Kildare TD calls for real time information app to address commuter delays

Labour TD for Kildare South, Mark Wall has called for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to develop a real time information app following chaos on roads during a yellow level weather warning yesterday morning (January 27).

Deputy Wall said that while we are “lucky” at the level of detail provided to us across broadcast media, it is incumbent on TII to invest in a real time information app that can provide centralised information for all commuters.

The Labour TD said: “The fact that there is no centralised information repository when it comes to data and information on our roads is crazy. Today with a yellow weather warning commuters were left utterly reliant on radio updates regarding road conditions and public transport.

“Persistent and consistent issues with congestion have become the norm now. That’s why the Labour Party used its Private Members’ Time last week to put a renewed focus on tackling traffic and delays on our roads.”

According to Deputy Wall, one of the biggest issues people report is the lack of information available about delays, route changes or cancellation of public transport services.

If people had this information, he argued, they could adjust their schedule or their route.

He added: “That there is no integrated information solution for commuters on days when there’s bad congestion, and on days like today where there’s a weather warning in place, is beyond belief. 

“Instead we have the crazy situation whereby motorists are reporting to me that online map applications are routing them through areas that are flooded, Dublin Bus updates are available on one website, Luas on another. It’s making people’s journeys unnecessarily difficult.

“We need to address the root causes of congestion, but we also need to see a greater level of ambition from TII about the service they are providing the public with.”

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