The traffic problems in Dublin caused by yesterday's bus strike "were not as bad as first thought", the Automobile Association said, but it warned against commuters having "a false sense of security" if there were further stoppages next week.
The AA said allowing drivers to use bus lanes avoided potential gridlock but the morning rush hour was "more staggered than usual". Other transport services showed the strain of increased demand. There were queues of over an hour at city-centre taxi-ranks yesterday evening.
DART services were crowded through most of the day, with chaotic scenes during the evening peak. Thousands had to walk home in rain.
The worst of the traffic congestion was on link roads without bus lanes, the AA said. Dorset Street, the North Circular Road and Merrion Road were particularly badly affected. Amiens Street, Fairview and Castleknock were also difficult for motorists.
The AA urged drivers to "carpool" and to avoid travelling during rush hour if there was another stoppage next week.
Dublin Chamber of Commerce said the stoppage did not result in any considerable rise in absenteeism in its member-companies. However, it noted "a significant increase in car pooling, cycling and walking".
The chamber's director of policy, Mr Declan Martin, said the stoppage "highlights the ineffectiveness of the 1932 Transport Act in meeting the travel needs of a modern European capital". He called for the deregulation of public transport.
