Reply - M. 10 Pilot School Bus Project

That this Council takes the appropriate steps to instigate a pilot school bus project as part of its role in traffic management and road safety. Such a scheme would benefit primary and secondary school children as well as all other road users by providing a reasonable alternative to the many families who at present spend a considerable amount of time ferrying children to and from school; thereby contributing in no small part to the traffic congestion that currently plagues our communities.

The Roads & Traffic Department has had initial discussions with the Departments of Transport (DoT) and Education & Science (DoEd), with Dublin Bus, and with selected School Principals (electoral area basis).

The DoT has indicated support and agreed to investigate options for further involvement. Dublin Bus has indicated its support in principle, pending finalisation of its current service review. Useful statistical information has been received from the DoEd on pupil numbers (primary & post-primary) in the county.

Preliminary feedback from School Principals on the location/origin of pupils attending their schools indicates a high percentage (70-80%) of pupils living within a 600 metre radius, with the resulting possibility of significant reduction in local congestion if local school car-trips were to be replaced by an American-style local school-transport system.

It is proposed, therefore, to undertake a study to determine the feasibility of such a system, including cost-benefits and funding options, in regard to which the DoT has indicated it will asist in clarifying a number of operating issues and scheme selection criteria. A proposal to fund the study has been submitted to the Dublin Transportation Office, and the Roads & Traffic Department will proceed with scoping and preparation of a Brief for Engagement of Consultants to carry out the proposed study.