Dublin Bus Network Set For Complete Overhaul
Dublin Bus is set for a make-over, with more stops and shelters and easier ways to pay. A six-year plan has been unveiled, which it's hoped will convince fewer people to use their cars.
Dublin’s chronic traffic problems are costing the economy 350 million euro every year. Journey times into work are up 13 per cent and if you’re on the m50 the commute is now three times longer in places.
Transport Minister Shane Ross has commented on the journey times "Congestion in Dublin is really bad, it's really acute - you've got the figures there which show the congestion is increasing at a rate which is completely unacceptable."
It comes as it was revealed that bus journeys in Dublin are taking 70 percent longer during rush hour.
New figures show those travelling from Malahide into the city centre are the worst affected, followed by Howth, Finglas, Lucan, Bray, Blanchardstown, Clondalkin, Stillorgan, Clontarf, Swords, Ballymun, Rathfarnham, Templeogue and Blackrock.
Now, plans are underway to completely redesign the city’s bus system. Proposals include new improved bus corridors, a makeover of the fleet, more bus shelters and more environmental friendly buses.
CEO of the National Transport Authority Anne Graham says crucially - we also need to have a simpler fare structure.
"One of the aspects of ticketing would be to look at cashless tickets and have account based ticketing using your credit card to pay for tickets as well."
But it’s unclear from the plans if there will actually be more buses in Dublin - That’s something Green Cllr Ciaran Cuffe is concerned about.
I think we need more buses in dublin and I think we need lower fares. If we introduce both of those, I think we would see people leaving the car at home.
The public will be asked to give their opinions on the proposals which – if given approval - will take up to 6 years to complete.