Improving Bus Usage

one event. Rather it could be a blended form, as in using public transport on occasions that suit and taking the car when it does not.

Switching to public transport has not caught the attention of the public to any great extent yet. Certainly, the initiative by the NTA on St Bridget’s weekend was a novel approach. It could be followed up by Local Authorities giving out a Leap card with some credit on it when motorists renew their motor tax, as a further move to incentivise people. The cost would not be huge and the payoff significant.

It’s clear that current Government policy, certainly influenced by the Green Party, is to make it more inconvenient to use the car. Additional cycle lanes are appearing at the expense of road space for motorists. The resultant slowing of traffic movement is not seen as an issue. Fair enough, if that’s the way it is to be, so be it. Unfortunately, some of this inconvenience is being felt by buses, inconveniencing bus passengers who are entitled to the similar respect and privileges as pedestrians and cyclist. They are contributing almost as much to carbon reduction. Even the worst diesel bus has a level of sustainability because of the number of car journeys it eliminates, plus it contributes to a reduction in congestion.

Focussing on parking facilities for tour buses and coaches on day trips is something that should be the responsibility of event organisers. In the last twelve months we have seen an improvement in parking facilities at major events. That’s a great start, but there is lots more room for improvement. Surely the planning for large sporting events and outdoor attractions should include parking provision for the convenience of people that decide to leave the car at home and take the bus? Currently, if someone decides to hire a bus to go to a sporting event, they are relying on the driver being lucky to get a parking spot. Even then, it could still involve people stepping out on to a muddy grass verge and walking through traffic, hoping to remember which side of the road the bus was parked on.

Green policies are essential, and reducing our carbon footprint is necessary, but shaming and forcing people out of their cars is not the best way forward. Bus and train services and routes are improving and there is now a lot more choice for people. The NTA has ambitious projects for public transport in the future, with some of those plans currently taking shape. In fact figures published at the end of February show that the numbers using public transport were almost back to pre-Covid levels for 2022, with the Luas showing an increase in numbers towards the end of the year.

These numbers will increase, but the reality is that anyone choosing to use public transport over the car will be inconvenienced, plus may end up paying more for the experience. It’s up to all concerned to minimise that inconvenience and cost as much as possible.

Text: Sean Murtagh - sean@fleet.ie