Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
78. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Transport if he has concerns regarding the safety issues faced by disabled people in navigating floating bus islands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13256/24]
View answerI am absolutely aware of the views expressed by some members of the disability community regarding the issue of island bus stops.
The NTA has advised my Department of the challenges posed by the interaction between buses, cyclists, and pedestrians at bus stops. This interaction is particularly pronounced when pedestrians navigate from the footpath onto the bus, and vice versa. Either pedestrians must cross the cycle facility to access the bus, or the bus must cross the cycle facility to allow boarding and alighting. This inevitably leads to some level of movement overlap, between pedestrians and cyclists or between buses and cyclists.
Our public transport policies aim to enhance the appeal and accessibility of public transport, fostering a sustainable and integrated network. I am cognisant that this commitment is especially vital for vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities, mobility concerns, and older people. However, when it comes to managing interactions between pedestrians, cyclists, and buses at bus stops, the NTA has emphasised that no perfect solution, and that a delicate balance of differing needs is required.
Following engagement with the National Disability Authority, the Cycle Design Manual - published in August 2023 - suggests a number of layouts for cycling and pedestrian arrangements at bus stops, to address different scenarios, including those where additional reinforcement of user priorities at the cycle track crossing is required. It also provides appropriate layouts that enable these facilities to be safely provided.
Internationally, the use of these "island bus stops" is a commonly implemented, albeit imperfect, solution to manage these conflicting manoeuvres. The NTA convened a workshop in 2019 with representatives from disability and cycling groups to address these issues and explore optimal layouts considering all users' needs. While consensus on a single design was not achieved, the feedback informed current bus stop layouts, which strive to accommodate all users.
