DUBLIN BUS will have the new autofare system within the next 12 weeks on all routes with a high risk of attacks on drivers. The company has decided to extend the system to other routes after its successful operation on trial routes over recent months. A total of 180 buses will be fitted with autofare machines at a cost of £1,000 per vehicle.
Mr Joe Collins, of Dublin Bus, said the travelling public was showing no resistance to the new system because it meant services were guaranteed. Attacks on bus workers have resulted in the curtailment of timetables in some areas. The latest withdrawal of services was in Ballymun.
All buses on the three routes operating in that area, the 13, 36 and 220, will be among those now being fitted with autofare. Other routes being covered are the 27, 27a, 50, 51, 65, 76, 77, 78a, 101, 103, 210 and 220.
The decision has been welcomed by a SIPTU official, Mr Ken Fleming, who said the system would improve services to the public as well as benefiting bus workers. However, he warned the company against attempts to recoup the extra costs of security on bus routes by looking for more productivity from his members.
One of the routes involved, the 51, still has a number of two person operated buses. However, Mr Collins said the small number of conductors involved would be given other duties, such as taking traffic surveys.