Series 18, Episode 8, Ending Gridlock – presented by Duncan Stewart
In Ireland over the past 30 years, we have expanded our road network at a stunning rate. But more roads mean more traffic and our cities are at a standstill. Motorists in Dublin alone spent a total of 246 hours last year sitting in traffic, that’s six whole working weeks a year! And it’s the same problem all over the country.
But there’s a new plan coming, the biggest investment the State has ever made in public transport is set to revitalise a lost mode of transport. In this episode, Duncan Stewart will examine the divisive Bus Connects project. It proposes billions of euro of investment in new quality bus corridors, designed to increase reliability and reduce bus journey times by up to 50% on many routes. But it has been met with stiff opposition. Is public engagement key to the success of this ambitious project? He’ll meet with a community group in Inchicore who have come up with their own proposal to save their old trees and build the new bus corridor.
This might be one solution, but we need to get the country moving sustainably and end gridlock. Duncan tags along on some other sustainable and innovative commutes like the Limerick Cycle Bus, a group of parents and kids trying to kick the car out of the school run.