John McGuinness
Question:508 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Transport his plans or policy in relation to the extension of the public transport system throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7663/03]
Written Answers - Public Transport.
The provision of good quality services, with a greater focus on delivery, value for money and responsiveness to customer requirements are central to my plans and policy for public transport. In recent years we have seen a significant increase in public transport investment and an associated expansion in services. The quality of those ser vices is also improving although much remains to be done. In my statement of 7 November 2002 to the Public Transport Partnership Forum, I set out my proposals for regulatory and structural reform of public transport designed, among other things, to improve service delivery. Shortly afterwards I also published for public consultation a consultancy study containing recommendations on new arrangements for the procurement and regulation of bus services outside the greater Dublin area. I am also currently considering the findings and recommendations of the strategic rail review, which provides a blueprint for the development of our railways.
The underlying purpose of all of these initiatives is the delivery of more and better quality public transport services throughout the country to the customer, at reasonable value to the user and the taxpayer. I am confident that the policies which I am pursuing will lead to growth of our public transport system and provide an attractive alternative to the private car. As to the provision of bus stops, this is a day-to-day operational matter for the transport operators concerned.