Public Transport * Ireland - Deteriorates further as Bus Éireann implements Dempsey's Job Cuts

Dublin,Ireland -inishtrahoull.blogspot -20 January 2009: -- Bus Éireann, the national bus company and backbone of public transport in Ireland, is to cut 320 jobs, and its bus fleet will be reduced by 150 vehicles... In addition to the job cuts and reduction in its fleet, the plan also includes a pay freeze up to the end of 2009 as well as the deferring of payment of the terms of the Towards 2016 agreement... In 2007 Bus Éireann made a profit of € 7 million, but last year it had losses of € 9 million, and that figure was projected to reach € 30 million in 2009... The company says that "the unprecedented economic downturn" led to a 4% decrease in Bus Éireann customer numbers in 2008. It estimates that there will be a further 5% to 6% fall in passenger numbers in 2009...


* OPINION: Dublin Bus needs reform, not easy option of cutbacks

Dublin,Ireland -The Irish Times, by CIARÁN CUFFE -January 22, 2009: -- Sweeping changes to Dublin Bus’s routes and work practices are needed in order to attract more passengers and meet the needs of the capital... Dublin Bus requires radical reform to meet the needs of bus users... The company made a profit of €4.7 million in 2007, but lost €10 million last year and will lose €31 million this year unless action is taken... Last week management chose the easier option of service cutbacks instead of the reforms required to modernise the company. Buses play a valuable transport role and help cut carbon emissions but until they are a more attractive option Dublin Bus will struggle. The brand must be built on reliability, efficiency and punctuality...