The Minister for Transport, Sport and Tourism, Shane Ross and Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the National Transport Authority, have today launched BusConnects, a suite of initiatives which aim to radically transform public transport in the Dublin region.
The total cost of BusConnects is estimated to be over €1b, some €300m of which is already committed under “Building on Recovery”, the 2015 capital plan. The National Transport Authority believe Busconnects could increase Dublin bus passenger numbers by 50%.
BusConnects proposals include:
• 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 today, Minister Ross said, "We have seen remarkable growth in our economy in recent years, and that recovery is continuing. 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."
He added, "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."
Source: www.businessworld.ie
