Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

This question relates to the roll out of real time passenger information signs at bus stops.

Following the establishment of the National Transport Authority on 1 December 2009, the implementation of public transport infrastructure projects in the greater Dublin area, such as real time passenger information, now comes under the remit of the authority. The authority's functions were subsequently extended by ministerial order to include provision of real time passenger information to the four major regional cities of Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, and the contiguous areas of those counties. In the light of the authority's responsibility in the matter, I have referred the Deputy's question to it. The authority will respond directly with details of the ongoing development of the real time passenger information system. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

I have been advised that recent independent surveys carried out on behalf of the National Transport Authority at a number of stop locations in Dublin indicated that 93% of buses arrived within three minutes of the due time indicated on the real time passenger information sign. This level of accuracy compares very favourably with the best international real time passenger information systems for buses. As I am sure the Deputy will agree, the provision of real time passenger information has enhanced the public service for users of the bus service.

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