Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004
273 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Transport the plans for the development of the number and capacity of the bus fleet of Dublin Bus; the projected passenger carryings of each of the elements of the Dublin suburban rail for the next five years; the projected annual collection of fares from each; and the way in which this compares with operating cost and the full financial cost of the respective services. [21083/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the request of my Department, the DTO is currently undertaking a review of the bus market in the greater Dublin area so as to provide a strategic framework for the development of the bus market over the coming years. This study will take account, inter alia, of planned land use and other developments arising from the recently adopted strategic planning guidelines for the greater Dublin area, entitled the Platform for Change and the developments in public transport since that strategy was adopted.
I am informed by Irish Rail that the company carries approximately 21.6 million passengers annually on the DART and 2.7 million on the outer suburban services in the Dublin Area. In 2003, the company earned €26.8 million from DART operations and €5.9 million from outer suburban operations.
I am informed by the company that, in normal circumstances, it would expect traffic to grow on these lines at a rate broadly in line with the rate of economic growth, with stronger growth occurring at peak times. However, the current interruption to services arising from the DART upgrade project is affecting patronage. Furthermore, the outcome of the current review of the bus market will also influence future growth.
Revenue is expected to grow broadly in line with economic growth, provided fares are increased in line with general inflation. Operating costs will also grow due to inflation and market expansion, while subvention needs are also expected to increase on a commensurate basis. However, the company has in place a cost reduction programme which is having an overall downward pressure on costs. It is the overall objective of the company to achieve break-even at operating level.
