Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy is aware, BusConnects, which was launched earlier this year by the National Transport Authority, NTA, is a plan to transform Dublin's bus system fundamentally so that journeys for passengers by bus will be fast, reliable, punctual, convenient and affordable. It represents a reimagining of bus transport for the Dublin region. It encompasses the revamping of all aspects of the bus system, including the ticketing technology, the road infrastructure, the bus stops, the network of routes, the fare structure and vehicle emissions.

In budget 2018, I secured a four year multi-annual capital envelope of over €770 million for the BusConnects programme. As part of the BusConnects project, a decision on the optimum fleet technology will be made very soon where either a single technology or a combination of technologies will be selected. A fleet acquisition plan will be developed to transition the bus fleet to low emission vehicle types, with the first vehicles under that strategy to go into service during 2018. By 2023 half of the bus fleet, approximately 500 buses, are expected to be converted to low emission vehicles with full conversion expected to be completed by 2030.

The public transport fleet has a central role to play in promoting and normalising the use of alternative fuels - alternatives to petrol and diesel - within wider society, which is essential if we are to decarbonise the transport sector by 2050. Transitioning the public transport fleet is important for leadership and demonstration. However, according to the latest emission inventory estimates, public transport emissions accounted for only an estimated 4.6% of total land transport emissions. If the Deputy breaks that 4.6% down, approximately 3.5% is produced by buses and 1.1% is produced by rail services.

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