Fine Gael National Press Office Press Release

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Donohoe proposes new transport plan for Dublin as car use soars

As a new survey shows that 3,300 more cars are coming into Dublin city centre than four years ago, Fine Gael Seanad Transport Spokesman and Dublin Central candidate Senator Paschal Donohoe has put forward simple but effective proposals to improve public transport in the city.

"The Government's attempts to encourage more commuters to use public transport have clearly failed. The city is now grinding to a halt, with further chaos likely if the bus strike goes ahead. Traffic congestion is strangling the city's commercial and social life. Congestion is costing Dublin's businesses at least €650 million a year.

"We need simple and effective steps to get the city moving again in the short term, especially if work on Metro North gets underway.

"New bus routes must be opened up in areas with a new or growing population. Dublin Bus and private operators must both be eligible to bid for these services. No passenger should have to wait any more than 15 minutes for a bus.

"The city's co-ordinated traffic light system must be extended right across the city to ensure that traffic flows can be controlled across the region.

"The new Dublin transport authority must be fast-tracked to provide centralised planning and traffic management in the immediate future.

"Integrated ticketing has been introduced in a cost-effective manner in other countries. There is no reason why it cannot be some cheaply and efficiently in Dublin, and in the near future. Yet the Government's own plans have stalled after spending millions of euros with nothing to show.

"The much-hyped live information system for Dublin Bus, which has still not been implemented, should be rolled out to encourage new passengers to use buses.

"As a city already suffering from serious congestion, Dublin simply cannot afford for further rises in car use. If the Government won't come up with measures, then Fine Gael certainly will."