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Bus Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018

Tuesday, 6 November 2018

Ceisteanna (79, 82)

John Curran

Ceist:

79. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the additional capacity that will be made to the Dublin Bus fleet in 2019 to deal with the continuing increase in bus passenger numbers in view of the difficulty on some routes for passengers at rush hour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45396/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

John Curran

Ceist:

82. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the timeline for the next steps in the roll-out of the BusConnects projects; the timelines for bus based park and ride facilities, new rapid transit corridors and interchange hubs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45397/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 82 together.

As the Deputy is aware BusConnects is one of the flagship investments to be delivered under Project Ireland 2040 and the 10-year National Development Plan.

Public transport in the city is dominated by the bus, around two-thirds of all public transport trips in Dublin are taken by bus. It is clear therefore, that the bus is the main component of the planned approach to addressing our current congestion problem and to meeting our future transport needs.

BusConnects has been developed to do just that and will see

- The introduction of next-generation bus corridors and Bus Rapid Transit routes;

- A redesign of bus network across the city;

- A new state-of-the-art ticketing system with a cashless payments and a simpler fare structure;

- The roll-out of new bus-stops with better signage and information;

- The provision of new park and ride sites;

- Cleaner technology through ending the purchase of diesel only buses; and

- A new integrated bus livery across the network.

Each of these measures are important in their own right while collectively they have the potential to significantly improve people’s passenger experience.

In terms of the Bus Network Redesign, we are all aware of the significant public consultation that has taken place in recent months. There was a huge response to that consultation and the NTA are currently considering all submissions received with a view to issuing a revised network design for public consultation in 2019.

In relation to the Bus Corridors project, I am advised that the NTA will commence a public consultation process this month. It is proposed to that the consultation process in relation to these Bus Corridors will be conducted on a phased basis to allow for in-depth engagement with communities during each public consultation.

However, the improvement and enhancement of our PSO bus services continues in advance of those significant projects.

There are significant PSO bus fleet purchases planned for this year and next, with 165 buses to be delivered this year and 150 on order for next year. The bus purchase programme both renews the fleet through replacing older buses and improving passenger experience and also expands the fleet through the provision of additional buses. The level of expansion can be gauged by the fact that around 85 buses each year are required for renewal with deliveries above that effectively representing additional buses. The Deputy may wish to note that in recent years the PSO bus fleet in Dublin has expanded by approximately 17% and now stands at 1,125 buses.

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