As summer approaches Dublin Bus should return to full service – Higgins

As the summer approaches Dublin Bus should return to a full service to ensure the safety of staff and passengers, Fine Gael TD for Dublin Mid-West Emer Higgins has said.

Deputy Higgins said: “With reports from the National Transport Authority of a surge in demand for public transport services in recent weeks, it makes sense for Dublin Bus to return to full time-tabled services.

“Back in January when we were in the depths of the third wave of the COVID-19 Coronavirus it made sense for Dublin Bus to reduce services in line with public health restrictions. The company took a responsible approach and operated a ‘Saturday Plus’ service on weekdays which is a Saturday timetable with additional buses at peak times.

“This ‘Saturday Plus’ approach was the right course of action and was in keeping with the public health advice to only undertake essential journeys and to remain within 5km of home save for essential reasons such as work or caring duties.

“Since the start of the gradual easing of restrictions after Easter, it’s now clear that demand for public transport is rising as the better weather and the public health advice mean more people are taking to the outdoors in their home county.

“However, with capacity restrictions of 25% still in place for Dublin Bus services we run the risk of leaving passengers behind including passengers travelling for work as well as for recreation.

“With summer only around the corner, Dublin Bus should return to a full timetable and, in doing so, avoid reaching capacity or the risk of over-crowded services and ultimately protect both staff and passengers,” concluded Deputy Higgins.