More people are using cars to get to work, while the percentage of bus users is falling, according to the latest census figures. The use of cars is necessary but it shouldn't be like that. Fast and efficient public transport systems are key components of a developed economy. And, as fossil fuels become more expensive and climate change takes hold, the pressure to change our ways will become irresistible.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern must shoulder some of the blame for the present situation. When Séamus Brennan, as minister for transport, attempted to introduce competition for Dublin Bus on certain routes, trade unions resisted and he was moved to a different department. The history of the last two governments has been one of procrastination and a failure of nerve. It was only with the publication of Transport 21 that purse strings were eased and plans laid to increase spending on an integrated transport system during the next eight years. Significantly, the long-promised Dublin Transportation Authority is still in gestation.
The arrival of the Green Party in Government and the appointment of Noel Dempsey as Minister for Transport has brought a promise of change. Mr Dempsey is not afraid to tackle vested interests. And the Green Party's commitment to public transport is not dependent on a continuation of trade union hegemony. But the development of such services shouldn't be a cause of confrontation. Elements of a win-win situation are there for all concerned. A vastly improved public transport system, with higher profits and passenger numbers, should benefit all companies, consumers and employees.
Twenty years ago, less than 40 per cent of commuters drove to work. Now it is almost 70 per cent. Average journey time to work is still less than half an hour. Nearly twice as many people walk as take the bus. And 10 times as many commuters use private transport. Those figures provide some idea of the potential that extensive, efficient bus services have to reduce congestion and improve the quality of life.
The programme for government talks about establishing a Dublin transportation authority to oversee planning, procurement and the regulation of fares, routes and services in a greater Dublin area that includes Kildare, Meath and Wicklow. Legislation has already been passed and the new agency will have responsibility for allocating current and capital funding to public transport providers.
New thinking, new routes and new timetables will be needed to put the consumer first.