Announcement of bus contract to Go-Ahead will see better public transport for D15 residents – Varadkar

An Taoiseach and Fine Gael Dublin West TD, Leo Varadkar, has welcomed the announcement today (Thursday) by the National Transport Authority (NTA) that a preferred bidder, Go-Ahead, has been selected for the contract operating 24 orbital Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus routes in Dublin.

These 24 routes represent 10% of the Dublin metropolitan bus PSO market, with Dublin Bus operating the other 90% of routes.

The Taoiseach said “This is very welcome news for Dublin West. I was Minister for Transport when the National Transport Authority (NTA) took the decision to tender out these bus routes, and I was very supportive of it at the time and remain supportive now.

“As a result of this tendering, the volume of services will increase by 35% over what is currently offered and there will be increased punctuality requirements put in place. The 17a, 76a, 220, 236, 238, 239 and 270 routes directly serve Dublin 15, so this announcement will be of particular benefit to my constituents.”

The Taoiseach continued “It will take time for Go-Ahead to get fully set up but it is expected they will be operating all these routes by February 2019.

“While Go-Ahead will be operating the buses, matters such as fares, frequency and scheduling for the service will all be set by the National Transport Authority (NTA). These services will be fully integrated into the Leap Card and RTPI services and season tickets valid on Dublin Bus services will be valid on Go-Ahead services and vice-versa.

“Go-Ahead will be responsible for delivering the service to standards set by the NTA, and I am expecting the NTA will ensure that the highest standards possible in terms of punctuality and frequency are delivered.”