Dublin Chamber has welcomed the publication of the revised redesign of Dublin’s bus network.

Published today by the National Transport Authority, the new Dublin Area Bus Network proposals represent a significant step forward in the delivery of a bus network that will deliver improved and consistent bus journey times throughout the city.

Dublin Chamber has now called for all stakeholders to engage constructively with the proposals with a view to ensuring modern Dublin gets the improved bus network it so badly requires.

Dublin Chamber CEO Mary Rose Burke said: “A world class bus network is essential for Dublin. It’s important that we don’t allow BusConnects to become a political football and that all stakeholders now look to offer constructive feedback on the revised design. This is vital if we are to achieve improved and more consistent journey times and entice more people to use public transport. The new draft plan may not be perfect, but the opportunity now exists for locals, businesses, elected officials and key stakeholders to have their say and help refine the plan.”

Dublin Chamber commended the NTA for listening and acting on public feedback regarding the first iteration of the BusConnects plan which was announced last summer.

Mary Rose Burke said: “Dublin badly needs an improved bus network. The potential is there for this new plan to drastically improve both the attractiveness and efficiency of the public transport network in Dublin. Making it easier to move around the city will help to improve quality of life, particularly for the tens of thousands of commuters who rely on bus services every day.”

Dublin Chamber said the roll-out of an improved bus service in Dublin is a key short-term solution to the city’s chronic congestion issues.

Ms Burke said: “In the medium to long term, the delivery of major projects such as MetroLink, the Dart Expansion Programme and an expansion of the Luas network are essential for Dublin. However, while we wait for those projects, the bus service will remain the backbone of the public transport system in Dublin. The network we have currently is no longer fit for purpose, resulting in inconsistent journey times and a generally un-compelling product offering for thousands of car users. If we’re serious about reducing the number of cars in Dublin, then a bus network that meets the needs of modern Dublin is essential.”