Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Transport, Tourism, and Sport Marc Mac Sharry TD has called on the Minister for Transport, Tourism, and Sport to provide emergency supports for public transport companies during the current crisis.
He commented, “As things stand due to the necessary public health measures, our public transport system has continued to operate but revenue streams have effectively disappeared. Some estimates show that demand for public transport services has reduced by 90%. This is causing serious difficulties for public transport providers.
“Public transport plays a vital role and users are made up of students, workers, free travel pass holders, and tourists to name but a few. With public health guidelines the only people using public transport services now are essential workers and those on essential journeys.
“In the current crisis revenue has evaporated. This means some of our semi state public transport companies are in a pathway to insolvency unless the appropriate level of financial support is injected into these companies without further delay.
“As we look to the future, public transportation has a key role to play in meeting our climate action goals. It is therefore vital that we provide all necessary support to our semi state public transport sector at this time and that services continue to run during this public health emergency.
“The onus is on the Government and Minister Ross to ensure these key public transport services are correctly positioned to assist in the recovery and lead the way in meeting our carbon emission targets,” concluded Deputy Mac Sharry.
