Rory Hearne, the Social Democrats general election candidate in Dublin North-West, has urged the National Transport Authority (NTA) to reverse its plans to axe the Number 11 route as part of BusConnects changes due to come into effect next month.<\/p>\n
Dr Hearne said:<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder changes to be introduced in late November, the Numbers 4, 11 and 13 bus services will be replaced by the E1, E2 and 19 routes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile the E1 and E2, serving Ballymun Road, will travel across to the southside of the city, the 19 bus, which runs through Wadelai, will terminate at Parnell Square. Having to change bus here to travel to the southside will be particularly inconvenient for the elderly or those with mobility issues.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is also problematic that the 19 bus will serve Dublin Airport, meaning it could frequently be full by the time it reaches Wadelai\/Ballygall.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor many people living in this constituency, the Number 11 bus route is more than just a mode of transportation \u2013 it\u2019s an essential service that supports countless students, families, and elderly residents who depend on it every day. The proposed cuts to this route threaten to undermine this vital service.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis route currently offers dependable transportation for students commuting from the northside to UCD and enables senior citizens to easily reach the southside of the city. Eliminating this service would effectively isolate significant parts of our community.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving listened to the concerns of local residents and commuters, I have been working closely with Social Democrats TDs R\u00f3is\u00edn Shortall and Gary Gannon to save the Number 11 bus.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs well as engaging directly with the NTA on this issue, we have started a petition, which I am urging as many people as possible to sign, to have this ill-judged decision reversed.<\/p>\n
\u201cPublic transport must work for local communities. Encouraging people not to use their cars is also important for our climate targets.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we want more people to use public transport, it is crucial that local bus services are inclusive and accessible.\u201d<\/p>\n