Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
257. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Transport if there will be additional buses or trains added to the existing timetables during the current round of level 5 restrictions to account for the reduction to 25% of capacity and the impact this is having on commuting workers that are unable to access public transport; the number of additional services provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34671/20]
View answer274. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Transport if additional buses will be introduced on routes to match normal capacity in view of the Covid-19 restrictions in place in Dublin Bus and a company (details supplied) that have reduced their capacity to 25%. [34925/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 257 and 274 together.
As Minister for Transport I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally. Continued operation of the public transport sector is important, and public transport has been designated among the essential services that have carried on during the Covid crisis. I would like to thank both all operators and their staff for their continued dedication to providing this vital service in such challenging times. A number of measures have been introduced across the system, guided by public health advice, to ensure the continued operation of services safely during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.
The Government's new "Living with Covid" Plan sets out capacity guidance for public transport at each of the 5 risk levels identified in the new Plan. The Plan provides guidance for the public about using public transport at the different risk levels; including that wearing face coverings is mandatory, and encouraging use of off-peak services and sustainable active travel alternative options where feasible.
Due to the rising incidences of Covid-19 in the community, An Taoiseach announced that for a period of six weeks from midnight on Wednesday 21st October, the whole country would move to Level 5 of the Plan. At current levels of risk, public transport operators are restricted to using only 25% of the passenger-carrying capacity on their vehicles. Importantly, the Plan's guidance on working from home where possible and on the closure of social, leisure and other facilities has reduced the demand for public transport well below normal levels. The advice is aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most, including frontline workers and students. Both my Department and the NTA are closely monitoring public transport demand and will continue to be guided by public health advice.
Since the move to level 5, the NTA and bus operators in Dublin (Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland), have re-allocated a number of vehicles and drivers across the network to enhance the capacity in areas where they were experiencing capacity issues.
Approximately 43 buses have been redeployed by Dublin Bus since October 22nd to help mitigate the impact of the capacity restrictions and reduce the number of passengers being left at stops. Where possible, these vehicles are being deployed during peak demand times, particularly for school travel. These measures have also assisted in reducing passengers' wait times at stops. Currently, all available vehicles are in use, so whilst the re-allocation will ease the situation, it remains the case that there will still be instances of people having to wait for another bus.
The NTA continues to monitor the effects of the reduction in capacity very closely in conjunction with public transport operators.
