Go-Ahead Ireland took over routes 45a, 59, 63 and 75 from Dublin Bus on Sunday 7 October.
According to the National Transport Authority (NTA), the switchover will mean improved services not only on these four routes, but elsewhere in the network.
The frequency of each service increased from Sunday, and a further 20 routes are set to see the same changes when they are also taken over by Go-Ahead in the coming months.
Fares will remain unchanged, and the TFI Leap Cards and Free Travel Passes will continue to be accepted; Rambler and TaxSaver tickets are also valid on the services.
The changes made to each route are as follows:
• Route 45a – daytime frequency increased to every 20 minutes, and every 30 minutes each evening and Sunday daytimes; existing journeys diverting via Shanganagh Cliffs Estate are numbered 45B to distinguish them from the standard route;
• Route 59 – departure times between Dun Laoghaire and Dalkey and vice versa have been coordinated with service 111 where possible, to offer more evenly spaced departures along these roads;
• Route 63 – frequency enhanced to every 30 minutes during evenings and Sunday daytimes; and
• Route 75 – journeys via Sandyford Business Park will be augmented at peak periods, enhancing the number of peak journeys between Dundrum and Tallaght; the route is changed in Dundrum to now serve Main Street, Taney Road and Sydenham Road; the timetable has been coordinated with the route 175 between Dundrum and Tallaght; and additional Sunday morning and evening journeys will be introduced.
Besides the improvements to the four routes listed, this switchover has freed up resources, allowing the NTA to approve what it’s calling a ‘major programme of service enhancements,’ including frequency improvements on 25 Dublin Bus routes.
NTA Chief Executive Officer Anne Graham said: “In the coming weeks and months, we will see a very substantial increase in frequency and service levels on about 50 bus routes in Dublin, operated under the Transport for Ireland brand, by both Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland.
“This is the single biggest programme of service improvements that the NTA has ever approved and it is indicative of the level of commitment we have to making the bus service better for more passengers across the network in Dublin.
“This represents good news for the customer who from Sunday will begin to benefit from more frequent buses at both peak and off-peak times, as well as at weekends.
“It’s also good news from a job-creation point of view with 165 drivers already recruited by Go-Ahead, and another 175 planned. And of course, Dublin Bus are maintaining their full driver complement.”
Ed Willis, Managing Director of Go-Ahead Ireland said: “We are delighted to commence operation of further services and are looking forward to providing a quality service to our customers and playing our part in helping to keep Dublin moving.”
