Photograph: Alan BetsonNational Transport Authority (NTA) contracts with bus operators must be “tightened up” to ensure they have sufficient mechanics and drivers when the deal is signed, the Minister for Transport has warned as he came under increasing pressure over delays and “ghost-bus” cancellations. Government and Opposition TDs have voiced their frustration at persistent bus tardiness and problems with new BusConnect routes that came into effect last October. The Minister acknowledged “an 8 per cent cancellation rate is unacceptable” and said he would raise these routes with the NTA at their meeting. Dublin Bus had an insufficient number of drivers and is recruiting 100 from South Africa. O’Brien said bus frequency was improving but acknowledged journey times on some services “are longer because the route is more interconnected to take in more people”.

Source: The Irish Times March 02, 2026 14:02 UTC