Record number of passengers used public transport in 2023
In a remarkable rebound from the challenges of recent years, Dublin's public transport system has witnessed record-breaking passenger numbers in 2023, according to the latest figures from the National Transport Authority (NTA). Public transport in Dublin was used by more than 308 million passengers last year, marking an unprecedented era in the history of public transport in the capital.
The increase in passenger journeys signifies not just a recovery but a significant growth compared to previous years. With a 24% increase from 2022 and a 5% rise above the record set in 2019, it's evident that public transport has become the backbone of city mobility.
Over the course of 2023, Dublin Bus carried over 145 million passengers — a 20% jump from the previous year. Similarly, Luas reported a 25% increase with 48.2 million passengers. Go-Ahead Ireland’s bus services in the Dublin Metropolitan area also saw a substantial rise, serving over 16 million passengers.
Iarnród Éireann, the national rail operator, wasn't left behind in this upward trend. Approximately 45.5 million passenger journeys were made by rail, significantly higher than the 35.8 million recorded in 2022.
Noteworthy developments have been made in other regions as well. TFI Local Link, for instance, has significantly enhanced connectivity in rural Ireland, with over 3.2 million passengers in 2023, a striking 78% increase from the previous year.
New services like the TFI Local Link in Kerry and the 188 bus service by Local Link Louth Meath Fingal have played a crucial role in improving transport options outside the greater Dublin region, though their impact pales in comparison to the bustling activity within Dublin.
The record-breaking figures for public transport usage in Dublin is partly attributed to the successful implementation of the BusConnects Network Redesign project. With phases launched in West and South Dublin in 2023, these routes experienced an immediate 6% rise in passenger numbers, indicating a strong demand for more direct, frequent, and reliable services.
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority said: “The NTA has continued to plan, implement and invest in our public transport network and we are seeing the results of that around the country. Last year we implemented over 60 new and enhanced bus services, connecting towns and villages across Ireland giving our people the option to take public transport to work, school, and college or to leisure appointments. The passenger numbers speak for themselves.
“In Dublin two significant phases of BusConnects launched and passenger numbers on these routes increased instantly and continues to grow, showing us the demand exists for these more direct, frequent and reliable services.”
For more information on the NTA announcement on public transport usage in 2023, please check the NTA website.