USING NEW technologies to reduce commuting times makes sense. And Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan is to be commended for promoting the development of such a scheme within his department. But such a futuristic idea has limited application in present circumstances and should not become a barrier to the consideration of more direct measures, such as charging civil servants for city centre parking.
Nor must it distract from an urgent need to improve the quality of public transport.
The concept of "smart commuting" was identified by Mr Ryan as one of a number of energy-saving measures being considered by his department. A feasibility study will be conducted within the Greater Dublin Area during the next 18 months based on linked broadband, global positioning and traffic sensors. These online services will provide commuters with real-time estimates of travel times, whether by car, bus or rail, and allow them to avoid the worst of rush-hour traffic. Mr Ryan predicted that high-speed broadband, along with linked home and office work stations, will bring reductions in travel times and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Before that happens, however, work on the construction of a metro system and a Luas connection line for Dublin will begin next year and there may be severe traffic disruption affecting shoppers and commuters. An Oireachtas committee sought submissions on the introduction of "congestion charges" for private cars entering the inner city. And chairman of the Dublin Transport Office John Henry said the measure could be considered as part of a new transport strategy. As an alternative, Dublin traders want the issue of free Civil Service parking in the city to be addressed. A recent study found that some 60 per cent of private cars parked in city centre areas belonged to civil servants, with the great majority enjoying free parking. Dublin traders argued that congestion could be greatly reduced if these commuters were encouraged to use public transport. It is a valid point. Some years ago, former minister for finance Charlie McCreevy spoke of designating free parking for public servants as a "benefit in kind". Nothing came of it. But, given the need to reduce congestion, minimise carbon emissions and promote public transport, it is an idea worth reviewing.
Such a measure, in itself, will not solve Dublin's traffic problems. More park and ride facilities are required on the periphery. And now that Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey has postponed plans to privatise bus routes, additional CIÉ buses should be provided.