As it prepares to do battle with workers in the Labour Court next week over proposals to cut about 220 drivers from its roster to save money, it’s interesting to note that Bus Éireann hasn’t put the brakes on its reward scheme for careful driving, which costs it about €250,000 a year.
The State-owned bus operator has tendered for the supply of gift vouchers, which will be used as part of a “safe-driving award scheme” for workers.
Previously, they got €200 net of tax but changes to the benefit-in-kind rules have led Bus Éireann down the gift vouchers route.
The drivers will earn a tidy €250 for a year of clean driving under the scheme. Extra goodies are provided if they put together five years of accident-free motoring, including earning a pin and certificate.
The gift voucher contract will run for 12 months initially with an option for Bus Éireann to renew for an additional one or two years.
“The company’s view is that the scheme more than pays for itself in helping to reduce accidents and collisions, which in turn reduces our maintenance bills and the need to hire in replacement vehicles,” a spokesman added.
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Cable TV operator UPC Ireland – which owns the Chorus and NTL groups – has added Eurosport 2 to its line-up of digital channels as it seeks to compete with satellite operator BSkyB.
A sister channel of British Eurosport, the station recently picked up Setanta’s rights to the US PGA golf tour for the remainder of this season, which the Irish broadcaster lost when it hit the buffers recently.
With Pádraig Harrington back to form and Rory McIlroy growing in stature, Eurosport 2 should prove a hit with subscribers.
