Statement from the Department of Transport in response to Bus Éireann decision

The negative impact of Covid-19 on the public transport system has been mitigated by several Government decisions particularly:

• to substantially increase the 2020 budget for the existing PSO system, up to the value of €460 million (in addition to the €300m already provided), to enable the continuation of the normal and essential PSO services.

• to introduce new temporary financial support for certain licensed services provided by commercial bus operators; and

• enhancements to certain PSO bus services announced under the July Stimulus package.

• the Government Wage Subsidy Scheme for eligible employees.

While there were several Government decisions aimed at mitigating the negative impact of Covid 19 on the public transport system (including on eligible Bus Éireann routes) the board of Bus Éireann have today decided to consolidate the number of Expressway routes from 18 routes to 14. They have made it clear that this is a commercial decision.

The Minister for Transport has been assured that no redundancies will arise from the decisions, as all staff affected by the changes will be redeployed to new/enhanced services introduced under the Government’s July Stimulus Package. All of the Expressway corridors affected are served by other public transport options, including rail and other private bus operators. The NTA will consider whether some segments of the affected routes will require intervention to ensure adequate levels of connectivity continue. This will be done prior to these services ceasing operation.

The Government is committed to ensuring that essential transport services continue to be protected and supported. Services that provide vital regional and rural connections will continue to operate.

ENDS