`Bendy buses' for Dublin route

Dublin Bus is to introduce articulated buses or "bendy buses" full time in the city from Monday. Already a familiar sight in central Europe, the bendy buses are almost twice the length of normal single deckers, but their flexible middle section allows them to corner without swinging wide at junctions.

The buses, recently tested in Dublin on a pilot basis, can accommodate 120 people, 50 of them seated. They are also wheelchair accessible. They are to go into service initially at peak times on route 90, a circular route between Heuston and Tara Street stations.

Meanwhile proposals to restore evening and night time services to parts of Tallaght are to be considered by bus drivers' unions over the weekend. The service was curtailed last month following attacks on buses in the Fettercairn, Cheeverstown Road and Fortunestown Way areas.

Dublin Bus said the attacks included stone-throwing by youths, as well as attacks on bus interiors and the pushing out of windows from the upper decks. Driver and passenger intimidation was also reported.

The proposals include extra patrols in the estates affected, Garda cars frequenting the bus routes as well as uniformed gardai travelling on some buses, according to the Garda press Office.

Union representatives were unavailable last night but it is understood that the proposals are to be discussed by the drivers' unions on Monday.

According to Dublin Bus spokesman Mr Joe Collins, the proposals "were not enough to bring the operation back to a full time service in the areas affected". Mr Collins said the attacks had in recent months had become "very extensive" and he said that "you would have to understand the drivers' position". He added however that he was hopeful that the new proposals would be acceptable by the drivers' unions when they meet.