Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2021
284. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if there are plans to increase the capacity for a Dublin Bus route (details supplied) which accommodates County Wicklow and which is experiencing an increase in demand due to the reopening of secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16872/21]
View answerAs 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 was designated amongst the essential services that have continued to operate during the Covid crisis. I would like to thank 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 safe operation of services during the pandemic, including enhanced cleaning regimes and social distancing measures across the network.
The Government's "Living with Covid Plan" and subsequent "Recovery and Resilience Plan" sets out capacity guidance for public transport at each of the 5 risk levels identified in the Plan and provides guidance for the public about using public transport at the different risk levels, including that wearing face coverings is mandatory and encouraging the use of off-peak services and sustainable active travel alternative options, where feasible.
As you are aware, the country moved from Level 3 to Level 5 of the Plan with a number of specific adjustments at midnight on 24 December 2020 meaning public transport went from using 50% to 25% of vehicle capacity with effect from 26 December. Further announcements were made by An Taoiseach on 30 December and 6 January 2021 introducing additional health restrictions with public transport continuing to operate at 25% of vehicle capacity. Since then, the NTA has advised customers to continue to only use public transport for necessary journeys and to avoid peak-time travel. The advice is aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most, in particular 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.
With regard to the Deputy's query in relation to the 84X route, this is an operational matter for the NTA in conjunction with Dublin Bus. Therefore I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct response. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
