Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, today (Tuesday) at Dublin Bus Central Control, Broadstone, officially unveiled 90 new state of the art double decker buses which will operate on routes across Dublin. His visit also marked the announcement that Dublin Bus passenger numbers are up by 700,000 in the first half of 2015.
Speaking at the unveiling Minister Donohoe said: ‘The investment in these new double decker buses demonstrates the Government’s on-going commitment to providing enhanced public transport services and infrastructure. Bus is fast becoming a more attractive public transport option for many users. The delivery of 90 new vehicles, equipped with a range of enhanced features, will provide greater comfort and convenience for Dublin Bus customers and will contribute to providing a more sustainable mode of transport, particularly for commuting purposes.
I also welcome the announcement by Dublin Bus that passenger numbers have increased by 700,000 (2%) in the first half of 2015.’
The 90 new buses are being funded by the Government’s capital programme through the National Transport Authority. The new buses represent an investment of €34.7 million in the Dublin Bus fleet replacement programme. The buses will replace older vehicles in the fleet and will result in a more efficient, reliable fleet, with an average age of 7 years. Equipped with a number of features that will improve the journey experience for drivers and customers alike the new fully accessible vehicles have:
- bilingual passenger information signs in the upper and lower saloons announcing the next bus stop
- improved safety features with 12 colour cameras (4 external views and 8 internal views) and a staircase CCTV monitor.
- wheelchair space with separate dedicated space for a child’s buggy
- free Wi-Fi
At the unveiling, Dublin Bus Chief Executive, Ray Coyne said: ‘We are delighted to welcome the Minister to Dublin Bus Central Control today for the unveiling of the addition of 90 new buses to the Dublin Bus fleet. With the announcement today that passenger numbers were up by 2% the importance of continually improving the Dublin Bus fleet and experience is clear. We are committed to maintaining and improving our delivery of a quality bus service to the Greater Dublin region. The addition of these new buses to the fleet along with a number of other recent improvements including Real Time Passenger Information and free Wi-Fi has ensured the customer experience is always improving.’
These environmentally friendly additions to the fleet meet “Euro 6” emission standards, consume less fuel and are quieter – meaning the whole community will benefit from their arrival on Dublin roads not just customers and drivers. The SG model buses are manufactured by Volvo Bus Corporation, Sweden, and The Wrights Group, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. The vehiclesbegan entering service in January and are operating on routes 13, 15, 27 and 40. These new buses are another significant development in the provision of convenient, comfortable and sustainable public transport for the people of Dublin.