Bus drivers’ union challenges tenders

A trade union representing bus drivers has launched a High Court challenge against decisions by the National Transport Authority to put certain routes operated by Bus Éireann and Dublin Bus out for private tender.

The National Bus and Rail Workers Union claims the authority’s decision to put almost 30 routes including some along Dublin’s commuter and outer metropolitan areas, and in Waterford city to tender breaches the exclusive rights to operate the routes guaranteed to Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann.

The union claims the rights were conferred under provisions of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008. The High Court heard yesterday the authority’s notices inviting tenders have been issued. The award of the contracts is due to be made in April next year.