Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 May 2012
8Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport if he is satisfied that the real time passenger information system rolled out by Dublin Bus is sufficiently accurate; his views on any complaints regarding this system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23076/12]
View answerThis question relates to the roll out of real time passenger information signs at bus stops.
Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority on 1 December 2009, the implementation of public transport infrastructure projects in the greater Dublin area, such as real time passenger information, now comes under the remit of the authority. The authority's functions were subsequently extended by ministerial order to include provision of real time passenger information to the four major regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, and the contiguous areas of those counties. In the light of the authority's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to it. The authority will respond directly with details of the ongoing development of the real time passenger information system. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.
I have been advised that recent independent surveys carried out on behalf of the National Transport Authority at a number of stop locations in Dublin indicated that 93% of buses arrived within three minutes of the due time indicated on the real time passenger information sign. This level of accuracy compares very favourably with the best international real time passenger information systems for buses. As I am sure the Deputy will agree, the provision of real time passenger information has enhanced the public service for users of the bus service.
I welcome the Minister of State's outlining of the current situation in respect of real time information which is an integral part of enhancing the commuter's user experience. Concern was expressed to us by a number of people who believed the information was not quite so accurate. The Minister of State will be familiar with that, however, as one will always hear complaints of this kind. However, it is important that the Government remains committed to the continued roll-out of this service and that it ensures that any teething problems are dealt with quickly and efficiently. As is the case with many such services, if they are rolled out widespread at too early a stage people end up by not having confidence in them. It is very hard to revisit the system and get people to have confidence in it. I welcome the information provided and look forward to the Minister's continued oversight.
Deputy Dooley does not have a question but Deputies Ellis and Eoghan Murphy do and we will take them together.
This is a great initiative and it should be rolled out further. I was very surprised to see it in large working-class areas and it is working very well. There have been complaints but, by and large, it is very good. The apps have been a major success, with tens of thousands of people downloading various apps that provide information. Initiatives such as this could encourage visitors to use the apps, as could functions to allow users to determine fares for their journeys. It would enhance the experience of tourists.
As someone who uses Dublin Bus regularly, the information service is excellent. Using it in conjunction with the Dublin Bus app is a marked improvement. It is important to continue the roll-out to those living in outlying areas, where the information is not available. There are fewer options and a lower frequency service for those people, which means delays and waiting times have a significant impact on journey times.
I thank the Deputies for their contributions. The real-time passenger information signs have been a great success. The feedback to the Department has been fantastic. There were teething problems in some areas but, by and large, they were dealt with very quickly. There are plans to roll out 500 signs in the greater Dublin area. Some 393 have been rolled out and 27 have been rolled out in Cork, which is 50% complete. Galway and Limerick cities are next in line and the roll-out is expected to be completed by the end of the year. The text and phone service has been phenomenal and there have been 100,000 visits to the app site per day. That number of requests is huge and shows that people use their phones to check bus times. Passenger numbers will increase on buses over time because people know when buses are coming and experience the reliability of buses. The technology used for these signs is excellent. The signs are used for real-time passenger information but can also be used for further information, as required, to notify passengers of different issues.
I hope the Minister of State does not plan to use them for electioneering purposes.
We will not rule out anything.
