Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

I support the Labour Party motion and many of the public transport elements of Transport 21. However, there is no doubt that there is a need for an immediate response because the problem in public transport is of emergency proportions. We need more buses now. The Dublin Bus network review proposed the introduction of 200 new buses earlier this year, but only 100 were introduced following a row between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats during the summer. Worse still, licences for new routes are being issued under the 1932 Act, with 27 issued this year to private operators, on whom there is no obligation to operate an integrated ticketing system, on which the State has spent more than €10 million without any obvious result. They are also not obliged to carry people with bus passes. Every operator will have his or her bus stops, timetables and will decide the fares to be charged and fare increases. By the time competitive tendering is introduced, there will be nothing left for which to tender.

This fragmented approach is not in the interests of the commuter. There are two bus operators in my area and a commuter has to decide to which of the two bus stops he or she should run to catch a bus. That is no way to run a public transport system. The 15% of non-Dublin bus services must be integrated in a way that is in the interests of the commuter.

There is a problem in regard to car parking in the vicinity of every train station or bus terminal. In a sense, this indicates a success story because it is evidence of people's desire to use public transport. More car parking spaces are needed now, not in a few years' time. Such facilities can be provided.

A two tier fare system is in place on rail and bus suburban services. For example, commuters from Kilcock and Sallins, not as long a journey from the city centre as Balbriggan, pay substantially more for the service. An adult fare from Balbriggan to the city centre is €3.60, while an adult fare for the shorter journey from Sallins or Kilcock is €6. A journey with one stop between Hazelhatch and Sallins costs an adult commuter €8. This is the reason more people do not use public transport. A fair pricing system must operate.

With regard to the West Link Bridge toll, the Government collected €8 million in tolls in 2004 and €15 million in 2005. An additional 6,000 additional vehicles will travel on M50 by the end of this month. At this stage, the Government should realise the game is up. Tolls need to be removed now.

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