Vol. 470 No. 6
16 Kathleen Lynch asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the percentage of the fleets of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann which are currently accessible for persons with a disability and which meet the criteria laid down by the United Kingdom's Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee; the further proposals, if any, he has in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19559/96]
The criteria mentioned by the Deputy, commonly known as DPTAC standards, are applicable to buses used for local transport services. These standards are now applied on a voluntary basis by the two CIE bus companies in relation to their urban fleet renewal programmes. I am advised that, approximately 60 per cent of Bus Átha Cliath's total fleet incorporates a wide range of DPTAC features. Bus Éireann is also guided by the DPTAC criteria in renewing its urban fleet and as a result, over 75 per cent of its city buses comply to a substantial extent with DPTAC specifications. In both companies, the proportion of vehicles incorporating DPTAC features will automatically rise according as the urban fleets are renewed. Furthermore, on BUS Éireann's Expressway services, to which DPTAC standards do not apply, over 60 per cent of its fleet incorporates a feature whereby the front of the coaches may be lowered to facilitate boarding. As the Expressway fleet is renewed, some of the existing coaches with this special facility will be assigned to local routes in rural areas.
The development and implementation of proposals for enchanced bus and rail accessibility are matters for the transport operators themselves. In line with my policy in this area, both Bus Átha Cliath and Bus Éireann continue to give a high priority to accessibility requirements when purchasing new vehicles. Because of the additional costs and possible operational limitations associated with fully wheelchair-accessible buses, there are as yet no vehicles of this type in normal service with either company.
I am happy to say that Bus Éireann is expecting to take delivery in January next of a low-floor, large-capacity single deck bus, accessible to wheelchair users, for the purposes of evaluation under typical operating conditions. Bus Átha Cliath also plans to acquire a number of similar vehicles for the same purpose. Plans are also well advanced in Bus Átha Cliath, in consultation with representatives of people with disabilities, to provide a limited, off-peak, wheelchair-accessible minibus services on the north side of the city.
These are very welcome developments which reflect the commitment that exists in CIE to maximising the degree of accessibility of their fleets for all potential customers, where this can be undertaken on an affordable and cost-effective basis.
