Dempsey should reform, not restrict Dublin Bus
The proposed ten per reduction in the Dublin Bus fleet will cripple Dublin for a decade and Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, should be clear on the consequences of the cuts in services on the capital before they become a reality according to Fine Gael Senator Paschal Donohoe.
“It will drive the already dwindling numbers who use the bus service into their own cars, worsening traffic jams and putting further pressure on Dublin Bus’s bottom line.”
“I implore the Minister to think again and propose the following solutions;
- Instigate a root and branch financial review of Dublin Bus, including an overhaul of the top-heavy management staff who got the company into this mess in the first place.
- Sell off any unused assets, including property, the revenue from which could help Dublin Bus in this difficult period.
- Open up bus routes to private competition and, if needs must, reduce Dublin Bus services on those routes.
- Announce immediately the fate of proposed projects like Metro North and Dublin Transport Authority to restore the confidence of commuters and the business community that a medium-term solution to the traffic and transport problems of the city will be found.
“It is an outrage that due to the economic mismanagement of Noel Dempsey and his friends, and the fiscal ineptitude of Dublin Bus management, bus drivers and mechanics face the dole queue.
“Given the economic climate, I appreciate cut backs need to be made. But cuts in front-line services, especially in this vital area, are unacceptable. The proposals are so daft, one wonders if they were dreamt up by representatives of the car sales industry.” “I might also suggest that the public relations department of Dublin Bus be reviewed and that savings used to keep buses on the road. The fact that company’s website even today states that “as part of the Government’s Transport 21 investment programme, Dublin Bus is currently working towards a 25% increase in passenger capacity” shows just how bad a decision this
is”.