Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 June 2006
293 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport his plans to encourage the use of buses; if it is intended to take particular initiatives to make travel by bus more attractive, such as more conveniently located bus stops, bus shelters, increased frequency of services or other means to encourage passengers towards the use of this particular mode of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21878/06]
View answerThe bus network will continue to provide a very significant element of the public transport system for the foreseeable future. In the Greater Dublin Area alone, Dublin Bus carried nearly 150 million passengers in 2005, representing around 75% of all passenger journeys on public transport. The bus also provides the most effective and flexible means of responding quickly to the demand for additional public transport capacity.
Under Transport 21, there will continue to be a requirement for a significant expansion of the capacity of the bus network given the flexibility, penetration and connectivity offered by buses throughout the country. Significant funding under the programme is being allocated for this purpose. In the case of Dublin, there will be a greater focus on the development of orbital, feeder and local services integrating the city and complementing the rail network. Under Transport 21, funding is also provided for bus priority measures in all cities and for an expanded Rural Transport Initiative. Other measures in support of the bus include upgrading of bus stops and bus shelters to improve accessibility.
