The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) has renewed calls for a dedicated transport police unit after a gang of youths "hijacked" a bus on the country's first 24-hour bus route and threatened the female driver with rape.

Bus Éireann has said the provision of accessible bus stops on its network is "the responsibility of local authorities".

Bus Éireann tonight announced the latest stage of its massive cost-cutting drive with the axing of one service and the curtailment of 18 others.