Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021
445. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport if he will consider increasing the 25% cap on public transport capacity in line with the recent easing of Covid restrictions and the full reopening of schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20687/21]
View answerContinued 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.
An Taoiseach announced on 31st March last, that due to our collective success in reducing case numbers, some Level 5 restrictions would be lifted from April 12th. The Government's "Living with Covid" Plan sets out capacity guidance for public transport at each of the 5 risk levels identified in the Plan. With the current Level 5 restrictions, public transport operators are still restricted to using only 25% of the passenger-carrying capacity on their vehicles. Importantly, the Plan's Level 5 guidance on working from home where possible and on the closure of social, leisure and other facilities has significantly reduced the demand for public transport. There is continued strong messaging that public transport capacity remains restricted and, therefore, should only be used for essential travel, with only those who have to travel at peak times doing so.
Since the move to level 5, the National Transport Authority (NTA) and PSO 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. People are also being encouraged to walk or cycle where practical. The advice is aimed at ensuring public transport is safeguarded for those who need it most but, in particular, frontline workers and schoolchildren.
The NTA and my Department are closely monitoring public transport demand and will continue to be guided by public health advice. The NTA and operators are continuing to monitor passenger loadings and, where necessary, additional services will be provided on certain routes at relevant times of the day subject to driver availability.
