Trevor Sargent
Question:18 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the number of wheelchair accessible super low floor buses in service; the number of these buses on order; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26979/98]
Written Answers - Services for People with Disabilities.
I am committed to bringing about a situation where public transport facilities are fully accessible to all at the earliest possible date. It is also my policy that all transport operators should, as far as possible, make their services and facilities accessible to people with disabilities.
Dublin Bus currently has 11 low floor buses in service. As part of its 1999 fleet replacement programme, the company plans to purchase a further 19 fully accessible 33 seater midi buses. Dublin Bus expects to take delivery of the 19 vehicles during 1999.
I understand that, subject to CIE board approval, Dublin Bus also plans to begin a pilot test programme in March for accessible double decker buses. Low floor double deck buses have been operating in London for the past three months and Dublin Bus states that it hopes to obtain three such models from different suppliers for pilot testing over a six month period.
Bus Éireann currently operates a low-floor bus on the Bishopstown route in Cork and a further ten vehicles, destined for Cork and Limerick, are due for delivery in 1999.
There are no statistics available to me on the number of wheelchair accessible buses owned by private operators.