Transport boss admits motorists face delays as buses get priority

BUS priority plans for Dublin will result in longer journey times for private motorists, the National Transport Authority (NTA) has acknowledged.

Speaking at the Dáil Transport Committee, chief executive Anne Graham said the Bus Connects programme was designed to reduce bus journey times by up to 50pc, but changes would result in delays for private motorists accessing the city centre.

The plan is aimed at developing 230km of dedicated bus lane and 200km of cycle-paths across the city, which will require some roads to become one-way, new bus-only sections being introduced and traffic changes made for private cars.

Ms Graham (inset, with Transport Minister Shane Ross) said levels of congestion were “undermining” attempts to deliver a “fast, reliable and predictable” bus service.

“The proposals we’re putting forward are about giving priority to public transport, which means space won’t be available to provide (for) car users. That may result in longer journeys for those using their car.

“But we are about improving bus priority. We wouldn’t be proposing something that would make it worse for buses,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mr Ross has said establishment of a Garda unit to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour on public transport is a matter for Garda Commissioner Drew Harris.

He said additional funding for security measures had been allocated after unions raised concerns about spikes in anti-social behaviour.