Dublin Bus has informed the public that a driver shortage will put a strain on its services for the first half of 2023.
The Oireachtas Transport Committee is set to meet tonight to discuss the provision of bus services across the wider city, with several public transport stakeholders attending the meeting. Billy Hann, Chief Executive of Dublin Bus, is expected to address the shortfalls facing Dublin Bus in front of the committee.
Mr Hann will acknowledge that the recent expansion of Dublin Bus has put a strain on its operations, especially as the transport operator struggles with staffing levels. Dublin Bus is currently running an active recruitment campaign, but it will not likely meet its driver target until the second half of next year.
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Mr Hann will tell TDs and senators: “Recruitment remains one of the biggest challenges facing the organisation and we anticipate it will be quarter two before we hit the required driver numbers. We very much regret the impact this is having on customers. All our employees are working hard to minimise the effect of driver recruitment challenges.”
The transport provider hired 319 people drivers this year and has been hosting recruitment roadshows in hotspots such as busy shopping centres. Dublin Bus also held an information session at its headquarters on Saturday to directly recruit new drivers, mechanics and engineering operatives.
There are approximately 460,000 passengers embarking on Dublin Bus journeys daily, totalling 7,000 trips for the operator. Mr Hann is expected to maintain that the “vast majority” of Dublin Bus services arrive on time.
Bus provider Go Ahead Ireland will also speak at tonight’s proceedings and expand on their recruitment efforts. It is expected that officials will announce it has had a largely successful recruitment campaign in recent times, interviewing an average of 40 to 50 drivers per week.
Like Dublin Bus, Go Ahead Ireland has previously attracted criticism amongst passengers due to cancelled services. The transport provider has previously attributed its difficulties to staffing issues, which initially arose during the Covid-19 pandemic.
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