Derek McDowell
Question:83 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if additional funding has been made available to Dublin Bus to provide additional bus services during the construction phase of the Dublin Port Tunnel. [27038/01]
Written Answers. - Public Transport.
Liam Lawlor
Question:86 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Public Enterprise her views on reports that buses operating on the four quality bus corridors in Dublin are failing to reach the target speed of 13mph; if she will provide additional funding for the acquisition of more buses to assist Dublin Bus to provide a reliable service to customers on the QBC routes. [27204/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 83 and 86 together.
Since 1999 and with the assistance of EU and Exchequer funding under the national development plan, Dublin Bus has purchased 275 additional buses to expand the fleet and a further 156 buses to replace older and more inefficient buses. Taking into account the new buses and subcontracting, the bus fleet has increased by more than 25% in a short period of time. Along with the increase in capacity, the quality and frequency of bus services has increased. The provision and allocation of bus services is the responsibility of the management of Dublin Bus. However, I understand that Dublin Bus is monitoring and reviewing its services with regard to the port tunnel construction and has already introduced a further five additional buses at peak times on the Whitehall corridor in anticipation of the general traffic problems that would occur. I also understand the company will continue to monitor the situation and respond accordingly.
With regard to the quality bus corridors, this is a matter for my colleague, Deputy Dempsey, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. The introduction of QBCs has generally been considered to be a success and I understand that QBCs are now in operation in respect of Malahide, Lucan, Stillorgan, Finglas, North Clondalkin, Rathfarnham, Tallaght, Blanchardstown and the City Centre to the Airport. Data available in respect of QBCs suggest that their introduction has cut bus journey times in some cases by up to 40%. In the case of the Stillorgan QBC, it has been demonstrated that buses can attract people out of private cars, with peak period passenger numbers up by 150%. I have been informed by Dublin Bus that it works continuously with Dublin Corporation to improve the performance of the QBCs.