Dublin Bus seeking more bus corridors

Dublin Bus is to seek more quality bus corridors (QBC) following the success of two new ones introduced last month.

The new QBCs on the North Quays in central Dublin and the Rock Road in south Dublin are expected to grow passenger numbers by 1.5 million this year.

The frequency of buses on the QBC has increased to a bus every 30 seconds on the North Quays and every three minutes during peak times on the Rock Road.

Dublin Bus estimates that the new bus lanes have taken up to 15 minutes off bus journey times and have shortened the average length of journey by 20 per cent.

Though figures are not available, Dublin Bus says there has been a significant rise in the number of passengers using the service.

Other routes have been enhanced, with new lanes in operation on St John's Road West, Parkgate Street, Ellis Quay and Arran Quay, giving almost continuous bus priority from the western approaches of the city to O'Connell Street.

A doubling in the number of QBCs is a priority in the Transport 21 investment programme.

Dublin Bus is currently in negotiation with the Quality Bus Network over the provision of new QBCs for next year.

Dublin Bus spokeswoman Clíodhna Ní Fhátharta said: "The success of these QBCs proves that where buses have full priority, you will have more consistent journey times and consistent service. When passengers see the benefits of travelling by bus, it shows that they will make the switch from cars."