15.06.2010
Irish Citylink and Callinan Coaches of Galway join forces going forward.
As part of the proposals under discussion, Irish Citylink’s coach services will be outsourced to Callinan Coaches.
24th June 2003
Metroline calls for urgent appointment of Independent Regulator to open up competition in Dublin bus service
A promise of free fare days and one day strikes not what public wants…
Speaking today to the Transport Committee of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Declan O’Farrell, Chief Executive of Metroline plc, expressed disappointment at the lack of Government progress on plans to liberalise the public transport market and called for the immediate appointment of an Independent Regulator. "The Minister and his department have been talking for a long time now about their plans to liberalise the public transport market and the ongoing uncertainty and equivocation is not helpful. It would appear to be the Unions that are currently dictating public transport policy," said Mr O’Farrell.
"The social and economic benefits of the introduction of competition to aviation and telecommunications are very obvious. Furthermore liberalisation has made both Aer Lingus and Telecom Eireann better and stronger companies than when they were protected state monopolies. The introduction of a competitive process in public transport does not mean job losses or poor pay conditions. Vested interests are trying to halt progress in the public transport sector so political courage is needed to do what is in the best interests of the consumers," said Mr O’Farrell.
"A promise of free fare days and one day strikes is not what the public wants. Consumers want an efficient value for money integrated public transport service and that is what competition will provide. The proposed franchise model, where an independent regulator will procure services through competitive tender, set fares and monitor performance, will ensure that the travelling public will get the benefits from the introduction of competition whilst also ensuing a comprehensive, integrated network is maintained".
Metroline entered the Irish market in 2000 investing €2m in the launch of Aerdart, the successful high frequency bus link between Dublin Airport and the DART and suburban rail services. Aerdart is fully integrated with the rail services with the majority of passengers taking advantage of a combined bus-rail ticket. The service is used by airport travellers and airport employees as well as local commuters and operates from 0500 until 2300, seven days a week.
Late last year Metroline entered the Express coach market through its Citylink subsidiary with the acquisition of Cummer Commercials based in Galway. The Citylink services operate on the Galway Dublin and Dublin Airport corridor up to 15 times a day. The company has invested €3m in ten new high-specification, sate of the art luxury coaches, and more recently invested €1m in a new website which enables customers to book online and print their tickets. Earlier this month Citylink launched a second service, Galway to Shannon Airport direct, operating four times daily in each direction.
Addressing members of Dublin Chamber of Commerce Mr O’Farrell introduced himself as the face behind "the faceless men from Singapore" a much-quoted Union reference to Metroline. Irish born Mr O’Farrell also highlighted the success of public transport in London since a competitive franchising system was put in place with bus passengers growing at 14% per annum since 2000.
Metroline’s London based bus company operates services under contract to Transport for London and carries 181 million passengers on 82 routes covering 31 million miles each year. The company has a 12% share of the London bus market with a fleet of 1000 buses and employs almost 3000 staff.
"Metroline is looking forward to playing a significant role in the provision of scheduled bus services in the Dublin market. We are well positioned to give our extensive experience in the similar London market and our experience through our Dublin based Aerdart operation. If as the Minister states that he plans to liberalise 25% of the Dublin bus market by 2004, the appointment of an independent regulator is an urgent priority".
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