Public Transport.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 May 2004

Thursday, 27 May 2004

Questions (57)

Liz McManus

Question:

30 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Transport his views on whether traffic congestion throughout Ireland continues to adversely affect the ability of transport companies, such as Bus Éireann, to make profits; if he has received a copy of a study, details supplied, showing that traffic congestion adds approximately €19 million to Bus Éireann’s annual costs; his further views on whether this is affecting the ability of Bus Éireann to expand routes across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15898/04]

Written answers

Minister for Transport (Mr. Brennan)

I understand that the study mentioned in the question was carried out on behalf of Bus Éireann in 2001 and it confirms the view of the company that the reliability of Bus Éireann services, as well as those of other bus operators, is adversely affected by traffic congestion, particularly in urban areas. Bus Éireann has informed me that a recent update of the study shows that the estimated costs associated with traffic congestion for the year 2003 are in the region of €19 million.

While all bus operators face a difficult operating environment, I have made funds available to the local authorities in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford to provide priority measures for buses. To date there have been a number of successful quality bus corridor, QBC, programmes in Dublin and Cork and further initiatives are planned. I am also pleased that the demand for travel by bus continues to grow.

Question No. 31 answered with QuestionNo. 12.