Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2004
219 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Transport if he has given consideration to the introduction of a free city centre bus service in Dublin, as is common in many other cities, in order to reduce traffic congestion in the city centre and to facilitate persons who need to move within the city centre for business or for shopping; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23994/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile no detailed assessment has been undertaken into providing free city centre bus services, such a scheme could involve substantial loss of revenue for operators and require significant additional Exchequer funding by way of subvention. Evidence to date suggests that the current level of fares is not a deterrent to travel but that consumers are seeking greater certainty in terms of bus punctuality, reliability and frequency. The aim of the current investment in bus priority measures is to improve bus operations in that regard and thereby contribute to reducing congestion.
