Bernard J. Durkan
Question:231 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport the proposed daily bus transport improvements throughout the commuter belt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14038/03]
Written Answers. - Public Transport.
Significant improvements have taken place in recent years in daily bus transport services in the commuter belt in the greater Dublin area and further improvements are planned. To date, 334 new buses have been purchased by Bus Átha Cliath, 105 of which are additional. These buses have improved the quality and reliability of the fleet as well as providing for an increased level of service. There were also 150 additional buses purchased in 1999, resulting in an overall increase of 23% in peak hour capacity today compared with 1999. The national development plan target is for 275 additional and 500 replacement buses by 2006.
Nine quality bus corridors are in operation in Dublin amounting to 100km of bus priority and I have recently asked the relevant authorities to bring forward plans to double this number. Six of the existing QBCs have been reviewed to identify areas of further improvement. A quality bus network project office has been established to speed up the introduction of additional bus priority measures.
Bus Éireann has purchased 228 buses under the NDP to date, 62 of which are additional. Bus Éireann has increased peak capacity by 40% on all main corridors into Dublin. In addition, the number of private bus operators licensed to provide services in the commuter belt has increased in the past few years.
Question No. 232 answered with Question No. 224.
Question No. 233 answered with Question No. 117.
Question No. 234 answered with Question No. 152.
Question No. 235 answered with Question No. 232.