Deirdre Clune (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 218: To ask the Minister for Transport the current usage of public transport; the targets he has for the future use of public transport; the steps taken to encourage the use of public transport; the impact the reduction of Bus Éireann services is expected to have on this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2428/10]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The mode share of public transport as a means of travel to work is approximately 9%. Significant investment continues to be made in the delivery of enhanced public transport infrastructure. Over €600m in Exchequer capital has been provided in 2010 to progress rail, light rail, metro and traffic management projects. The Cork Commuter rail project and the Luas extension to the Docklands were completed in 2009. In 2010 the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor, the Kildare Route Project and phase 1 of the Navan Line will be completed. In addition, Real Time Passenger Information for bus services will be rolled out in Dublin and Cork. Good progress also continues to be made in the delivery of Integrated Ticketing. These developments combined with progress in the planning of projects such as Metro North and DART Underground will continue the process of delivering high quality public transport.

In addition, the Government's sustainable transport policy, SMARTER Travel, envisages a significant increase in public transport usage and in cycling and walking in preference to the private car. However, in the current difficult economic climate, it must be recognized that public services need to be delivered in as cost efficient and effective manner as possible. Bus Éireann and the other CIÉ companies will have to take measures to address reduced revenue and ensure their continued financial stability. These measures, combined with investment in public transport infrastructure, will provide a basis for a high quality and economically sustainable public transport system.