Bus Éireann has been accused of attempting to “push” private bus operators like CityLink out of business “in an effort to gain control of the total market share”.
This is the view of Fine Gael Sen Fidelma Healy Eames, who has made allegations that Bus Éireann is “flooding CityLink routes” with buses “purposely timed” to arrive in advance of the private operator, “thus maximising pick-up by the State-owned firm”.
She also alleged that Bus Éireann buses are “stopping with the rear of the bus extending into the middle of the road” to prevent traffic and other buses “from overtaking and picking up at the following stop”.
Sen Healy Eames said that all this is having an affect on commuters. She reported how one constituent told her that he has now has to hitch-hike between buses.
“He has even taken to hiding bikes in bushes to assist him to get to bus stops en-route where he might catch a bus to bring him further on his way,” she said.
Sen Healy Eames also said the bus licensing system as it stands is “antiquated and restrictive” and it must be reformed as it “means the State continues to retain its stranglehold on public transport. Bus routes must be opened up and private operators given room to breathe.”
