Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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288. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport where follow-up customer satisfaction surveys have already been carried out in relation to BusConnects, where they are planned to be carried out; when they will be published and reported on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25400/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

As you will be aware Deputy, BusConnects is critical to improving the passenger experience, and has already achieved significant success in transforming Dublin’s public transport network. In the latest progress report, published in July 2024, comparisons were made between network redesign phases 1 to 5a before launch, from quarter 4 of 2019, and after launch, from quarter 4 of 2023.

The programme has led to a substantial increase in service levels, and customer satisfaction research carried out shows that phases 1 to 4 of the network redesign project are positively rated by users. The research shows that 80% of users are satisfied with the service and 49% reported that the service is now better.

The NTA and the Department of Transport will continue collaborating with operators and customers to enhance the punctuality and reliability of services throughout the Network Redesign.

In light of the NTA’s responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.

Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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289. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if there are any modifications planned with BusConnects customer satisfaction results in mind; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25401/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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As Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for policy and overall funding in relation to public transport; however, I am not involved in the day-to-day operations of public transport. The National Transport Authority (NTA) has statutory responsibility for securing the provision of public passenger transport services nationally and for the scheduling and timetabling of these services in conjunction with the relevant transport operators.

As you will be aware Deputy, BusConnects is critical to improving the passenger experience, and has already achieved significant success in transforming Dublin’s public transport network.

The Government approved the Preliminary Business Case for infrastructure investment in Q2 2022, allowing BusConnects Dublin to enter the planning system. The NTA subsequently submitted the planning applications for all sixteen proposed Core Bus Corridors (CBC) bundled as twelve schemes to An Bord Pleanála from April 2022 to August 2023. Since December 2023, An Bord Pleanála has approved eleven schemes – including the Bray to City Centre Scheme which was approved with conditions in January 2025.

The Bray to City Centre Core Bus Corridor Scheme will support integrated sustainable transport usage through infrastructure improvements for active travel and the provision of enhanced bus priority measures for all services who will use the corridor.

In the latest progress report, published in July 2024, comparisons were made between network redesign phases 1 to 5a before launch, from quarter 4 of 2019, and after launch, from quarter 4 of 2023.

The programme has led to a substantial increase in service levels, and customer satisfaction research carried out shows that phases 1 to 4 of the network redesign project are positively rated by users. The research shows that 80% of users are satisfied with the service and 49% reported that the service is now better.

The NTA and the Department of Transport will continue collaborating with operators and customers to enhance the punctuality and reliability of services throughout the Network Redesign.

Overall, BusConnects will transform bus services in our cities, allowing passengers to travel more conveniently, quickly and sustainably.

In light of their responsibility in this area, I have forwarded the Deputy's question to the NTA for direct reply. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within ten working days.