Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 139: To ask the Minister for Transport if the bus regulator due to be established under the proposed new Dublin Transport Authority will have the powers to direct Dublin Bus to amend existing bus routes and service levels on such routes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41006/06]

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As I indicated in my Press Statement of 28th September last, the Government has decided that the regulation of the bus market and future decisions on the allocation of all public subsidies for bus services in the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) will be taken by the new Dublin Transport Authority.

It is proposed that the Dublin Transport Authority will have responsibility for contracting with all operators in the Dublin market, including Dublin Bus. It will also be responsible for monitoring the quality and cost of service by all operators and ensuring value for money on all routes.

I envisage that the Dublin Transport Authority will be empowered to regulate public transport so as to ensure there is an efficient and integrated public transport network in the GDA which is responsive to public needs. This will involve organising the allocation of bus routes to operators in such a way as to maximise their prospect of efficient operation and the coherent development of the bus network.

Drafting of the Dublin Transport Authority Bill, which will set out the Authority's detailed powers in this regard, is at an advanced stage and the Bill will be published shortly.