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The Dublin Transport Initiative (DTI) is the government plan to deal with Dublin’s transport needs. It recognises that the car has “its rightful place in the transport system but [it should not be] allow[ed] to dominate it.1” The attraction of commuting to work by private car must be reduced. Its aims to do this by “improving the reliability, availability and quality of public transport2”. Overall, the DTI aims to provide a transport infrastructure that allows for the continued economic development of the Greater Dublin Area but is at the same time sustainable. It wants to reduce congestion on Dublin’s roads to pre 1991 levels. In
the 16 year period from 2000-2016 the DTI will cost £14b to
implement3.
This will be achieved by implementing a three-part strategy. Firstly, there will be a radical transformation of the public transport. The bus network will be greatly expanded, with the addition of more Quality Bus Corridors (QBC) and an overall higher passenger handling capacity. The current DART service will also be upgraded, with more trains at peak times, and more carriages per train. An on-street light rail system (LUAS) will be built on certain routes where passenger numbers require it. A Metro system will be built on the busiest routes. Park and Ride facilities will be available at strategic locations to allow commuters to avail of public transport were possible. A total of 8,070 spaces will be available, catering for 12,000 public transport passengers.
Secondly, there will be a limited number of road improvements. Road improvements must be undertaken with a view to increasing the capacity of public transport,
Lastly, demand management measures will be enforced. The DTI recognises that to reduce usage of the private car proactive steps will have to be taken. It will is not enough to just provide good public transport, people have to be encouraged to use it. This will take the form of congestion charges on busy routes, taxing workplace parking and reducing peak time commuting through flexible working
hours4.
1Dublin Transport Office, Transportation Blueprint 2000-2006, p5
2DTO, Strategy 2000-2016, A Platform for Change, p2
3DTO, Strategy 2000-2016, A Platform for Change, p18
4DTO, Transportation Blueprint 2000-2006, pp19-20
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