Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2190. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of vehicles in the bus fleet of Dublin Bus and a company (details supplied) that the NTA envisions under the operation of the new BusConnects plans in tabular form. [33322/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra2191. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the proposed number of buses that will operate in the Dublin Bus fleet between July 2018 and 2020, in tabular form. [33323/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 2190 and 2191 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, recent studies confirm that approximately 70% of people travelling into the city each morning do so by sustainable transport- walking, cycling, bus, rail or Luas. Cars only account for 30% of travel.
The bus system is important because of these numbers entering Dublin City each day, the majority (57% of all public transport trips) use the bus for this journey. This is why investment in the Bus system has to be one of the main components of the overall solution to address our current congestion problem and to meet our future transport needs.
In 2017, a total of 102 buses were purchased for Dublin Bus both for their replacement programme and to cater for market growth. Similarly it is expected that 140 buses will be purchased in 2018 for the Dublin Region to replace older buses and cater for market growth and new routes. These buses were purchased through a bus supply framework agreement put in place by the NTA bringing the total fleet up to almost 1,100 buses, with a further expansion of the fleet expected in 2019 in advance of the roll-out of BusConnects.
The National Development Plan, 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, commencing roll-out in Dublin followed by Galway, Cork and remaining cities over the timeframe of the plan. Among other features, BusConnects will also see the transition to the use of lower emission vehicles.
The National Transport Authority, NTA, has responsibility for the planning and implementation of public transport projects and programmes in the Greater Dublin Area, including the BusConnects programme. It has recently published a discussion document on the proposed 16 core radial bus priority routes in and out of Dublin City and has commenced public consultation on the redesigned network of bus services for Dublin including proposals on a major redesign of routes, schedules and fare structures. These processes will also feed into the future fleet requirements.
In light of the NTA's responsibility in this matter, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the Authority for a more detailed reply on the specific issues raised. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
