Bus strike to hit Dublin commuters
North Dublin commuters face travel chaos today as an unofficial strike by angry bus drivers enters its second day.
Dublin Bus said 18 routes will be cancelled after workers at the Harristown depot, close to the airport, downed tools yesterday in protest at the introduction of new schedules.
Unions at the state-owned company agreed earlier this month to accept the cost-saving proposals, which will see 120 vehicles taken off the roads.
Dublin Bus warned the dispute would have a knock-on affect to around 14 other routes.
Areas affected by the stoppage include Ballymun, Finglas, Donabate, Swords, Blanchardstown, Kimmage and a raft of other areas in the north of the city.
The stoppage is not affecting services operating from other Dublin Bus depots.
The company advised customers that changes to a number of services were due to come into force yesterday as part of the first phase of their planned fleet reduction process.
A number of lesser-used services were to cease operating while timetable changes on other routes were to be rolled out.
The second phase will take place in May.
Both Siptu and the National Bus and Rail Union voted to accept the proposals earlier this month after the company deferred the introduction of planned cuts to its services.
The cuts were originally due to be introduced on Easter Monday but were postponed to allow the unions clarify a ruling from the Labour Court.
