Examiner Article Transport 21

Date: 19 May 2008

Noel Dempsey TD
Minister for Transport

Transport 21 – the most significant investment ever in Ireland’s transport infrastructure – is well underway. Between 2006 and 2015, €34 billion is being invested in the transformation of our national road, rail, tram, metro, bus and regional airport links. In 2006 and 2007, Transport 21 invested €4.7 billion in modernising the transport network, and this year almost €3 billion funding has been allocated. Public transport is a key focus of Transport 21 and close to €1 billion is being invested in this alone in 2008.

But this isn’t just about the figures. Transport 21 is giving people greater choice, making life easier for commuters, and facilitating business across the country. And, importantly, Transport 21 is focussed on delivering a more accessible and inclusive public transport system, for all customers.

Transport 21 funding has already allowed Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, and Iarnród Éireann make significant accessibility improvements to their services. New accessible carriages, platforms, stations and buses have been delivered, benefitting public transport users with mobility or sensory impairments. These improvements complement the ongoing and planned significant expansion of Luas services in the Greater Dublin Area.

Transport 21 funding has helped Bus Éireann to completely convert their fleet to low floor wheelchair accessible buses on city and suburban services in Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford. This is a significant benefit to public transport accessibility for wheelchair users. These improvements, coupled with the introduction of new routes – such as the new No 10A and No 16 in Cork City – are improving the Bus Éireann service for all customers.

In addition, accessible coaches will enter the Bus Éireann fleet for the first time. These are comprised of accessible single deck, double deck, and Commuter and Expressway coaches. There has also been extensive refurbishment of Bus Éireann bus stations in order to make them more accessible.

70% of the Dublin Bus fleet is low-floor wheelchair accessible. This will rise to 78% by the end of 2008, and 100% by 2012. Standard features of the Dublin Bus fleet now include kneeling suspension, which reduces the entry step height, retractable ramps, improved grip bars, priority space for wheelchair users, and wider gangways within the vehicles. A further 22 routes were designated low floor wheelchair accessible by Dublin Bus at the end of March. This was made possible by Transport 21 investment and the Dublin Bus fleet replacement programme.

50 new triaxle buses, part-funded by Transport 21, are now in use across the Dublin Bus network. These new buses have further accessibility features including a kneeling ramp which facilitates ease of access to the vehicle for wheelchair users. The bottom deck also has more space for wheelchair users. And, a significant added benefit of these new buses is that they are larger than standard vehicles and can carry 33 more passengers – a big plus for us all.

These fleet improvements are significant. Coupled with the Dublin Bus Travel Assistance Scheme, a free service which offers practical advice on using public transport and the option to have a trained assistant meet and travel with you on your chosen route, Transport 21 is delivering real benefits for all public transport users in the Greater Dublin Area.

A programme to upgrade the accessibility of bus stops in Dublin is on-going. Among other things, this involves the installation of raised kerbing to facilitate near level boarding from low-floor buses, removing the need to use ramps. This improves passenger safety, and allows for quicker and easier boarding for people with mobility or visual impairments, as well as parents with children and buggies. To date, 1,200 bus stops in Dublin have been upgraded, 25% of the total number. Bus stops are also being upgraded in the Greater Dublin Area, and in the provincial cities, in conjunction with the introduction of Quality Bus Corridors and Green Routes.

The accessibility of Iarnród Éireann services has also been improved significantly. The design of the new Intercity carriages was developed in accordance with international accessibility standards, and with advice from the Iarnród Éireann User Group. This advisory group includes People with Disabilities in Ireland (PwDI), the Irish Wheelchair Association, the National Council for the Blind of Ireland, Irish Guide Dogs, DeafHear and the National Council for Aging and Older People.

These accessible Intercity carriages have dedicated wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets as well as a range of other features. The new trains also have comprehensive public information systems using audio and visual displays. The Iarnród Éireann User Group also assisted in the development of a guide to all stations in the rail system, using symbols instead of text with specific colour-schemes for use by the visually impaired.

Many Iarnród Éireann stations have undergone major accessibility refurbishment and a programme of improvements in that regard is continuing. This includes upgrades of ramps and the introduction of accessible toilets and electric release gates giving access to platforms.

Of course, staff training and awareness is an integral part of developing an open and accessible public transport service. 4,300 full and part-time staff and contractors have undergone Bus Éireann’s Disability Awareness Training Programme. Dublin Bus staff have also completed a disability awareness course, and a DVD for drivers of low-floor buses was produced to outline the new features of the fleet.

The time for short-term solutions to transport planning is over. Transport 21 is a long-term approach. It is delivering the type of transport networks that Ireland will need – not just for today, but for the years ahead. Accessibility is a key focus. The needs of transport users, especially those with a sensory or mobility impairment, are being accommodated. Transport 21 is ensuring a greater freedom of movement – for everyone – within Ireland.

Much has been delivered; much more is on the way.

Ends.