Traffic management: Further traffic management initiatives are needed in Dublin if Luas is to avoid becoming another cause of congestion in the capital, the Dublin Chamber of Commerce has said.
While it welcomed the introduction of Luas, the business organisation said it should be accompanied by a four-point transport plan, comprising the speedier roll-out of Quality Bus Corridors, significant improvement in traffic management, a Cabinet decision to proceed with the Dublin Metro, and the introduction of integrated ticketing to make it easier for commuters to use public transport.
Mr Sean O'Sullivan, of the chamber's transport committee, said: "The opening of Luas is a significant milestone in upgrading the quality of Dublin's public transport services and in giving hard-pressed travellers some choice in their travel arrangements."
The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) claims to have overcome operating problems which contributed to unusually bad traffic congestion in the city last week. Under the initial phase of the scheme, however, trams will have the capacity to override normal traffic light signals, thereby potentially adding to delays for motorists and other road users.
A spokeswoman for Dublin Bus said it was difficult to predict whether there would be extra congestion on the roads from today. She added the company would adopt a "watching brief" before deciding whether to alter any of its services.
There will be an added strain on road space from next Sunday when new traffic arrangements kick in at St Stephen's Green. Part of the green will be closed, and the traffic flow on another part will be reversed to facilitate roadworks. The Dublin Cycling Campaign has also welcomed the arrival of Luas but criticised the RPA for banning passengers from bringing bikes on board. A spokesman for the group, Mr David Maher, said this contrasted with the Netherlands where bicycles were allowed on trams at off-peak hours. He also criticised the RPA for providing just 150 bicycle parking spaces at Luas stops in contrast to 2,000 car parking spaces. "Apparently, at the terminus in Connolly station, a total of eight bicycle stands are to be provided. Does the RPA think that this is good planning?" he asked.
The Harcourt Hotel is marking the start of Luas with free burgers and hot dogs in its beer garden from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. today.
