires a lot of information about use of tickets, fare paid, journey made etc. so that it can be done fairly. Dublin Bus, on the other hand, do not need that complexity to give multi journey smart card ticketing to their customers throughout the length and breadth of the Dublin area. So it is possible for Dublin Bus to introduce smart card for their customers now, as it is a much simpler product that the elephant/camel monstrosity being produced by RPA.
In London they have found a better way to have competition. The regulator keeps the money, the customer does not need to know which operator is contracted to provide any bus route, the fare is standard for all journeys, all operators. Operators are compensated based on a quality contract, covering mileage, reliability, time-keeping etc. It is not perfect, but it delivers a good integrated ticket to the customer without the complexity of sharing revenue; and without either customer or operator having to declare or record where the journey ends i.e. no tag off. Much more customer friendly, much less bureaucratic.

I note that Nigel is calling for efficiency. I agree with that, but perhaps the way to get there is somewhat different. I am not convinced that private operators, starting as niche services of their own initiative, are providing progress or efficiency. Certainly we are in an enterprise culture, which I support, so enterprise and initiative should be encouraged and supported. But integration applies not only to ticketing, it applies to networks as well. All parts of the city are entitled to public transport service, for the full length of the day, and to the same criteria. The only way to do this is to have one network planner for all routes. That role has effectively been Dublin Bus, but probably should be with DTA, in the context of a role for the private sector. But that means private operators having to go by standard rules as applied by DTA. These would cover vehicle types, customer information, fares, service frequency etc etc.

It is interesting that in the main UK provincial cities, where there is competition and little regulation, everyone (politicians, local councils and users groups) is calling for London style route tendering..... everyone, that is, except the operators. So I would prefer to see the bus regulatory environment developing in the way that is best for customers. That may not be the way that Dublin Bus would like. It may also not be the way that the private sector operators would like. At the end of the day, the operators should not call the shots on this. Customer interests should.