The new initiative aims to increase bus passenger numbers by 50% and to make cycling more attractive to all.
A new suite of initiatives aimed at radically transforming the public transport system in the Dublin region will include a redesign of the network of bus routes, a cashless fare system and the rolling out of new bus stops with better signage and information.
The suite of initiatives, titled BusConnects, was launched by Minister for Transport, Sport and Tourism, Shane Ross and Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the National Transport Authority, in Dublin on Monday and aims to put bus services at the heart of the solution when it comes to addressing traffic congestion in the capital.
"Thanks to #BusConnects just about everybody will be able to beat congestion by using the bus rather than a car" Anne Graham at the launch pic.twitter.com/yaSw2DCHCu
— BusConnects (@BusConnects) May 29, 2017
The initiative is estimated to cost over €1 billion in total, although some €300 million of that figure is already committed under ‘Building on Recovery’, the 2015 capital plan.
Amongst the measures proposed in the BusConnects plan are:
- Next generation bus corridors
- Bus Rapid Transit
- Redesigning the network of bus routes
- State-of-the-art ticketing system
- Cashless fare payment system
- Simpler fare structure
- Refreshing the bus livery
- Rolling out new bus stops with better signage and information
- Cleaner technology
Speaking at the launch of BusConnects on Monday, Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the National Transport Authority (NTA), said that bus transport represented the best public transport solution for most areas in Dublin.
“Thanks to BusConnects, just about everybody will be able to beat the congestion by using the bus, rather than a car, to get around,” Graham said.
“Dublin is a low-density city which means that that very few areas of Dublin have the size and concentration of population to support rail-based public transport. For most areas, bus transport represents the best public transport solution.
“In any case, rail projects typically have lead-in times of 8-10 years, and with congestion continuing to worsen every month, more immediate solutions are required.
“That is why today, the plans we are publishing are primarily about investing in bus transport. They sit alongside our longer-term commitments to the rail corridors, and complement them. These solutions will generally have a much shorter turn-around time, which means that we can make travel by bus an increasingly attractive option for commuters all across the network, sooner rather than later.
“By investing in our bus services, we will make the city a better place, and a more attractive place to work, play or invest in.”
Commenting on the initiative, Minister Shane Ross said: “We have seen remarkable growth in our economy in recent years, and that recovery is continuing.
Minister Shane Ross launching #BusConnects & encouraging people to get involved in process @TFIupdates @Shane_RossTD https://t.co/XIzSOjhN2d pic.twitter.com/WTzNJyh5Mu
— BusConnects (@BusConnects) May 29, 2017
“That means more jobs, more people at work, more people out socialising, and more people visiting, all of which is to be welcomed.
“But it does place a strain on our transport infrastructure, and we’ve all seen the congestion in the city and across the region, that arises as a result.
“The proposals being put forward today can potentially transform Dublin’s bus system in a fundamental way, so that when it comes to speed, punctuality, reliability and convenience, journeys by bus can be better than ever before.
“BusConnects will mean more people travelling by bus and will allow bus commuting to become a more viable and attractive choice for employees, families, students, shoppers and visitors.
“This plan also aims to make cycling more attractive to all, which can have many positive impacts, meaning that using the bus or bike rather than the car to get around, will make more sense for more people.
“And it will add to the energy, vibrancy and dynamism of a great city.”
For more information on BusConnects, check out the website and Twitter page.
