Unions are expected to be told next week that a new regulator will have to approve fare increases on CIÉ services in future under changes planned in a new bill.
The main unions at CIÉ are set to meet senior Department of Transport officials next week to discuss reform of the bus market. Among the unions taking part are SIPTU, the National Bus and Rail Workers Union (NBRU) and the Transport Salaried Staffs' Association (TSSA).
It is possible, according to sources, that a new public transport regulator, known as the public transport commission, could be announced as soon as late July.
Department officials are anxious to replace the 1932 Road Transport Act with new legislation which allows a new regulator to licence routes, bring about integrated ticketing and control fares on Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann services.
The unions at this point are not concerned about the fares and integrated ticketing proposals, but have expressed doubts about a new regulator having the power to put CIÉ routes out to tender.
"We have not voiced official opposition because we have not been given a draft of the bill, just some loose proposals," said a union source. "There is concern that existing CIÉ routes are not taken away from the company".
This will be the crucial question facing the Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen. His predecessor favoured franchising out 25 per cent of all Dublin Bus routes, but Mr Cullen may opt for only franchising out new routes.
This opens the question of whether Dublin Bus would be allowed to compete for new routes. "CIÉ does need an avenue for growth too," said a source.The new commission is expected to have three senior members and a staff of about 50 to 60 people.
