IRISH commuters are set for a major boost as 13 new bus routes were launched today.
Two of the new routes are the new 24/7 bus services, which will provide a boost to the night-time economy, bringing up to 12 24/7 bus services available in the TFI bus network.
The National Transport Authority announced the new round-the-clock services in the capital and beyond – which includes the most desired E1 and E2.
The phase 6a, delivered in partnership with Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland, will serve communities between Dublin Airport, North Dublin, the city centre, South Dublin, Dun Laoghaire and North Wicklow.
With the introduction of the new services, the overall bus service levels in these areas are set to increase by over 7 per cent.
The new 24-hour bus services, E1 and E2, will operate from north of Ballymun through the city centre to Dun Laoghaire and Bray/Ballywaltrim to the south.
With the new 24-hour bus services, this will improve access to key services including third-level colleges, such as UCD, TCU, DCU and TUD.
Hospitals, including the Mater, the Rotunda, Temple Street and Loughlinstown, can now be easily accessed by the services.
The two 24-hour services are part of the recommendations of the Govnerment’s Night-Time Economy Taskforce to “improve the public realm and provide effective public transport solutions through the night”.
The new route 19 has launched today as well and it will run from Dublin Airport, through Ballymun, on to Wadelai, through Drumcondra and on to the centre of the capital.
The new service will run every 20 minutes for the majority of the day and every 10 minutes between Wadelai and the city centre during peak times.
It provides connectivity to the airport from areas including Glasnevin and Ballymun, making it the first direct connection to the areas.
The phase also introduces new local routes that are designed to provide links to local centres and to onward transport connections.
The new services L1, L2, L3, L12, L14, L15, L26 and L27 will provide new connectivity, especially in the south of Dublin and north Wicklow areas.
‘ACCESSIBLE AND RELIABLE’
Hugh Creegan, Interim CEO of the National Transport Authority said: “Today’s launch reflects our commitment to creating a more connected, accessible and reliable public transport system, ensuring our passengers have more choices and flexibility to their daily travel.
“Expanding our round- the- clock services and enhancing our connectivity is essential to support Ireland’s growing population with sustainable, efficient transport options.”
Billy Hann, CEO of Dublin Bus said: “We are excited to welcome the new year with the launch of services that will make a real difference for Dublin Bus customers across the city.
“The E1 and E2 routes, both operating 24 hours a day, will help support Dublin’s vibrant night-time economy.
“Along with the new Route 19, these services will further strengthen the city’s public transport network. Dublin is a city on the move, and this next phase of BusConnects allows us to continue playing a key role in connecting both commuters and visitors, day and night.”
Dervla McKay, Managing Director of Go-Ahead Ireland, said: “Go-Ahead Ireland is proud to take part in the launch of Phase 6A of BusConnects today alongside our transport partners.
“With every new service added to Dublin’s public transport network, passengers are continually encouraged to take up sustainable modes of transport in their daily lives.
“Go-Ahead Ireland is dedicated to its role in ensuring the reliability and accessibility of the public transport network in the greater Dublin area, and we look forward to the improved services that our passengers will receive as a result of Phase 6A.”
