The National Transport Authority has approved Dublin Bus plans to eliminate the number 19 bus route, despite a series of public protests against the change.
The route had served the north and south of the city for decades, running from Finglas, to Glasnevin, Phibsborough, the city centre, Crumlin, and terminating in Inchicore.
Following the authority’s decision Dublin Bus intends to cease operating the number 19 from Sunday August 28th. However the company said passengers living in these areas will continue to be served by other buses.
Groups opposed to the discontinuation of the route, including the Save the 19 Bus Campaign and Save Our Bus Services, are to protest outside the company’s head quarters on O’Connell Street at 1pm tomorrow.
“It’s a real kick in the teeth for the senior citizens of our community,” Save the 19 Bus Campaign organiser Mark Lawler said. The campaign had amassed 11,500 signatories to a petition to save the service.
“We will not accept this decision and will continue to fight for the commuters, young and old alike, who use this bus every day to get to work, school, medical appointments etc,” he said.
A spokeswoman for Dublin Bus said the number 19 would be replaced on the south side by a realigned route 68 and on the northside it would be combined with the route 83.
“The allegation that people will no longer be able to attend hospitals, medical appointments, colleges, schools, work places and businesses is inaccurate. These amenities along route 19 are also served by many other bus routes.”
Passenger numbers on the number 19 were “very low” overall she said, and the company has to revise its services to meet current demand. It was not correct to say that the company was neglecting older passengers she added.
“Senior citizens make up 13 per cent of Dublin Bus customer base, so to suggest that Dublin Bus has a lack of concern for older people using services is not correct.”
The transport authority said in arriving at its decision to approve the Dublin Bus plans it had taken the views of the public into account.
