The “secret” details of the €36m bailout for CIÉ shows the Government has broken its promises on openness and transparency, according to private bus operators.

Private coach operators have warned the Government’s plan for a major revamp of public transport in rural areas could be unworkable.

Motorists who signed up to the green agenda and low emission cars have been hit the hardest in Budget 2012.

A CASE to have the €180 million school transport service operated by Bus Éireann put out to tender by the Department of Education is to be heard by the High Court.

Private bus companies say the Government can save €80m in the public transport budget by putting certain bus services to tender.

PRIVATE coach operators have asked the Competition Authority to investigate the awarding of the school bus contract to Bus Éireann without tender.

The Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC) has called on the Government to open up more routes to private bus operators.

BUS and coach firms have claimed rising fuel prices are having a detrimental effect on tourism in Ireland.

Tough visa requirements for certain nationalities visiting Ireland are strangling the tourist industry, it was claimed today.

ANTI-COMPETITIVE bus regulations are favouring State companies and undermining private firms, a report said yesterday.