Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is true we have challenges in getting bus drivers and mechanics across all networks and all bus operators. We are addressing that. Availability of mechanics is very tight. As with many of the systems in our economy, we are at full employment. It is a challenge but we are addressing that. When bus passengers feel frustrated where a bus is cancelled, there is an immediate regulatory tool to impose fines and make sure the public service standards that have been set, are met. The other key element of this, to really make our system work, is the reallocation of road space to improve the speeds of buses so that the driver and passengers all have a much faster journey time. This improves efficiency and service for everyone. That is going to be the key arbiter of whether we are successful in rolling out public transport in the coming years. That requires local political commitment and difficult decisions. Taking road space is contentious and not easy but it is the only way to go. We are starting to do that at scale in all our cities and throughout the country. That is going to be the key measure of success.

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