Dublin South West Sinn Féin TD, Seán Crowe, has welcomed the launch of the new Real Time Ireland App today which offers up-to-the-minute information on public transport across the state. The app is available for free for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets.
Crowe said he hoped that the new information system can be complemented by the long promised intelligent transport information system and rolled out to all commuters regardless of their access to smartphone technology.
Deputy Seán Crowe said:
“This is a very good step advancing on from a number of separate applications, unofficial efforts, and the real time signage developed by Dublin Bus.
“I along with many others have been calling for something like this and I welcome the launch of this new application. This will hopefully make public transport more accessible and understandable for the public and especially tourists.
“The launch also highlights the anomaly of a lack a simple integrated ticket for transport users. An integrated ticket would allow a transport commuter to use the LUAS, suburban train, Bus Éireann or Dublin Bus.
“Templates exist in other cities and countries for an integrated ticket so there is no reason with the right political will that this cannot also happen here.
“I know from my involvement in South Dublin Tourism over the years that the lack of an integrated transport ticket is seen as a negative turn off for some tourists. This new app will make up some of the ground lost and make the potential of out of city locations more attractive.
“The lack of a comprehensive ticket makes it extremely difficult for job seekers and narrows the job options for those without access to independent transport
“The new app will makes it easier for job seekers to access employment and will facilitate the ability of workers to get to a jobs on time.
“The new app is welcome but I, like others, look forward to the day of an announcement of a new integrated transport ticket.”
ENDS