Dublin Bus has announced plans to radically overhaul all bus routes across the city in the coming months in a bid to make its service more efficient.
The changes are intended to bring to an end the significant fall in revenue which has hit the company since the start of the economic crisis.
Speaking on the changes, Dublin Bus chief executive Joe Meagher said: “The review of the Dublin Bus network was undertaken so that all of our customers could benefit from more direct, regular, frequent and reliable services operating on a network that is simpler and easier to understand.”
He continued: “We understand that change presents challenges. But it also presents us with a great opportunity – to re-design and modernise our network so that we can meet the needs of our customers, not only for today but also for the years ahead.”
The first phase of the Dublin Bus ‘Network Direct’ project will involve the rerouting of services “in the Blanchards-town, Lucan and Stillorgan areas and is due to take place in the summer,” the company said in a statement.
“When fully implemented, Network Direct will provide a route network that is simpler and easier to understand, with more direct, regular, frequent and reliable services.”
While pleading with customers for their understanding, Dublin Bus said the changes would have significant benefits to customers, including “more direct routes, more regular and frequent services, and increased and enhanced cross city and orbital connections.”
In response to the announcement, Labour’s deputy leader and spokesperson on finance has urged Dublin Bus to consult local communities before implementing the changes.
“It’s important that local communities are properly consulted about changes to bus routes to ensure that people aren’t needlessly inconvenienced,” said Joan Burton TD.
“In general, what people are most concerned about is getting into town as quickly as possible and with the least hassle possible. It’s important that the redesign of the bus network reflects this.”
Burton added that she would like to see “the roll-out of real-time bus information so that when people are at a bus stop, they know how long they will have to wait. This happens on the train and on the Luas; there’s no reason why it can’t happen on all Dublin Bus routes.
“A small change like this could revolutionise the way people use buses and could significantly boost traffic numbers.”
She added: “I would say to anyone who is concerned about losing out through these changes to consult the Dublin Bus website and get in touch with me if they are unhappy in any way. I would also encourage people to attend one of the local information meetings that Dublin Bus has committed to holding.”
