Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jun 2003

Vol. 568 No. 6

Written Answers. - Public Transport.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

80 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to have details for his proposed establishment of a public transport regulator; the timetable for the various stages in establishing such a regulator; the way in which such a regulator will decide on the levels of service which should be set for public transport providers; and the way in which such a regulator will relate to offices such as the Dublin Transportation Office which has responsibility for the strategic review of transport infrastructure in the greater Dublin area. [16945/03]

Paul Nicholas Gogarty

Question:

115 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether he should proceed with the allocation of 25% of bus routes in Dublin to new private bus operators; his plans to concentrate the selected routes in one quadrant of the city to maximise garage and bus efficiency; and if he intends to select the routes on the basis of local transport needs and service requirements. [16950/03]

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

137 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport when he expects to appoint a regulator to oversee the bus transport industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16865/03]

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 80, 115 and 137 together.

My statement to the Public Transport Partnership Forum in November 2002 set out details of the proposed establishment of a public transport regulator. I indicated that the regulator, operating within a regulatory policy and investment context set or approved by the Minister, would procure services, regulate public transport, allocate funding, regulate fares and set and enforce quality standards. Since then my Department has been continuing with its preparatory work. While it would not be appropriate for me to go into detail pending completion of this preparatory work, consideration by Government and further discussions with the trade unions, I will try to respond in general terms to the questions raised.

It is my objective, as indicated in the Government's legislative programme, to bring forward the necessary legislation in 2004. When bringing forward the legislation, I will clarify the stages for the establishment of the regulator. It is still my intention to introduce the franchising of bus services in the greater Dublin area, beginning with an initial phase of 25% of the market. As part of the procurement process, the regulator will determine service levels. I intend to set out criteria in or under the legislation, to which the regulator will have regard when procuring services. The nature of the relationships which the regulator will have with other bodies with a transport remit is still a matter under detailed consideration as part of the preparatory work being undertaken by my Department.