13 new bus routes have been introduced under the next phase of the ‘BusConnects’ plan to redesign Dublin Bus services, which began on January 26.
This phase, dubbed 6a E-Spine was launched by the National Transport Authority (NTA) in partnership with Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland.
This will include two 24-hour services, the E1 and E2.
The new routes will serve Dublin Airport, north Dublin, the city centre, south Dublin, Dún Laoghaire and north Wicklow, increasing bus service levels in these areas by 7%.
The 24-hour routes, the E1 and E2 will run from Ballymun to Dún Laoighaire and Bray/ Ballywaltrim replacing the 46A, 145 and 155 routes.
The introduction of the E1 and E2 means that there are now twelve 24-hour services in the TFI Dublin Bus network.
The NTA’s introduction of 24-hour services is in line with the recommendations of the Government’s Night-Time Economy Taskforce; to provide effective public transport services through the night.
The routes will make it easier for people to choose public transport and to provide support for the night-time economy.
Additionally, a new airport service numbered 19 that will run from Dublin Airport, through Ballymun and Drumcondra on to the centre of Dublin, is also part of this phase.
The phase also includes eight new local routes, introducing improved connectivity to parts of south Dublin and north Wicklow.
Billy Hann, CEO of Dublin Bus said the new 24-hour routes “will help support Dublin’s vibrant night-time economy”.
Describing Dublin as a “city on the move”, Hann said this next phase allows Dublin Bus to “continue playing a key role in connecting both commuters and visitors, day and night”.
The Managing Director of Go-Ahead Ireland, Dervla McKay said that with every new service “passengers are continually encouraged to take up sustainable modes of transport in their daily lives”.
