Quote Originally Posted by Poor Student View Post
Macy, in what way are Dublin Bus considered efficient users of resources? By the way they use 15 year old + buses and run them until the engine can't push them up a hill?
They have one of the lowest subsidy rates of any city in europe - including the privately operated ones. Dublin Bus have no choice on running buses into the ground, as the Government refuses to sanction replacements!

London bus companies receive a state subsidy of 31% of their operating costs. Dublin Bus only gets 25%, which is the smallest state subsidy paid to a public transport operator in all of Europe and North America
Link

Slightly older figures, but from a more reliable source...
In 2002, Ireland subsidised 17% of the operating costs of public buses. This was the lowest subsidy rate in the EU. Again in 2002, public bus operation in Dublin recieved a subsidy for 25% of it's total costs. This was the third lowest level of city bus subsidy in the EU
ESRI

I think this is a major problem with public transport in this country - people confuse what's brought about by Government and what's brought about by work practices etc. Government inaction is causing the problems, and effecting the service levels to the public, however too many by the Government's line/lies about reform of work practices, union control etc etc. They keep on holding up London as the example, but it has higher subsidies since privatisation, and much higher fares!