400,000 commuters hit as bus strike enters second day
Around 400,000 commuters face disruption again this morning, as the Dublin bus strike enters its second day.
The NBRU union representing drivers said they were ready to see the pay dispute "through to the bitter end".
Two more 48-hour strikes are planned for this month over calls for a 15% wage hike. Management are only prepared to offer an 8% rise.
The five drivers' unions are due to meet on Thursday to discuss their next course of action.
General Secretary of the NBRU Dermot O'Leary said: "The mood is one of strong resolve. They are determined to see this dispute through to the bitter end if that's what it takes.
"Their preferred option is to have a settlement of their dispute. They do appreciate that despite the fact the public are being discommoded unfortunately through (their action), they feel some of the public are very supportive of them."
Gardaí have warned motorists not to use bus lanes even though no buses are running.
They said bus lanes will continue to facilitate other bus service providers, public service vehicles, emergency services and an increased number of cyclists.
Gardaí in Dublin are advising commuters to plan ahead and to expect extra volumes of traffic during morning and evening peaks times.
People have turned to private cars and taxis - who are reporting a 300% spike in trade - since buses were called back to their depots on Wednesday evening.
Unite, which represents craft workers in Dublin Bus, demanded Mr Ross intervene in the dispute.
Willie Quigley, regional officer for the union, blamed "persistent underfunding" of Dublin Bus by successive governments for the fall-out.
"Dublin Bus provides a vital public service, yet we have one of the lowest levels of state support for public transport in the EU," he said.
"In Dublin, the public subvention makes up just 20% of public transport revenue, compared with over 50% in many other European cities."
Further strikes are planned on September 15 and 16 and again on September 23 and 24, and pickets are being held in Clontarf, Conyngham Road, Harristown, Ringsend, Phibsboro, Donnybrook and Summerhill, as well as at the head office in O'Connell Street.
