Finglas QBC - here we go again!

[WhipLash]

I see that Dublin gets a new QBC today. Starting in Finglas, and ending in Parnnell Square, over 10 miles of pure QBC, with the reported ability to replace 900 cars during rush hour traffic.

After viewing the major impact that the last QBC had on the Stillorgan route, I'd imagine that the extra road space stolen from the motorist for the QBC will have devastating effects on traffic flow. Did anyone experience it this morning, or hear of anyone's annoyance? Was it utter chaos? Do these QBC's justify less road space for our already overburdened traffic system? And why have these QBC’s at all when we don’t even have a proper public transport system? IMO, it’s a complete joke :mad:.

[SpyCamera]

There was'nt any difference for me, but I tell you I was going home last night at about 7.30 and the tail backs along the canal in both directions was crazy.

Was there something on last night that had the traffic so bad or is this something to expect in the coming months?

Spy.

[Junior]

Anyone hear this morning as the QBC was offically launched the bus taking the minister(s) broke down .. that for me about sums the whole situation up.

It's a joke if ya ask me, along the North Circular every morning I get held up by buses just stopping and having no space to pull in .. I would feel better if they worked on existing routes rather than messing up other routes ....

[WhipLash]

Dublin city centre traffic congestion yesterday evening certainly was chronic. It took me just over an hour to get through Pearse St. to Heuston Station :realmad:. What a joke.

[Tony]

AS A NEW Quality Bus Corridor came into effect in Finglas yesterday, plans were unveiled to launch a network of bus corridors aimed at easing Dublin's traffic congestion. Six new exclusive bus routes are planned bringing the city's total to 11 and more are on the way.

Commuters in Rathfarnham, Blanchardstown, Tallaght, Clondalkin North, Clondalkin South and Swords are shortly to get dedicated bus corridors all the way into the city centre.

Other dedicated corridors are being considered for Clontarf Rd, Kimmage Rd, Dundrum Rd, Howth Rd and Rock/Merrion Rd.

Politicians from different parties yesterday welcomed the new Finglas quality bus corridor. Fine Gael Spokesperson on Traffic Olivia Mitchell, however, expressed disappointment that it is only the fourth QBC to be completed of the 12 that were promised last year.

``While commuters from the Finglas area will be delighted with the new service, others throughout the city are not so lucky.

COMMITMENT

Despite the commitment to have 12 routes up and running citywide, the Government now tell us that only four more QBCs will be completed by the end of this year. This effectively leaves one third of the city without their QBCs,'' she said.

Conor McCarthy, chairman of the Dublin Transportation Office, said the new Finglas QBC would make a significant difference to commuting time along this important artery.

The number of bus journeys on the Finglas route has been increased by 35pc, from 337 to 455. He also said the situation would be monitored regularly to cater for any new growth.

The improved service will allow buses carry an extra 1,300 passengers at peak times, with a bus every three to four minutes.

It is estimated that nearly 1,000 cars can be taken out of rushhour traffic from Finglas, cutting journey times by around 10 minutes. The corridor is the fourth `fast' bus lane in the city. Over 20 gardai are to be made available to assist commuters during the early stages and make sure the corridor is respected by all road users. Dublin Bus spokesman Joe Collins said the QBC should encourage more commuters to switch from their cars to the bus.

However, the Finglas route is not expected to match the success of the Stillorgan QBC which has seen passenger numbers soar from 10,000 to 25,000 at peak periods.

Part of the reason for this is that the company will be unable to put new buses onto the Finglas QBC until next year as singledecker buses are favoured on this route for security reasons. All new fleet purchases have been doubledeckers.