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Car Free Day - No Extra Buses

category national | miscellaneous | news report author Monday September 23, 2002 13:29author 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.)

Comments (6 of 6)

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and it never comes.
author by Stand and Waitpublication date Mon Sep 23, 2002 16:03author address author phone

Cycling to the RTS event yesterday, I noticed dozens of people standing at every bus stop I passed. One could tell they had been waiting a long time, judging by the pissed off faces on them. Dublin Bus Car Free Day? A joke!

Car Free Day - A disgrace
author by Stephenpublication date Mon Sep 23, 2002 17:01author address author phone

Yesterday was essentially a standard Sunday except with free buses from 1-6. The government should be ashamed of themselves about yesterday when you look at many other European countries where they comprehend the phrase Car Free Day.

Ah, well
author by Joe Lpublication date Mon Sep 23, 2002 18:10author address author phone

Sure what would it have to do with the government? I wonder did Bertie and the other tossers walk to Croke Park yesterday? I somewhow doubt it, state mercs and helicopters being the order of the day.

Car Free Day Ireland?
author by Brianpublication date Mon Sep 23, 2002 18:27author address author phone

I came to the RTS party from Naas, left Naas @ 11.00 and didnt reach Dublin till 12.45, the trip usually takes 45 mins, 35 on a sunday, car free day? yeah right, perhaps take your car for a walk day would have been more descriptive!

Any body wants to help to set up a reclaim the street in Belfast?
author by Laurent - myselfpublication date Mon Sep 30, 2002 16:59author email Bassaler-L at ulst dot ac dot ukauthor address 42 candahar street Belfastauthor phone 02890913383

Hi I am in Belfast and I would like to boost the city by setting up a reclaim the street commity.
Anybody is interested to join me here can contact me at Bassaler-L@ulst.ac.uk

good date there mags
author by good date there 'mags' - 23publication date Sat Oct 19, 2002 17:37author email us at our dot netauthor address author phone an hour ago 004179785xxxx

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