Private bus operators need supports post-Covid

From replies Deputy Smyth has received on this issue, extra state supports are only being made available to companies who have contracts with the National Transport Authority (NTA) presently.

Private bus operators need supports following a significant drop in business due to the global pandemic, says Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth.

Deputy Smyth has written to Minister of State in the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Innovation Robert Troy TD to raise these concerns.

From replies Deputy Smyth has received on this issue, extra state supports are only being made available to companies who have contracts with the National Transport Authority (NTA) presently.

She believes this is unfair, and is calling on the Government to consider the industry in the July Stimulus Package.

“Like so many businesses, private coach and bus operators have struggled over the past four months. Realistically, their industry will not return as it was pre-pandemic until the virus is fully suppressed or a vaccine is found – all indications would suggest this may not be until well into next year or 2022,” she said.

“In the immediate private bus operators need support. They find themselves limited in supports and limited in how they can be viable with restrictions due to Covid, in terms of passenger numbers, numbers allowed on buses and running two buses on one route due to social distancing and meeting demands.”