Aontú Councillor Emer Tóibín has welcomed news that Bus Éireann is sourcing 10 buses, just two to three years old, from England to replace Navan’s ageing town bus fleet, in a move that could significantly improve service reliability.
She said; “I’m delighted to see some positive movement on this issue. I have received hundreds and hundreds of messages and emails from Navan bus users over the last 2 years almost about the difficulties associated with the aged and breakdown-prone buses. Users have endured far too many breakdowns, cancellations and no-shows over a prolonged period. The service has simply not been reliable for people who depend on it every day.
“Last Monday, incredibly, we were down to just two buses in service because of breakdowns and a bus damaged in a collision. That is simply unacceptable for a town the size of Navan and for the passengers who rely on these services to get to work, school, appointments and other daily commitments.”
Cllr Tóibín said she understands that the 10 replacement buses are intended as an interim measure until the necessary electric charging infrastructure is installed in Navan and electric buses can be introduced.
“This is a welcome step and I am hopeful that we will see a tangible improvement in reliability in the short term. They cannot be expected to continue putting up with a service that is so frequently disrupted. People who depend on public transport cannot organise their lives around a bus service that is hit and miss. They need to know they can get to work, attend appointments, get to college or school, and get home again without constantly worrying whether their bus will turn up. That is why these fleet replacements are so important”
Cllr Tóibín also welcomed progress on a new maintenance facility in Kells, which is hoped to become operational in March or April next year.
“The presence of mechanics on site should allow buses to be repaired and returned to service much more quickly, avoiding the delays associated with transporting vehicles to Dublin for repairs.
“Bus users from all walks of life, both in Navan and in the surrounding areas, deserve a dependable public transport service. These developments are encouraging, and I will be looking for them to translate into real improvements on the ground as soon as possible.”
