Public Transport Usage in Dublin Nears Pre-Pandemic Levels

Dublin's public transport system is showing a robust recovery, with passenger numbers approaching those seen before the pandemic. According to a recent report by the National Transport Authority (NTA), Dublin Transportation Office (DTO), and Dublin City Council (DCC), public transport usage has returned to 95% of its 2019 levels.

The Canal Cordon Report, which has been tracking transportation trends in Dublin City Centre for 17 years, highlights steady growth in public transport usage post-pandemic. This report monitors 33 strategic points within the city to gather data on the movement of people and vehicles during peak morning hours, with contributions from Dublin City Council, Dublin Bus, Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail), and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

This year's report shows a 3.2% increase in public transport usage compared to last year, indicating a significant shift towards sustainable travel options. Car usage, on the other hand, declined by 2.4%, suggesting a broader move towards more environmentally friendly modes of transport.

In 2023, 74% of inbound journeys within the Canal Cordon were made using sustainable transport options, including public transport, walking, cycling, and taxis. This represents a 7% increase from 2022, reflecting Dublin's growing commitment to sustainability and reducing car dependency.

Buses have seen the most notable increase in passenger numbers, even surpassing 2019 figures. In 2023, 66,949 people chose buses as their primary mode of transport.

The report also notes a 12.6% overall decrease in inbound journeys, largely due to the rise of hybrid working models. The shift from a traditional five-day in-office week to more flexible working arrangements is expected to continue influencing travel patterns in the future.

For more information, you can access the full Canal Cordon Report here.