Only buses and cyclists will be allowed use new lanes introduced in Dublin to ease traffic congestion.
Don Fitzpatrick, chairman of the Dublin Transportation Task Force, says that contrary to what some people expected bus lanes have been highly successful in improving traffic conditions across the city. The introduction of the dedicated lanes has resulted in a much smoother flow of traffic and a significantly improved bus service.
We hope to persuade some commuters to leave their cars at home and to use the buses.
The introduction of ten new bus lanes is only the first phase of longer-term plans. Further work is planned on all the main radial routes into the city. Don Fitzpatrick remains optimistic that bus lanes will play a valuable role in easing traffic congestion in Dublin.
One of the new bus lanes will come into operation tomorrow, running from Merrion Square to Northumberland Road. It will operate between 4.00 pm and 6.30 pm, during which time the inside lane will be reserved exclusively for buses and bicycles.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 20 May 1981. The reporter is Charlie Bird.
