Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 69: To ask the Minister for Transport the budget that will be provided in 2005 for the purchase of new buses by Dublin Bus; if there is a standard frequency of service required on new quality bus corridors; and if the rollout of quality bus corridors in Dublin is being restricted by the lack of new buses to provide such levels of service. [15654/05]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that Dublin Bus intends to purchase 70 new replacement buses, including 20 high capacity tri-axle buses, in 2005. Exchequer funding of €1.2 million is being provided towards the cost of these buses. The new tri-axle buses will provide 20% more passenger carrying capacity than double deck buses.

Significant Exchequer investment has been made in Dublin Bus in recent years. However, there has also been significant investment made to date under the NDP in other modes such as Luas, suburban rail lines and the DART. In light of the significant expansion of rail capacity and considering demographic changes in the city, the management of Dublin Bus is examining whether capacity on certain corridors might be better utilized to meet growing demand elsewhere. I am awaiting the outcome of this review.

I have been advised by the Dublin Transportation Office that the specification for a QBC includes the expected average passenger wait time of 3 minutes at a bus stop. My Department has allocated €40 million for traffic management to the Dublin Transportation Office in 2005. QBCs account for a significant proportion of the funding under this scheme. I understand the traffic management grants committee of the Dublin Transportation Office is currently prioritising the list of QBCs with a view to ensuring that the full allocation of funding, which has been provided, will be drawn down in the course of 2005.

I foresee an expansion in the bus market in the greater Dublin area in the coming years, involving participation by Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus and private operators. In this regard, my Department is currently in discussions with the parties concerned on the appropriate framework to give effect to such expansion.