Celebrating 40 Years of Dublin's DART train service
Dublin's DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) marks its 40th anniversary this year, a milestone highlighting its significance in the city's public transport system. Launched on July 23, 1984, the DART originally connected Bray and Howth. Over the years, it has expanded and now includes routes from Malahide to Greystones.
Introduced during a challenging economic period for Ireland, the DART quickly demonstrated its value. Despite initial criticisms labeling it as an overly luxurious solution, it has become a cornerstone of Dublin's public transport. The service started with approximately 25,000 daily passengers, a number that has grown to around 90,000 today.
Throughout its four decades of operation, the DART has handled nearly 670 million passenger journeys, significantly impacting the daily lives of Dublin residents. The planned DART+ Programme aims to expand the network from 53 kilometers to 150 kilometers, effectively tripling its reach and doubling passenger capacity.
The DART+ Programme is set to extend services to new areas, including Drogheda, Maynooth, and Hazelhatch. This expansion is part of a strategic initiative to enhance regional connectivity and promote sustainable travel options, thereby alleviating traffic congestion and reducing emissions.
Key infrastructural improvements under DART+ include the electrification of existing lines, upgrades to signaling and communication systems, and the introduction of new battery-electric trains. By 2026, these enhancements are expected to boost passenger capacity by 83% during peak hours.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary, a short film by Roddy Doyle will be shown on DART trains. Additionally, the Little Museum of Dublin has collaborated to transform a DART train into a traveling museum, displaying significant moments from Dublin's history over the past four decades.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan reflected on the milestone, stating, “It’s hard to believe that the DART is 40 years old, and yet it seems as if it has been here forever... Dubliners and visitors to our city love the DART, and I look forward to it continuing to be part of our life stories for decades to come”.
Ryan also highlighted future developments, saying, “As Minister for Transport, I am committed to major investment in all forms of sustainable transport... We know that when there is a public transport option that is frequent and reliable and that brings them where they want to go, they will grasp it with both hands”.
You can read more about the 40th anniversary of the DART on the Irish Rail website.