Green Party TD Roderic O’Gorman has said that Dublin 15 commuters are being “deprived” of “vital information” about their bus journeys.
During a recent transport committee meeting with the National Transport Authority, the Green Party leader told the NTA about the issues facing Dublin 15 commuters.
Specifically, O’Gorman raised the issue of the real-time information screen being turned off at bus stops.
O’Gorman noted that in Blanchardstown village, the two monitors have remained out of service for over three months.
“When I raised this with the NTA, I learned that the disruption was due to a newly introduced regulation” he explained.
“These real-time information screens, or bus screens as they are commonly called, are connected to the county council’s public lighting network. In Fingal’s case, this means the screens depend on the local authority’s power supply.”
O’Gorman noted that the recent decision to switch them off stems from a recently introduced county-level regulation.
As a result, the NTA must now apply to the ESB to have these monitors connected to the main electricity grid.
”As is often the case with government processes, approvals and action can take considerable time to materialise,” he stated.
“What concerns me most is how this decision was made by the county councils and the NTA, with little consultation or forewarning. This rule may soon affect commuters in other counties as well.”
O’Gorman raised the question with Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, who concurred that the situation which is unfolding in Dublin 15 is “regrettable.”
The Minister criticised the lack of clarity and communication regarding the current state of events.
“Without a transparent plan, our public transport infrastructure risks further disruption; the committee agreed to seek further details and push for greater transparency,” O’Gorman said.
Dáil committee meetings and vague promises from a Minister does not change the reality for everyday commuters in Dublin 15, however.
O’Gorman noted that while mobile apps are useful for consumers, not everyone has access to a smartphone or the know-how to use such technology.
“Real-time transport information is not simply a convenience; it is an essential accessibility feature that ensures public transport remains open and inclusive for all,” the Green TD said.
“I do welcome some of the proposals put forward by the NTA to address the electricity issue, including the possibility of connecting the monitors to solar panels or battery systems. Such renewable energy solutions would be a positive step, both for the environment and for keeping costs down.”
“I will continue to pursue this issue to ensure that agencies and government bodies prioritise commuters and that any disruption is kept to a minimum,” he said.