Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We know that Dublin's buses operate on very strict timetables and that reliability is a key element of operating a bus service but safety also needs to be a consideration. To keep delays to a minimum, we often hear of cases of bus drivers pulling away from bus stops five or ten seconds after passengers board but for individuals with mobility or balance issues, like those public transport users with cerebral palsy, this can be extremely dangerous and distressing. While I acknowledge the importance of keeping these buses on schedule, I would like the Tánaiste's support in emphasising how crucial that extra five or ten seconds can be for someone with cerebral palsy or a balance issue and to increase awareness of the just a minute, JAM, card initiative, which signals that a person may need a little more time or understanding. I also ask him to intervene with the Minister for Transport and the NTA to make additional driver training be made available so that it becomes standard practice for drivers to wait until any person using a JAM card is safely seated or stable before the bus moves off. We want to encourage everyone to use public transport, including vulnerable passengers, but we need to strike a balance between efficiency and compassion. I thank Colin Dempsey, a transition year student from Pobalscoil Iosolde in Palmerstown for raising this and educating me on this issue.

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