Putting large amounts of funding into public transport is great but useless if it doesn’t work. With Bus Connects there is no mechanism to check is it working effectively, it has fallen far short as it is working against the principles of planning. Will the same happen with the rail network at such a massive cost from which the country’s public transport network may never recover. There is still time to prevent this happening are we too proud to do so and save public transport. There are now too many buses in the wrong place and far short where they are needed. This at a time when so many new houses are being built over the next two decades in Dublin’s New towns.
Why spend over ten times more to get users into the centre on a rail system that we already have by forcing up to half of them to go via centre unnecessary to get back out to an outer destination This requires more trains, more station space, uses up seat capacity, greatly adds to commuters travel day, places trains in wrong location and leaves half city rail network idle, so much waste.
When all this can be put right at ten times less cost, serving ten a bigger area including all new towns in half the time and fully serving the city centre far better, by putting in the One new rail line in best location that will increase rail usage by up to ten-fold and ease M50 congestion. It will more than double train numbers on Dundalk line. It also has potential to facilitate future train lines into Dublin on Motorway rail concept.
Three main reasons for public transport to be effective. The 1st reason is to get people to work as time is important, their day is long even for locals but more so for long distant users. 2.nd reason is to reduce traffic congestion and the problems associated with this. 3.rd To aids economy with more spending power with less cars per house. All this can only be done by putting bus and rail vehicles in the best locations.
Suiting users is most important in public transport. It also applies to everything else. Direct access is vital for fast access. Uncertainly biggest problem in public transport, adds to delays, buses not turning up, traffic delays, passing full. Changing is major problem it adds to travel times; Blind changing is the bigger problem for users where users are not sure of next bus. Changing are a big problem in rail stations, undergrounds different rail gauge and linking buses. These changing problems can now be addressed. 1. Use same rail gauge, 2. Island platforms in station where users change to train beside them using same platform without crossing rail line. This is very important for saving time, for disability users and users with luggage and children.
Orbital routes in present set up are useless, just tokens no linking and no direct linking, containing all the transport problems mentioned already, Its convenient planning. All these problems can be addressed with HUB system where all orbitals’ routes link up at set times.
Night services. Another token system. Only available to half the population, not for women. Reduces buses from high night usage events where badly needed. This can be addressed with another new concept bus/Taxi system that would greatly benefit both men and woman.
Work practices. With trains serving early flights allows for more flexible working where people can go to work very early and finish early using off peak trains for more effective transport usage. Interchange. Public transport Interchange at Custom House Quay at zero cost for bus, Luas network and rail linkage, benefiting all users, visitors, tourists and disable users. One rail line in best location self-financing on M50 the most important rail line for all Ireland. Contraflow Bus Lane on Quays most important for buses. G-Link circular city centre Luas. Equal Cycling Priority most important for cycling. All addressed in Newtown transport plan.