Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2012
700 Deputy Dominic Hannigan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he expects free wifi to be rolled out on all the bus routes that go through County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9492/12]
View answerThe issue raised is a matter for the bus operators concerned. I have referred the Deputy's question to Bus Éireann for direct reply to you in respect of their buses. Please inform my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.
701 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the routes operated by Dublin Bus at the end of 2010 and the routes operated by Dublin Bus as of 1 February 2012; the number of routes merged within the Dublin Bus operational area between these dates; his assessment of the service provided by the company for the subvention it currently receives from the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8579/12]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, the operation and provision of bus services is a matter for Dublin Bus in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. The details of routes operated by Dublin Bus is a matter for the company and I have asked it to respond directly to the Deputy.
The Deloitte Cost and Efficiency Review of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann was published in January 2009. The Review identified some scope for greater efficiencies in Dublin Bus. Following the publication of that Report, Dublin Bus undertook an extensive review of their bus network and subsequently announced plans for the re-organisation of routes and timetables. The objective of the redesign was to provide current and future bus customers with a service that will be modern, accessible, integrated, easy to understand, punctual and frequent.
I understand that Dublin Bus has held over 30 public meetings and 250 meetings with key stakeholders as part of its consultation programme. All changes are advertised in advance through national and local media, and through social media, as well as house leaflet drops to areas serviced by the bus routes where changes occur.
I am supportive of the efforts of Dublin Bus to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness. Given the losses recorded by Dublin Bus in recent years and having regard to unavoidable constraints on the availability of Exchequer funds for PSO subvention, it is important that Dublin Bus deliver greater efficiency and effectiveness in order to safeguard the overall sustainability of effective and efficient public transport services in the future.
