Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Transport if CIE has submitted a programme to him for the implementation of operational efficiencies, improved timetabling and co-ordination as highlighted in the Deloitte report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45961/09]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann report regularly on progress made in the implementation of the recommendations of the Deloitte report on the cost and efficiency review of Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann.

In line with the recommendations of the report and taking account of the need to reduce its operating deficit, Dublin Bus is redesigning its network based on the most recent pattern of demand and on reducing the number of variations of bus routes. It is also working on eliminating unnecessary duplication of services, creating even headways to improve reliability and reduce the potential for "bunching" of services.

Dublin Bus has commenced the roll-out of its automatic vehicle location, AVL, system and full implementation on the Dublin Bus fleet is expected to be completed towards the end of 2010. The information from the AVL system will be used on the real time passenger information, RTPI, units which are being procured and managed by Dublin City Council. In 2010, prior to installation of on-street signage, Dublin Bus will commence provision of RTPI on the Internet and on mobile telephones.

Bus Éireann is engaged with Pobal, the HSE, the Irish Wheelchair Association, the Department of Education and my Department in co-ordinating the better integration of various services provided by Bus Éireann, the rural transport programme and the HSE. Pilot projects currently under way will be evaluated with a view to mainstreaming across the country.

Bus Éireann has also expanded the use of double deck buses and coaches and have undertaken a "Use the Bus" type marketing campaign to increase passenger numbers

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Vast areas of the greater Dublin area have no bus or rail transport whatsoever due to the expansion of the city in recent years. Approximately 200,000 more people are living in the greater Dublin area and a significant number of them will not have a choice from Dublin bus. In discussing timetabling and accountability from CIE and, in particular, Iarnród Éireann, does the Minister accept that recent timetable changes were introduced on the northern line without consultation with passengers, trains are taking longer to get to Dublin and more stops are being made for longer periods of time? Notwithstanding the millions spent on improving that railway line, eight speed restrictions remain on it. Fares north of Balbriggan are almost twice what they are south of Balbriggan. Serious inequities exist for travellers from Drogheda and Laytown. Will the Minister ensure that something is done about this immediately by CIE and its companies?

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The point made by the Deputy on bus services is precisely the finding of the Deloitte report. Bus services have not changed substantially over the past 70 years and vast areas have grown up that are not serviced by regular bus services. This is what implementation of the Deloitte report is designed to try to counteract. Changes to timetables are operational matters for the company. I will bring the Deputy's concerns to the attention of Iarnród Éireann.