Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2200. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the level of consultation which took place between the National Transport Authority and Dublin Bus on the BusConnects proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33521/18]
View answerDublin Bus have and will continue to play a key role in the roll-out of BusConnects for Dublin.
As the Deputy is aware, delivery of the full BusConnects programme for Ireland’s cities (inclusive of ticketing systems, bus corridors, additional capacity, new bus stops and bus shelters etc.) is a key investment priority outlined in the National Development Plan 2018-2027.
Commencing with roll-out in Dublin, it aims to transform the bus system through: a full redesign of the bus network in order to provide a better and more efficient network for passengers; an expanded and modern fleet of vehicles; new road infrastructure to facilitate bus priority and faster journeys for public transport users; improved passenger information and ticketing technology; and transition to a lower emission bus fleet.
As you are aware, the NTA have recently published an information report about the 16 pathways that are emerging as the likely core bus corridors in and out of Dublin city under the new investment Programme. The detail of these corridors is expected to form part of a public consultation process scheduled for later this year.
A second document “Dublin Area Bus Network Redesign Public Consultation Report” was published on 2 July. This report notes that the existing bus network in Dublin is very complex and is designed primarily around radial routes taking people into the city centre, but with very few orbital routes. The report, that is a detailed and comprehensive document, also sets out how it drew on the public and on the NTA, Dublin Bus and local authorities, as much as it drew on the international experience the consultants engaged by the NTA.
The public consultation process on the Network Redesign proposals has now commenced and, in conjunction with the NTA, Dublin Bus will play a key role in the planned face to face events as one of a number of measures to support this consultation process.
