79. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Transport for an update on the upgrade of real-time tracking of Dublin Bus services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63502/25]

Sentiment score: 0.01

I ask the Minister of State for an update on the upgrade of real-time tracking of Dublin Bus services through a new national automatic vehicle location system, which was due to start testing this year, roll-out next year and be completed in early 2027 to improve customer communications, particularly around ghost buses.

Sentiment score: 0.08

The TFI app has a star rating of 1.4 in the app store, and that is pretty damning. The Minister of State might remember that the last time we were here, we exposed that in one year, 2022, only €97 was spent enhancing Dublin Bus services in Dublin West. Since then, I have had a commitment that €700,000 will be spent in 2025 on addressing capacity and punctuality issues on routes 39A, 37 and 38. I had previous commitments here about route 70. That investment cannot come soon enough, and we actually need more now. I welcome the confirmation that the new automatic vehicle location system will undergo a pilot. It had been mooted for this year, but now it is to be early next year, with the full roll-out thereafter. I would like to hear more information about that pilot. In what areas will it work, how will it work, and will customers be a part of it? I suggest using Dublin West. The new system can rebuild trust in the bus network, with no guesswork and no contradictions. Real-time information must mean real accountability.

Sentiment score: 0.09

If the Minister of State is engaging with the NTA, I would like specific answers about the pilot and how it is going to work. There are currently two issues: the forthcoming automatic vehicle location system and real-time information on the app. I was assured that the team was reviewing the end-to-end process of cancelling services on the current real-time passenger information system to see where improvements could be made. Apparently, there are six technical staff working collaboratively with a similar number of personnel from the transport operator. They are in regular contact. I would like to know what improvements have been made in 2025 regarding the communication of cancelled services. There is no point saying the system works well, which I hear in responses to my parliamentary questions, and that most people find it very useful if it leaves customers stranded on the side of the road expecting a bus when none is coming, with no explanation or apology. Sometimes, it is the last bus due that does not turn up, which is unacceptable when travelling alone and in the dark. So many young people contact me to say this is the case. It should be a simple ask to tell passengers if a service is not running, not just in the automatic vehicle location system but also in the current system.

Sentiment score: 0.12

There is a rating of 1.4 on the app.

Sentiment score: 0.00