Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 78: To ask the Minister for Transport the additional buses he has agreed to grant to Dublin Bus in view of the company's expansion plans contained in its recent network review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21940/06]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 154: To ask the Minister for Transport the reasons he has not yet sanctioned the funding for 200 buses requested by Dublin Bus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21973/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 78 and 154 together.

My Department is currently considering an application from Dublin Bus for funding for 200 additional buses to be delivered in 2006 and 2007. The application is being considered in the context of Transport 21, the bus network review completed recently by Dublin Bus and the bus market reform process. I will make a decision on the application having regard to the outcome of my deliberations on the reform of the bus market, which I intend to conclude in the coming weeks.

Gerard Murphy (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 79: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will provide details on the proposed installation of GPS systems on Bus Éireann services; when this system will be installed; the cost of same; his views on its introduction on all forms of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21925/06]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 94: To ask the Minister for Transport if his attention has been drawn to the progress made to date in relation to the introduction of real time information on all forms of public transport; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21930/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 79 and 94 together.

Bus Éireann and Bus Átha Cliath are both proceeding with the introduction of automatic vehicle location technology.

On 30 April 2006 Bus Éireann announced it is to roll out satellite navigation based automatic vehicle location technology across its entire fleet of 700 vehicles, enabling customers across the country to access real time information on arrivals on the Web — via text message and at bus stations. Bus Eireann have informed me that this development represents an investment of €4.2 million.

Bus Éireann have also informed me that the first phase of the roll-out will commence in September 2006 on selected Expressway services to and from Dublin. Full nationwide roll-out will start in 2007 on all Expressway and Commuter coaches across the country and on city buses in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.

In addition in April, Bus Átha Cliath commenced a public procurement for an Automatic Vehicle Location and Control system. This is to be introduced over a 5-year period on a depot-by-depot basis and will also facilitate the introduction of Real Time Passenger Information. Both Irish Rail and Luas already deploy real time information systems.

Further consideration will be given to the future direction of integrated real time information strategy when institutional arrangements, particularly in the Greater Dublin Area, are clarified.