Bus Connects needs to be reviewed given driver shortage, Reilly says

Independent councillor for Ballymun- Finglas and chair of the Traffic and Transport SPC at Dublin City Council has said that the National Transport Authority (NTA) needs to seriously review the implementation of Bus Connects due to a “chronic lack” of drivers.

Speaking today, Reilly said: “The number one issue residents in Ballymun and Finglas have contacted me in the last week about has been buses not showing up or being late in the mornings and evenings.

“This has meant people are late for work and children late for school and then they cannot get home.

“The last bus at night-time has been cancelled altogether on regular occasions. This is not acceptable for people.

“We are trying to encourage everyone to use public transport and leave the car at home but how can they if there is a chance the buses will not show up.

“This is affecting both Dublin Bus and Go-ahead which operate several routes in Ballymun and Finglas.”

Reilly says both service providers are struggling to hire new drivers and why this is happening needs to be addressed.

“I would have serious concerns about the implementation of Bus Connects if we cannot attract drivers for our current routes.

“Adding more buses onto to this is only going to put greater pressure on the service,” she says.

“We need a fully reliable public transport system in Dublin as so many people rely on it.

“But if we are also genuine about getting people out of the cars and into buses then we need to make sure they have confidence in what is being delivered and that is not there now.”