Public transport police and expanded bike scheme called for in Budget 2025

Funding to establish a policing unit for public transport, to expand the public bike scheme, and to develop a bus rapid transit (BRT) system are just some of the initiatives local advocates for improved public transport in Cork have called for ahead of Budget 2025.

The latter point was raised ahead of budget day on October 1 by the general secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU), Dermot O’Leary, who previously said a BRT system could deliver significant public-transport improvements ahead of the development of the proposed Cork Luas.

“While the proposed Luas project for Cork has been discussed for some time, my experience in waiting for large infrastructural projects to be delivered does lead me to remain sceptical about its implementation in the near future,” Mr O’Leary said.

“Although the recent €14bn ‘windfall’ from the Apple tax case presents significant opportunities for infrastructure development, the multitude of competing demands — housing being top of the list, currently —may challenge current and future governments in prioritising these projects.

“BRT system could be developed relatively quickly and at approximately one-third of the cost of a light rail system,” Mr O’Leary said.

“It could utilise the yet-to-be-announced light-rail alignment, offering a flexible solution that could be adapted for use in other cities when light rail becomes operational.”

BRT, described by Mr O’Leary as “essentially a Luas on wheels”, are generally of a higher standard than conventional bus systems, in that they offer increased reliability in relation to punctuality and journey times, as well as providing higher passenger capacity.

The Programme for Government states that the Government would “consider the introduction of Bus Rapid Transit Services” and said it would be essential that if a BRT system were brought in for Cork, that a BRT line direct to Cork Airport should be included.

Also among the points raised by the union general secretary was a renewed call for the immediate establishment of a dedicated policing unit for public transport.

“The frequent incidents of anti-social behaviour and violence on trains, buses, and trams require urgent legislative action from the Government to ensure the safety of passengers,” he said.

The latter point was also raised by Labour Party councillor Peter Horgan.

“We desperately need to see a pilot strategy for a transport police in Cork,” the South East ward councillor told The Echo.

Mr Horgan, who previously urged the Government to trial Labour’s proposed €9 ‘climate ticket’ — whereby commuters could avail of unlimited use of public transport anywhere in Ireland for €9 a month — said that while he would still like to see this implemented, bus-driver shortages, highlighted in recent months, must first be resolved.

“I would like to see money ringfenced for it to the point where once the driver situation is resolved, it can be then kick-started immediately,” Mr Horgan said.

“There’s no point putting further pressure on the network, if we don’t have the drivers to drive the additional buses required,” he said.

Also to be funded in Budget 2025, Mr Horgan said he would like to see an expansion of the public bike scheme into areas such as the northside of Cork City, Blackrock, and Douglas, as well as “multi-annual funding” for important road projects.

Meanwhile, Green Party councillor in the city’s North East ward, Oliver Moran, said that he would like to see the budget make the provision for an increased access to bicycles.

“One of the things that comes up regularly is about expanding access to the bike-to-work scheme to include more people, like the retired, who can’t put the costs of buying a bike against PAYE income,” he said.

“Increasing supports for electric bikes would be great as well, because these can be really transformative.

“Currently, the rates are €1,250 for a standard bike and €1,500 for an electric bike.

“In reality, a good-quality electric bike costs much more than that.”

Continued funding of the upgrade of the Cork Commuter Rail Network, including new stations, should also be included, he said.