Fine Gael commitment on choice and competition in the bus market gets the ‘go ahead’ – Brophy

Bus and Rail operator ‘Go-Ahead’has been announced as the winner of the tendering competition to operate 10% of Public Service Obligation bus services in Dublin (currently operated by Dublin Bus).

Fine Gael TD for Dublin South West, Colm Brophy, welcomed this progress in opening up the Dublin Bus market to competition, saying this is Fine Gael delivering on its commitment to provide more choice and competition for bus passengers.

“The introduction of competition into the Dublin Bus market is great news for commuters and is long overdue. Commuters in my own constituency are set to benefit with the 75, 76, 76A, 161 and the new route 175, included in this announcement.

“Fine Gael campaigned on a policy of increased choice and competition for bus passengers in the last election. We committed to this and we are now delivering on this commitment in government.”

The announcement today relates to 24 routes, 23 current Dublin Bus orbital routes (i.e. routes which do not go through the city centre) and one new route (Citywest to Dún Laoghaire).

“Passengers should be reassured that services will continue to be regulated by the National Transport Authority (NTA) so they can still use their LEAP card and Free Travel Pass, and also avail of Real Time Information when planning their journeys.

“This tendering competition is just the first of three competitions led by the NTA and which will ultimately result in approximately 10% of the current PSO services operated by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann being operated by operators chosen on the basis of a competitive tender.”

“Fine Gael is building a republic of opportunity where everyone has a fair chance to reach their full potential. A big part of this is ensuring that all regions of Ireland share prosperity and economic growth. The new bus contracts will provide choice and competition for passengers. The contracts will also provide for enhanced frequencies and strengthened punctuality targets, which means a better bus service for all, delivering value for money for the taxpayer. This is part of a policy to increase the quality of our public transport alongside increased funding for transport over the last two budgets.”