THE SHEDDING of 600 jobs and the removal of 270 buses from the public transport system represents an indictment of management at the CIÉ group of companies, while reflecting trade union inflexibility and Government cowardice. Fianna Fáil-led governments have talked for years about restructuring public transport but done nothing. We are living with the consequences. Passenger numbers at Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann fell last year. And public subsidies of €67 million failed to meet the shortfall. To prevent a worsening of that situation, jobs are being cut and buses taken out of service.
Green Party spokesman on transport Ciarán Cuffe accused CIÉ management of taking the “easier option” of cutting jobs and services, instead of reforming the company. Quite right. Because of political interference at times of industrial unrest, however, it is understandable that management would seek savings by cutting temporary jobs and imposing a freeze on recruitment. It won’t solve the company’s core problems. But it will postpone the day of reckoning and keep the politicians at bay.
What should happen to executives and board members who decline to use the product of their companies? How can they judge the quality of service being provided, the morale of staff or the need for change? That dislocation between management, staff and public is fundamental. The first item on any reform agenda within CIÉ should involve the elimination of company cars and mileage allowances. The public cannot be expected to appreciate a transport system that is not extensively used by its senior management.
Dublin Bus was provided with funds for an additional 100 buses in 2007. That did not lead to extensive route changes or provide late night or early morning Sunday services. The company did, however, drive a competitor out of business by saturating its routes with buses. Now, having lost money, it proposes to reduce its fleet by 120 buses at a time when the city council is attempting to keep motorists out of central Dublin. In the same vein, Bus Éireann plans to cut 320 jobs and drastically reduce its fleet, half of which is used for school transport. Rural areas will be seriously affected.
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey insists that these issues are the responsibility of management and unions. And he looks forward to a day when a national transport agency will regulate all such services, because his department is incapable of doing the job. The agency is due to be established this year. It was first promised 20 years ago. Don’t hold your breath.