Bernard J. Durkan
Question:243 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans for the improvement of bus services, city and provincial; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18587/02]
Written Answers. - Public Transport.
In line with the commitment given in the programme for Government and as outlined in the national development plan, I propose to further progress the upgrading of the Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath fleets which will improve the level and frequency of service both in Dublin and in the regions. During the lifetime of the NDP, it is proposed that Bus Átha Cliath will expand its fleet by 275 additional buses and replace 500 older buses in the fleet. Some 334 new buses have been delivered since 2000 of which 93 are additional. The targets for Bus Éireann include the purchase of 450 new buses to upgrade rural transport fleets and 110 new buses to improve services in the urban centres outside of Dublin. By the end of 2002, Bus Éireann will have taken delivery of 228 new buses 59 of which are additional.