Minister unveils ninety new high-tech buses

THE Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Paschal Donohoe, was at Dublin Bus Central Control in Broadstone last week where he officially unveiled 90 new state-of the-art double decker buses that will operate on routes across Dublin.The minister’s visit also marked the announcement that Dublin Bus passenger numbers are up by 700,000 for the first half of this year.

Speaking at the unveiling Minister Donohoe said: “The investment in these new double decker buses demonstrates the Government’s ongoing commitment to providing enhanced public transport services and infrastructure.

“The bus is fast becoming a more attractive public transport option for many users. The delivery of 90 new vehicles, equipped with a range of enhanced features, will provide greater comfort and convenience for Dublin Bus customers and will contribute to providing a more sustainable mode of transport, particularly for commuting purposes.”

The minister added. “I also welcome the announcement by Dublin Bus that passenger numbers have increased by 700,000 in the first half of 2015.”

The 90 new buses are being funded by the Government’s capital programme through the National Transport Authority. The vehicles represent an investment of €34.7 million in the Dublin Bus fleet replacement programme.

The buses will replace older vehicles and will result in a more efficient, reliable fleet, with an average age of seven years. Equipped with a number of features that will improve the journey experience for drivers and customers alike, the new fully accessible vehicles have bilingual passenger information signs in the upper and lower saloons announcing the next bus stop, improved safety features with 12 colour cameras and a staircase CCTV monitor, wheelchair space with separate dedicated space for a child’s buggy and free Wi-Fi.

Dublin Bus Chief Executive, Ray Coyne, said they were delighted to welcome the minister to the unveiling.

“With the announcement today that passenger numbers are up by two per cent the importance of continually improving the Dublin Bus fleet and experience is clear,” he said. “We are committed to maintaining and improving our delivery of a quality bus service to the Greater Dublin region. The addition of these new buses to the fleet along with a number of other recent improvements including Real Time Passenger Information and free Wi-Fi has ensured the customer experience is always improving.”

The environmentally friendly additions to the fleet meet ‘Euro 6′ emission standards, consume less fuel and are quieter, meaning the whole community and not just customers and drivers will benefit from their arrival on Dublin’s roads.

The SG model buses are manufactured by Volvo Bus Corporation, Sweden, and the Wrights Group, Ballymena, Co Antrim. The vehicles began entering service in January and are operating on routes 13, 15, 27 and 40.

Dublin Bus said the new buses are a significant development in the provision of comfortable and sustainable public transport for the people of Dublin.