Síle de Valera (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The overall policy framework for the future of public bus transport operations was set out in the programme for Government and included the following specific commitments: the replacement of the Road Transport Act 1932 with modernised legislation to allow, inter alia, for new services in the bus market; further progress will be made on upgrading the bus fleet, providing bus priorities both in Dublin and other cities, and in increasing the level and frequency of service and the interchangeability of commuter tickets on bus and rail; and new services will be introduced both to some new housing developments and to existing poorly served communities.

Against the background of those commitments, the Minister has committed to modernising the regulatory framework governing public transport and the provision of bus services by both public and private operators, not only in Dublin, but nationally. In particular, at the launch of Transport 21, the Minister indicated he was convinced a new approach was needed to transport in the greater Dublin area, delivered through a single authority with the power to ensure joined up thinking and delivery across all transport modes. In addition, specific commitments to the funding of bus requirements are set out in Transport 21. A total of €532 million is provided for buses to serve the greater Dublin area and a further €241 million for services in the provincial cities. This provides immediate recognition that the bus network will continue to provide a very significant element of the public transport system for the foreseeable future, particularly in the initial years of Transport 21 when major rail and other infrastructure projects are under construction.

In pursuing an agenda for change for transport services both in the greater Dublin area and in the rest of the State, the Minister has had an extensive engagement with key stakeholders, including the CIE companies, the unions and representatives of private bus operators. That process, allied with the report of the establishment team he appointed to advise on the remit, structures and human resource requirements of the proposed Dublin transport authority, will inform the determination of the appropriate structures for a new framework for the future regulation and reform of the public transport market and the legislation necessary to support that framework.

The engagement of private sector bus operators in the provision of public transport services is governed by the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended. It has long been recognised that the Act is in need of significant reform so that the legislative provisions better reflect the realities of modem public transport services. The reform programme the Minister is pursuing will address that particular need. Bus route operations by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus are not licensed under the 1932 Act. The new legislation will address this issue and will focus on the delivery of a single licensing code that will establish a level playing field for both private and public service providers. In advance of the completion of the process for the passage of the proposed legislation, the Department will continue to promote improvements in the administration of the bus licensing service based on the principles of due process and fair procedures. In this regard, the Department continues to process applications or notifications for new or amended bus services received from both private and public bus operators under the existing regulatory regime.

As a consequence of the successful investments made in bus and rail under the national development plan, the public's expectations are changing and are more demanding than ever in respect of public transport. The proposals under development will address those demands by providing a way forward that will focus on achieving an appropriate balance between creating sufficient competitive tension to drive greater efficiency, effectiveness and value for money while, at the same time, maintaining the stability and integration of the bus network and the need to maintain social inclusion. The Minister hopes to publish legislation on public transport reform in the current year.