Car Free Day - No Extra Buses

national | miscellaneous | news report Monday September 23, 2002 13:29 by Mags

- or indeed less of them!

A typical example of the reality of 'Car Free Day'.

Last week on most buses there was a poster promoting 'Car Free Day' (Sunday 22nd September) and encouraging people to take the bus. Various incentives were offered, such as free entrance to attractions and free travel on the buses for a few hours.
Right. I waited for a bus in Donnybrook at about 1.30pm. After about 25 minutes one eventually came. I made it into town OK. No sign of any increased number of buses on the streets though.
At 6.50pm I was on Baggot Street waiting for a 10 going outwards. The timetable promised one every 15-20 minutes. I waited until 7.55pm and then gave up in despair and got a taxi. Cost 4.50e, despite having a commuter ticket and this being 'car free day', I had to get a car.
Apparently 'Car Free Day' means just that - no extra public transport is implied. You either walk or provide a bike - either way it is up to you, not Dublin Bus.
(PS I realise the reclaim the streets stuff was going on on Baggot Street on Sunday but it was well over by the time I was pointlessy waiting for a bus.)