Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2018
820. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the full estimated costs of the BusConnects programme; the actual cost of the Dublin BusConnects redesign of the Dublin Bus network less than a decade ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30853/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the National Development Plan (NDP), published in February as part of Project Ireland 2040, identifies the delivery of the full BusConnects programme for Ireland’s cities (inclusive of ticketing systems, bus corridors, additional capacity, new bus stops and bus shelters etc.) as a key investment priority over the period of the plan. The plan provides an outline provision of €2.4 billion for the entire programme, €2 billion for BusConnects in Dublin and €0.4 billion for BusConnects programmes in our regional cities. The costs of the various elements of the overall BusConnects programme will be confirmed as part of the appropriate appraisal and procurement processes required under the Public Spending Code.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has responsibility for the planning and implementation of public transport projects and programmes in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA), including the BusConnects programme.
The NTA recently published a discussion document focussed on the 16 core bus routes, pathways and cycle tracks/lanes that are emerging as the likely core bus corridors in and out of Dublin city. A second document “Dublin Area Bus Network Redesign Public Consultation Report” was published by NTA last week.
This report notes that the existing bus network in Dublin is very complex and is designed primarily around overlapping and long radial routes taking people into the city centre, but with very few orbital routes. Recent improvements to the rail and tram networks require changes to the bus services to exploit the full potential of these investments. Finally the city is growing and changing as are the bus journeys people are taking.
The report identifies 4 key strategies to address the issues with the current network: standardise service categories; simplify radial services; build frequent orbitals and grow suburban feeder networks. While there will be concerns with any change, these strategies will deliver the following benefits for the customer; much simpler city services; much simpler fare structure; provide more frequent all day services through new and frequent strong orbital services interchanging with local services and high frequency radial spines.
Full public consultation on the network redesign proposals, involving Dublin Bus, using local brochures, local face to face events, digital imaging of the network, on-line surveys and consultation with user groups will commence from the 16th July. NTA will launch a full public consultation process on the proposed core bus corridors later this year.
More information on estimated costs will be available as the various strands of the programme are progressed.
The Network Direct programme to which the Deputy refers, launched by Dublin Bus in 2010 and completed in 2013, delivered an increase in the number of high frequency routes; greater use of Quality Bus Corridors (QBC); less route variations making the network easier to understand; a new network of more direct orbital services; an increase in cross city routes to minimise customer interchange; and improved connections with Rail and Luas transport modes. Network Direct resulted in cost savings to the Exchequer as a result of the introduction of major efficiencies.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this area, I have referred the Deputy's question to the Authority for a more detailed reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
