11.— (1) The principal functions of the Authority are to—

(a) undertake strategic planning of transport,

(b) promote the development of an integrated, accessible public transport network,

(c) regulate public transport fares,

F11[(ca) license public bus passenger services that are not subject to a public transport services contract under section 48,]

F12[(cb) develop and maintain a regulatory framework for the control and operation of small public service vehicles and their drivers in accordance with the provisions of the Act of 2003,]

(d) promote increased recourse to cycling and walking as a means of transport, and

(e) secure the—

(i) provision of public passenger transport services,

(ii) provision of public transport infrastructure,

(iii) provision of integrated ticketing and information systems for public transport,

(iv) effective management of traffic,

(v) effective management of transport demand,

(vi) development and implementation of a single public transport brand,

(vii) collection of statistical data and information on transport, and

(viii) conduct of research into transport.

(2) The Authority may do all such things as arise out of or are consequential on or are necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions or are ancillary thereto.

(3) The Minister may, with the consent of the Minister for Finance, by order confer on the Authority such additional functions in relation to transport as, from time to time, he or she considers appropriate.