Summary of ideas submitted in the Transport category…

• Reintroduce the scrappage scheme. Currently in Germany there is a €2,500 rebate if you return a car for scrap upon purchasing a new one.
• Remove bicycles that have been in bike racks for more then two weeks. These bikes can be refurbished and used in the tourism industry.
• Remove motor tax and increase fuel levy.
• Remove the majority of the seats on the Luas - leaving seating for those with disability and foldaway seats that currently exist. Free up space on over-capacity trams.
• Remove the road tax system and replace it by adding a 5 % tax on petrol. Thus people who use the roads more pay more, and it will save Gardaí chasing people who don’t pay their tax.
• Remove the year of registration on car registration; this would stop the irrational urge of people buying cars in January. Balance this with the need for electronic stability control for the young drivers who are most at risk.
• Remove VAT or VRT on new cars. This would get people to start buying cars again.
• Restructure the way Dublin Bus is run. Shut down infrequently used routes and make the whole schedule a lot easier to understand.
• Revamp the Drivers Licence to a credit card size. Renewing the licence would create work.
• Review the regulatory model of taxis. Have a ‘Ryanair’ style model for taxis where they can provide lower charges to the public.
• Reviewing pedestrian links in the city, engage with community groups in assessing them and encourage them to have a sense of ownership in them.
• Road signage. Employ a body to set and apply appropriate quality signage around Ireland.
• Sell or lease space for service stations along the newly constructed motorways.
• Sell personalised number plates. This is a great revenue earner.
• Sell the motorways that are partially completed to the National Pension Fund, let it pay to finish it off as quickly as possible and then toll the motorways to raise long-term income for the pension fund.
• Set up a group that can identify, develop and promote cycle routes throughout Ireland. With safer routes could be a viable alternative to cars.
• Signpost principal national routes for learner drivers. These could be designated as “L” routes and would be useful for learners, cyclists and tourists.
• Speeding fines be allocated according to the speed at which you are driving. Also greater fines should be giving to lorries, motorcycles and modified cars.
• Standardise taxis across the country. Same model colour etc. give taxi drivers a reduction of VRT on a new car and a low rate loan for them to buy a car.
• Start efficient school bus runs around the Dublin area.
• Stop clamping cars. Clamping does nothing to ease congestion as the clamped vehicle is left obstructing traffic until the owner returns and pays the fine.
• Stop clamping.
• Stop road construction and re-evaluate the requirements needed. Create a national transport authority and give it power over the NRA.
• Stop spending on transport, including the Metro Nnorth. This would save €17 billion.
• Subsidise LPG or diesel taxis so that fares are reduced and usage increases.
• Synchronise traffic lights.
• Tax a small amount to people who use boats for pleasure for the upkeep of the loughs and surrounding hinterland. Thus reduce costs to the Exchequer.
• Tax people based on mileage travelled during the year and scrap fuel duties and insurance.
• Taxis bringing people to or from Dublin Airport should be allowed to use the Port Tunnel.
• Teach adults and children how to cycle. Cycling is beneficial for your health; it reduces congestion in our cities and towns and is a very cheap mode of transport.
• Text solution to prevent queues at the Luas ticket machines and for car park spaces at the Park and Ride. Text for relevant fare and it can be deducted from your phone bill/credit card and they then send a text back confirming payment. Prevents people from missing the Luas.
• The Government should impose regulations with regard to foreign cars registering in Ireland and impose penalties where the regulations are not adhered to.
• The Government should swap a stake in Aer Lingus for a stake in Ryanair.
• The HSE, voluntary sectors and Bus Éireann should work together to see if there is any way of being able to transport patients or the elderly in a more efficient way to reduce any duplication of driver’ routes etc.
• The idea of bus lanes should be reconsidered as they are not really economical.