Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 March 2024
91. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport the steps he is taking to improve the reliability of Dublin Bus services in general and routes operated by a company (details supplied) in particular; the extent to which he believes the reliability issues are connected to the difficulties in recruiting drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13254/24]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally, and for decisions in relation to these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.
I fully acknowledge that there have been issues with certain bus services in Dublin in recent months, which must be incredibly frustrating for users. These issues were exasperated by the ongoing challenges the public transport sector is facing in the recruitment of both mechanics and drivers. However, I am advised the due to the extensive driver recruitment campaigns undertaken by the operators, this is becoming less of an issue.
I want to assure the Deputy that the NTA is working closely with operators, including Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead, to address these service issues.
It should also be noted that the performance of public transport operators is monitored by the NTA as part of the contractual arrangements in place between it and the operators. These contractual arrangements allow for not just the monitoring of performance and the publication of annual performance reports, but importantly, they also allow for the imposition of financial penalties where performance does not meet the required standard.
In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.
