Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 292: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will allow taxi drivers use the contra-flow bus lanes as well as the ordinary bus lanes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22705/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The primary purpose of bus lanes is to facilitate and promote bus based public transport.

The use of bus lanes is provided for in the Road Traffic (Traffic & Parking) Regulations 1997 and 1998. The regulations, which have national application, generally limit the use of bus lanes to buses and, in the case of with-flow bus lanes, to cyclists also.

Having regard to the role of taxis in providing an on-street immediate hire service, an exemption to the restriction relating to the use of with-flow bus lanes is allowed in respect of taxis when they are being used in the course of business.

Regulations provide that only a large public service vehicle can enter a contra-flow bus lane. This prohibition and single user status is based on road safety considerations and to give priority to the operation of large public service vehicles.

There are no plans to permit taxis to use all bus-lanes.