The Dublin bus market needs to be regulated to improve the service for commuters and the travelling public, the Taoiseach said today.
The National Bus and Rail Union lifted a strike threat planned for yesterday after Transport Minister Martin Cullen promised to expand existing bus fleets.
Mr Cullen is due to bring proposals to the Cabinet on a modern regulatory system for the capital in coming weeks.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said today: "The minister has been engaged in discussions with the trade unions for a long period and he has completed his proposals and will bring those to Government."
Mr Ahern denied there was any division on the issue with junior Government partners, the Progressive Democrats, who favour more competition in the Dublin bus market.
"There are no difficulties on this. We all want to see the best for the public in this and the only thing is we want to see reform and a modern regulatory system," Mr Ahern explained.
He added: "It's an issue of the travelling public being provided with the best services from Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann and the private bus market. We want to see the Dublin Transport Authority and a modern regulatory system."
Mr Cullen told the NBRU on Wednesday morning that he would seek Cabinet approval for 100 new buses for Dublin Bus and 160 extra vehicles for Bus Eireann.
The minister also promised union officials that consultation would take place over the proposed Dublin Transport Authority.