Dublin South West TD, John Lahart, says he has called on the National Transportation Authority (NTA) to reverse its decision to cut the direct bus link from parts of Knocklyon, Scholarstown, Ballyboden and Ballycullen to UCD as part of its changes to bus schedules set to be introduced on the November 26.
Deputy Lahart also said he has asked them to maintain the direct bus link from parts of Tallaght with the IADT College in Dun Laoghaire.
The proposed S8 and S6 routes bypass these areas significantly, under the proposed Bus Connects route changes, this vital connection to both UCD and IADT will cease to exist, creating a connectivity gap that particularly affects residents in Knocklyon and parts of Tallaght.
“It’s just bonkers”, said Deputy Lahart, who has been deluged with complaints from students and parents and other affected commuters.
“There is a direct link to UCD with the current 175 and to IADT with the current 75. What’s needed is an improvement to both bus routes – what they’ve done, without consulting those who rely on the service, is they’ve forced commuters who have grown used to a direct bus link, to now have to make a connection to another bus route, mainly at peak times.
“I have serious issues with this.”
“I flagged this early last week directly to the NTA – they have responded but their response simply justifies the changes being made.
“I have written today to the CEO of the NTA, Anne Graham, and I have also taken the matter up directly with the Minister for Transport.
“I cannot fathom the change – when an improvement is needed. Young people are under enough pressure without the addition of a convoluted commute.
“And after all the government is doing to promote the use of public transport, through fare reductions; the least you would expect is that commuters would be asked for their say.”
Deputy Lahart says he is calling for people to sign an online petition to save the direct 75 & 175 Bus Links to UCD and IADT at the link below.