Sir, – Recent articles in The Irish Times seem to suggest that the strike by bus drivers at Dublin Bus for higher wages is as a result of either competition or impending competition, low wages, oversupply or some ideological master plan by the Department of Transport to put the State companies out of business!
Regarding the article “Bus Éireann claims routes oversupplied”(September 23rd), Bus Éireann does not seem to understand the concept of competition, or the concept of supply and demand. Competition has shown that numbers on these routes have grown, the public has voted with its feet by using other companies and are benefiting from lower prices. These companies are competing not only on price but also on quality of vehicles and service. They are showing that they are sustainable if managed properly.
Another article asks "Is rise in private buses driven by ideology or demand?" (Analysis, September 23rd). It quotes the National Bus & Rail Union's belief that "the wider policy in the Department of Transport (is) to break the hold of the CIÉ group over public transport provision". And why not? Surely there should be no "hold" or monopoly over transport provision in this country?
Are not subventions, where a public service obligation is identified, designed to help the disadvantaged gain access to public transport, or to provide public transport on loss-making routes, in place regardless of who the provider is?
Subventions should not be used to support high and now higher wages! – Yours, etc,
JOHN DUNNE,
Director,
Ibus plc,
Federation
of Transport Owners,
Kill Villare,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – If the opposing sides were to convene a meeting on neutral territory, perhaps Shane Ross might have a change of heart. Rio, anyone? – Yours, etc,
FRANK BYRNE,
Terenure,
Dublin 6W.
Sir, – Garry Bury (September 19th) suggests we could use small motorbikes to commute during the bus strike.
This is not realistic due to the amount of red tape now required to ride a motorbike – theory test, then motorbike pre-test lessons and finally the test. Instead, acquire an electric bicycle, which should be good for a 10-mile journey, and you’ll face no red tape. Alternatively, buy a push bike if your journey is less than five miles. – Yours, etc,
JAMES MAHON,
Glasnevin, Dublin 9.
Sir, – I appeal to the Minister of Transport to find funding for expansion of the Dublin Bikes scheme. My husband cycled to work in Dublin for 30 years and feels it kept him alive and fit.
More cycling and we would become a fitter society! – Yours, etc,
ROSEMARY HOGAN,
Churchtown,
Dublin 14.