Ivor Callely
Question:72 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Tourism, Transport and Communications if she will outline her policy to improve public service bus transport in Dublin; and when these improvements are expected to be put in place.
Written Answers. - Dublin Bus Services.
I am reviewing the proposals for the liberalisation of the bus industry which have been prepared by my Department. As soon as I have completed this review I will be submitting comprehensive proposals in the matter to the Government. One of the major objecitves of the proposed new legislation will be to improve the levels and quality of bus services available to the general public in Dublin and throughout the rest of the country and to facilitate the introduction of competition on a sensible and orderly basis.
More specifically I have recently approved the extension on an indefinite basis of the late night bus services which are being provided at weekends in Dublin by private bus operators. Bus Átha Cliath have already obtained approval for the continuation of their late night bus services. I also understand that the company is undertaking a number of new initiatives as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the quality of bus services on offer to its customers in Dublin.
Furthermore, the Dublin Transportation Task Force, a non-statutory body under the chairmanship of my Department, is actively pursuing a programme of traffic management measures aimed at improving operating conditions for public transport in the Dublin area. The measures which have been promoted by the task force include the introduction of bus lanes, extention of the one-way street system and improved traffic signalling, as well as improved traffic and bus fleet management generally through the use of new technology.