Row delays bus service

Plans to extend the Dublin Bus "Nitelink" service are being held up by a dispute over supervisors' pay

Plans to extend the Dublin Bus "Nitelink" service are being held up by a dispute over supervisors' pay. The extended service had been due to begin last week as part of the 20 per cent productivity deal with drivers last April. But discussions with the supervisors on its implementation have still to be finalised.

The drivers are not prepared to operate the extended service without the support of supervisors to help deal with difficult situations that sometimes arise with passengers. They also have reservations about plans for the extension of the service.

However the bus unions were confident at the weekend outstanding difficulties could be resolved fairly quickly. They point out the settlement of the Dublin Bus dispute last April provided for consultation on the implementation of the new agreement, including the expanded "Nitelink" service.