Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Some Dublin Bus routes will be subject to tendering. Sam Boal/Photocall Ireland
change please

These bus routes are among over 20 to be privatised in 2016

Over 20 routes operated by Dublin Bus, as well as some Bus Éireann services will be open to private operators as part of a tendering process.

Updated 9.52 PM

OVER 20 ROUTES operated by Dublin Bus, as well as some Bus Éireann services are to be privatised, the National Transport Authority has confirmed.

The decision means that the routes will be subject to a new tendering process which will be open to both existing and outside operators.

The NTA say that some of the routes affected include orbital routes in Dublin like the 75, which operates between Tallaght and Dun Laoghaire, the 17 between Rialto and Blackrock,

Local routes, like the 33b between Swords and Portrane, the 63 between Dun Laoghaire and Kiltiernan and the 270 between Blanchardstown and Dunboyne.

According the NTA, some Dublin commuter routes into Leinster will also come under the scheme, as well as a number of Waterford routes.

imageThe Dublin routes open to private operators from 2016. (Source National Transport Authority)

The decision was made following a consultation process which discussed the principle of direct award contracts. The results of the process are available on the NTA website.

In the report of the consultation process it is clear that there was opposition to the proposal from a number of unions including SIPTU, the National Bus and Rail Union (NRBU) and Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Bus Éireann themselves voiced their opposition to their proposals as did Sinn Féin.

Forfás, Chambers Ireland and Aircoach made submissions in favour of the proposals with Aircoach urging the the NTA to proceed with the proposals immediately.

Bus Éireann

Following the NTA’s decision, Bus Éireann say they will participate in the tendering process on the new open routes.

The company used the opportunity to reiterate their belief that opening up the market could have “unintended consequences” and said that that the practice internationally has led to “a reduction in the quality and frequency of services”.

Additional reporting by Daragh Brophy

Read: Leap Card users will pay no more than €10 a day >

Read: Train, bus and Luas fares to increase from next week >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
79
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.