Privitisation of bus routes very worrying
Labour Youth is extremely alarmed to hear that Bus Éireann has lost the right to operate on six routes on the Kildare-Dublin corridor to Go Ahead, a British operator.
Chairperson Chloe Manahan commented, “this is very concerning for the 70 bus drivers who will be affected by this change. The privatisation agenda of this government leaves workers and commuters in a vulnerable position. As with all privatisation projects, profits come before people, as we see unprofitable routes that provide invaluable services being shut down.
“It is the responsibility of the government to make sure thatpeople can go to work to earn a decent wage, and that people can rely on their public transport system to take them from A to B. When public transport is handed over to corporate power, this can no longer be guaranteed – and the Government knows this.
“It is now vital to ensure that the 70 workers affected have their jobs and rights protected. Public transport is not a privilege. It is an essential service for communities.
“Fine Gael’s pursuit of an entirely privatised Ireland must be stopped. Public transport is a public good and it must be protected and receive adequate investment.”
Labour Youth expresses its solidarity with the workers affected.