Public consultation launched on rapid bus plan

THE National Transport Authority has launched a public consultation on proposals for a new Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network for Dublin.

Full project details and response facilities are available at www.nationaltransport.ie.

Members of the public are invited to review the proposals for the

‘Swiftway’ project and submit their suggestions and feedback before the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday, March 18.

BRT is designed to be a high-quality, high-capacity, comfortable form of transport, offering multi-door vehicles, off-board ticketing and frequent services along key strategic corridors using a priority bus lane.

It offers the performance and service characteristics of a light-rail system like Luas, but at about a third of the cost. BRT services will connect with the existing bus, Luas and rail network in the city.

The NTA conducted feasibility studies and has identified three

“emerging preferred routes

? for BRT in Dublin:

?¢ Blanchardstown to UCD

?¢ Swords / Airport to City Centre

?¢ Clongriffin to Tallaght

These are indicative corridors for now, pending consultative input and further analysis. Maps and further details can be viewed online, or at a number of displays being hosted by the NTA in civic offices in Wood Quay, Blanchardstown, Swords, Coolock and Tallaght, and in the UCD restaurant building from now until March 14.

This current consultation introduces the concept of BRT to the public and shows people what it will look like and how it will work.

Once submissions have been received and analysed detailed route proposals and street plans will be produced for a second consultation in a few months’ time.

Later in 2014, the NTA will apply for permission to An Bord Pleanála for the Swords/Airport to City Centre scheme, with applications for the Blanchardstown to UCD and the Clongriffin to Tallaght schemes to follow in 2015.