Dublin’s new BusConnects routes are significantly outperforming older bus lines in both passenger numbers and punctuality, according to a progress report from the National Transport Authority (NTA).
Areas served by the redesigned network have experienced a substantial 48% increase in passenger numbers by the end of 2024, compared to just an 8% rise on routes that haven’t yet been updated. The report also highlighted an 8.5% improvement in punctuality across the BusConnects system, more than three times better than the 2.3% improvement seen on traditional routes.
“The growth in passenger numbers is very encouraging,” said NTA Interim CEO Hugh Creegan, describing it as evidence that “members of the travelling public are responding positively to the improved service levels and greater connectivity that BusConnects offers.”
The BusConnects program, which began in June 2021 with the introduction of the H-spine, has since expanded to include the C, N, G, W, S and E routes, along with new local services. The most recent changes came in January with an overhaul of north Dublin routes, including the replacement of the 11 and 13 with the 19, and the introduction of two 24-hour ‘spine’ services, the E1 and E2.
However, these changes weren’t without controversy. Residents in Glasnevin and Wadelai strongly protested, expressing concerns that city-bound buses would reach capacity at Dublin Airport before arriving at residential areas further along the route. Locals also questioned whether enough bus drivers would be available to extend services from Parnell Square to Merrion Square as promised.
While Creegan emphasized that planned bus priority corridors and a new ticketing system will further improve service by shortening journey times, the report revealed that contactless payment using credit or debit cards and mobile phones won’t be ready for approximately three years. This represents a significant delay from the NTA’s 2021 projection that such technology would be available by 2023 or 2024.
On a positive environmental note, the report highlighted that 110 electric buses have already been introduced into service, primarily charging at Dublin Bus depots in Summerhill and Phibsborough. These electric vehicles covered nearly two million kilometers in 2024, saving approximately 1,900 tonnes of CO2 emissions compared to equivalent diesel operations.
According to The Journal, The NTA has set ambitious targets for further environmental improvements, planning for 85% of Dublin metropolitan area services to operate with low and zero emission buses by 2032, and aiming for a complete transition to zero emission vehicles by 2035.