John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

On page 134 of the programme for Government it is stated that the Government will instigate a full review of public transport policy to ensure services are sustainable into the future. It also references a decent public transport system being essential to the every day lives of so many citizens. The Taoiseach will be aware of the increased traffic on public transport over the last number of years. The number of passengers being delivered by Dublin Bus have increased significantly year-on-year yet we are experiencing increased congestion and increased journey times. Many people are unable to get onto buses because they are full when they reach their bus stops. I recently received an email from a person who had to take the 7.50 a.m. bus on Ballyowen Road, going in the opposite direction, and get off at Penny Hill in order to get on the bus. This is the difficulty people are facing.

On a number of occasions, I have asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport - I am glad he is not here because the answers he has given me thus far are poor - what interim steps can be taken in 2018 and 2019 to improve this situation. The Minister's response references the budget, the mid-term capital review and so on. There has not been one specific proposal from the Minister to address the specific problem of increased journey times and increased difficulties getting on buses. All the Minister does is reference things that will happen in five or ten years, including metro north. I do not expect the Taoiseach to have an answer for me but will he liaise with the Minister to at least afford us some sort of a decent answer to allay the concerns of constituents?

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