Green Party promises to end Ghost Buses this Halloween

The Green Party is marking Halloween by promising to end ghost buses in the next government. The party said today (October 31) that its manifesto will promise to improve punctuality on public transport. Building on the progress made in making public transport more affordable, the Green Party is now setting out a plan to make it more dependable, punctual, and fit for the needs of a modern Ireland.

As part of the party’s deep-seated commitment to a sustainable and accessible future, the Greens recognize that improved affordability is only one part of the solution; now, we must ensure that public transport consistently meets the standards of reliability and punctuality that Irish people deserve.

Brian Leddin TD, Green Party Spokesperson for Transport and candidate in Limerick City, said;

“People in Ireland deserve a public transport system that is not only affordable but also consistently reliable. By securing dedicated budgets for reliability and creating a specialized oversight body, we are taking meaningful steps to end service unpredictability, particularly issues like ghost buses. These pledges are about putting the commuter first and rebuilding trust in public transport.”

This vision is a continuation of the Green Party’s commitment to sustainable transport solutions that work for the one million people who use public transport every day. By ensuring that public transport is both affordable and dependable, the Green Party is laying the foundation for a more connected, efficient, and sustainable Ireland.”

To improve services, the Green Party manifesto promises that each public transport operating company will receive dedicated budgets specifically allocated for enhancing service reliability and timeliness. This funding will be focused solely on eradicating unreliable service practices, such as the notorious “ghost buses” that never arrive, and on reducing delays across the country’s rail services. We aim to make public transport a mode of choice by ensuring it is a mode people can rely on.

To ensure that transport services operate to the highest standards, we will establish an independent Office for Punctuality and Reliability within the NTA. This new body will oversee and hold providers accountable, setting clear targets for on-time performance and service reliability. It will ensure that Irish commuters experience fewer delays and a more efficient journey, while closely monitoring and addressing service quality issues as they arise.