21st August 2017
NEW THREAT TO DUBLIN BUS
Dublin South West TD, Seán Crowe, has described the privatisation of 24 Dublin Bus routes as worrying and a threat to the overall bus network. The Sinn Féin TD’s remarks come after the announcement that a British commercial transport company, Go Ahead, will now be running 24 routes previously held by Dublin Bus, including 3 in the Dublin South West area. Deputy Seán Crowe said:
“The announcement of the privatisation of these 24 routes is a worrying development for Bus Átha Cliath and its workers, regular Dublin commuters, and for anyone living and dependent on public transport along these routes. “The announcement was expected but worryingly we still don’t what impact these private buses will have on services. We know that current fares for commuters will stay
the same, but we don’t know for how long. We know that the routes will stay the same, but we don’t know if it will impact on existing timetables. “We also don’t know if this will mean redundancies in Bus Átha Cliath but we do know it is likely that new drivers on the route will not get the same salary and work conditions as those that currently service the routes. “We do know that 10%
of the Dublin Bus routes are now being run by a foreign commercial transport agency and we do know there is nothing to stop the National Transport Authority (NTA) from increasing that percentage, or even privatising the entire fleet, as well as Bus Éireann. “Transport Minister Shane Ross is on record supporting the privatisation of bus services and he has the support of his Cabinet colleagues when it comes to privatisation. “Unfortunately private companies in the main have only one interest and that is in maximising their profit. They may articulate concern about passengers and commuters but the bottom line at end of the day it’s about making money. “Any public transport policy needs to be about providing a safe, reliable, affordable public service to ensure every citizen has access and a choice of transport in their local area. The current privatisation policy of bus routes is worrying and shifts the emphasis
CONT. PAGE 2
969 5266
Tallaght Stone Centre headstones crafted for all cemeteries
Tel: (01) 462 6200 Fax: (01) 462 6209
email: info@tallaghtstonecentre.ie web: tallaghtstonecentre.ie
Our Comprehensive Services Include:
♦ headstones ♦ inscriptions ♦ renovations ♦ chippings ♦ re-lettering ♦ counter tops ♦ house names ♦ granite estate signs
Belgard Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24.
LY Garden CHINESE TAKEAWAY
Tallaght:
UNIT 6, ST. DOMINIC’S SHOPPING CENTRE, TALLAGHT, D24
Tel 01 4590820 / 01 4590850
Ballyboden:
WHITECHURCH, BALLYBODEN, DUBLIN 16
Tel 01 4061002
OPENING HOURS: 5PM - 12AM MIDNIGHT - 7 DAYS DELIVERY HOURS: 5PM - 11.30PM - 7 DAYS