Fergus O'Dowd
Question:156 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Transport the plans his Department has to support rural transport initiatives identified by partnerships and community groups. [14500/03]
Written Answers. - Public Transport.
The rural transport initiative, RTI, provides funding on a pilot basis for community organisations and community partnerships to address the particular transport needs of their rural areas. The initiative is being managed by Area Development Management Limited, ADM, on behalf of my Department.
Under the RTI, 34 rural community transport groups are now being funded to provide transport services in their areas and the initiative is operational in parts of most counties in the country. Some 270 new transport services are now being provided under the RTI. Many of these are door-to-door services and are designed to fit in with existing scheduled services. Some 8,000 people are currently using the RTI transport services each month and these numbers are rising as new transport services are rolled out and existing services are developed to their full capacity. It is anticipated that some €6 million will have been provided for this pilot initiative by the end of this year when the RTI is due to conclude. This com pares with the €4.4 million earmarked for it in the national development plan.
As regards the future of rural transport services, I am currently considering a report from an interdepartmental committee which has made recommendations with regard to the development of a rural public transport policy.
Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 96.
Question No. 158 answered with Question No. 90.
Question No. 159 answered with Question No. 95.
Question No. 160 answered with Question No. 153.
Question No. 161 answered with Question No. 94.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:162 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport if he has received a request from Bus Éireann for permission to use the hard shoulder on roads between Dublin and satellite towns in order to counter severe traffic problems that are causing long delays in routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16866/03]
I am anxious to ensure that as many practical measures as possible are taken to improve public transport flows and reduce congestion throughout the country. In that regard my officials are engaged in discussions with Bus Éireann, Dublin Transportation Office and the National Roads Authority regarding the use of the hard shoulder on roads, including those linking Dublin and satellite towns. The objective of allowing buses to use hard shoulders is to assist bus operators in reducing their costs and helping them to meet their schedules thereby assisting in the achievement of modal shift from the private car to public transport while maintaining safety. This is a matter which was discussed at a recent meeting organised by my Department in Limerick regarding bus priority measures in provincial cities.
Consultations continue to take place between my Department and the relevant authorities with a view to the further consideration of this proposed development.