Last updated 6.10pm 13/3/20
The National Transport Authority has today engaged with all public transport operators and can confirm that public transport services continue to operate as normal throughout the country bar a limited number of commercial services.
Iarnród Éireann, Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Go-Ahead Ireland, Luas and Local Link services will be implementing their normal schedule of services on the Saturday, 14th March and Sunday, 15th March. Other than St Patrick’s Day on the 17th March, public transport services will run a normal scheduled service next week.
In addition, a number of Local Link services are offering to deliver critical medical supplies to the elderly, the vulnerable and sick within rural areas during the coming weeks. Those in need of such support should contact their Local Link provider.
Overall, the NTA has witnessed a reduction of between 15-20% in passenger number on public transport in recent days. The Authority will continue to monitor transport patterns and will respond with the operators.
Each public transport operator has established an internal coordination group who are meeting daily to monitor developments around COVID-19 and continually update existing business contingency plans. Any actions being taken by the NTA and public transport operators will be guided by the National Public Health Emergency Team and the advice of the Chief Medical Officer.
To assist commuters in using public transport during this time, HSE information is being displayed on buses, trams and trains and in stations across the country.
Public transport operators have actively communicated the public health advice on respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene to passengers and staff. We are aware of the HSE advice to practice social distancing and passengers are asked to be mindful of this when considering the use of public transport.
All customer service channels remain open and are being monitored during business hours by public transport staff.
Public transport operators remain in constant communication with all public transport employees to provide health advice. The Authority has been advised that all public transport vehicles and stations are being cleaned in accordance with infection control measures as issued by the Health Surveillance Protection Centre.
In the coming days and weeks, the NTA and its network of operators will continue to engage with, and be closely guided by, the relevant health agencies.
For further information visit- https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/
