Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Transport further to his proposals to open up the bus market, the way in which it is intended to manage the use of bus stops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24229/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The power to determine the location of bus stops is vested in the Garda Commissioner under section 85 of the Road Traffic Act 1961. Under that section, the Commissioner may issue a direction to a bus operator identifying the specific location of bus stops and termini in respect of any bus route and in that context may determine that certain stops may only be used for passengers boarding or leaving buses. I understand that the gardaí engage in a consultation process with both the local authority and the bus service provider before issuing a direction under section 85.

Before a passenger licence is granted to a private operator for the provision of a public bus service in accordance with the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended, my Department requires the operator to submit to my Department the approval of the Garda Síochána for bus stops proposed on public roads, and/or approval from relevant institutions or bodies e.g. Airport Authority, College, etc., for proposed stops on private property.

In the context of modernising the regulatory framework governing public transport and the provision of bus services by both public and private operators to which I am committed, the possible need for reform of the arrangements in relation to the provision and management of bus stops will also be considered. I will finalise my consideration of how best to proceed with public transport reform and further market opening in the context of the institutional structures recommended by the team appointed to finalise the remit, structures and human resource requirements of the proposed Dublin Transport Authority. I would hope to be in a position to publish legislation on the matter in the current year.