The number of buses on Dublin’s streets will fall back to levels last seen in 2001 if Dublin Bus gets away with its plan to axe routes, services and 90 vehicles, Fine Gael Seanad Transport Spokesman and Dublin Central Senator Paschal Donohoe has warned.
“Dublin Bus is supposed to be providing customers with ‘Smarter Travel’.
But there’s little that’s smart about its plan to take 90 buses off the roads. It claims passengers will have a better service with fewer buses.
That is barmy.
“By taking 90 buses off the streets, Dublin will have fewer buses in operation than it did in 2001. Yet the amount of State money used to keep Dublin Bus on the road has doubled since the year 2000, from €41.2 million to €82.9 million. That’s not what I call value for money.
“If Dublin Bus insists on axing routes, then it should let private operators fill the gaps. Its sister company Bus Éireann has established great relationships with private bus companies, hiring them to provide essential support. But Dublin Bus doesn’t want anything to do with the private sector.
“What’s more, passengers were given no input into the review of Dublin Bus routes, yet they are supposed to be the company’s number one priority.
That’s why Dublin Bus should now publish the review in full.”