*To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether competition between private operators and Dublin Bus is proving a successful model for providing improved public transport services for commuters in the Greater Dublin Area, in view of the recent termination of services by Circle Line Bus Company and if he will make a statement on the matter.- Paul Gogarty.
Reply:
Entry by bus operators to the Dublin market is currently governed by the Road Transport Act of 1932 for private operators and by the Transport Act of 1958 for Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to improving bus services under Transport 21 by reforming the bus licensing provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932, to facilitate the optimum provision of services by providing a level playing field for all market participants, both public and private.
It is my intention that proposals for a new bus licensing regime will be contained in the Public Transport Regulation Bill. At this stage it is too early to be precise on the detail of the proposals except to state the new bus licensing regime will be designed in a manner consistent with the new EU PSO Regulation. It is envisaged that the new licensing structure will apply in respect of all commercial bus services, including those provided by Dublin Bus and Bus Eireann, and that the powers to grant licences in the Greater Dublin Area will be given to the Dublin Transport Authority. The new Bill will also encompass provisions relating to the subvented bus market outside the Greater Dublin Area that are consistent with the EU PSO Regulation.
In drafting proposals for reform for inclusion in the new Bill, I will aim to establish:-
(1) a common licensing regime for commercial services, with clear criteria for the grant of licences, (2) a contracting regime for bus services in respect of public service obligations which are open, transparent and flexible, and (3) provisions for direct award services to Bus Eireann on the basis of open and transparent criteria in line with our EU obligations In the meantime applications for new bus licences and notifications from State bus operators will continue to be processed under the provisions of the Road Transport Act 1932, as amended, and the notification system with reference to the Transport Act 1958, as appropriate.
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