Ministers: Up to unions and Bus Éireann to solve crisis

The Government has moved to distance itself from the escalating funding crisis within Bus Éireann, claiming it is a matter for the company and unions to resolve.

Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Paschal Donohoe has said the subvention for Public Service Obligation (PSO) routes has already been increased and the problem lies with the company’s commercial arm.

Bus Éireann is under major financial strain and could go out of business within two years if a plan to drastically cut costs is not agreed. it is losing €6m a year, mainly due to increased competition from private operators on its commercial Expressway routes.