Thomas Gould
Question:14. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of ongoing issues with the TFI real time app for Bus Éireann services in Cork city; and his plans to resolve this. [28577/24]
View answerThursday, 4 July 2024
Questions (14)
Written answers
I want to begin by acknowledging the frustration passengers have been experiencing on the public transport network in Cork City, and to reassure the Deputy my Department has been engaging with Bus Éireann directly on the issue.
Ongoing congestion issues in Cork are a big source of the problem, with arrival times and cancellations frequently impacted by traffic, roadworks and a lack of bus priority.
Regarding the ongoing issues with the TFI real time app, I understand that the data for the app is provided directly by Bus Éireann via their on-bus Automatic Vehicle Location systems. These record the position of the bus on route and generate predicted arrival times for each bus stop.
When Controllers become aware of a service delay or cancellation, they amend the trip on the system, which in turn updates the Realtime information on the TFI app.
The NTA are taking steps to improve the quality of data by:
• Sourcing a new single system for all bus operators in Ireland, to ensure a single source of data, in a single feed, and consistent format, including improved arrival time prediction algorithms.
• Working with bus operators to ensure that they are cancelling services on the central Realtime system.
• Working with the bus operators to assist in the recruitment of additional drivers.
Unfortunately, due to essential maintenance planned for Cork city, Bus Éireann forecast a challenging summer ahead. This includes the loss of access to prime city centre routings due to closures at St Patrick Street and Grand Parade. Nine routes will require significant diversions, while others will suffer as general traffic is diverted.
Looking ahead, once operational, the Next Generation AVL system will improve the accuracy of the data provided to the TFI App, as the new common system is rolled out on all PSO vehicles, improving reliability for passengers.