‘Bus Connects’ proposes new routes through the Liberties

Dublin Bus has announced major changes to its bus routes as part of a new project called Bus Connects. A report released in June proposed several new and updated routes to its core bus corridors.

Not only would Bus Connects change many routes of Dublin Bus but it is also changing the number of routes, frequency, fare structure as well as the colour of the buses and the bus stops.

A public feedback period concluded at the end of September and local objections were raised in many parts of the city.

There are also plans for changes to the cycling lanes along the core bus corridor. The current timeline states that An Bord Pleanála will make a decision on the proposals by 2020 while the construction of the project is due to begin in 2021.

Ray Coyne, Dublin Bus chief executive, said of the report, “I welcome this report which is part of a programme of investment of up to €1.5bn by Government and the National Transport Authority in the greater Dublin area. This is positive news for our customers and is part of a clear plan to tackle congestion and improve bus speeds and journey times. Only by making public transport a better option than private modes of transport, will we be able to achieve sustainable levels of growth and mitigate congestion in the long term.”

There are various changes that would affect the Liberties. Dublin Bus has released a mapped proposal of the new routes with each one of them lettered. The ‘C’ route will run along the Quays and head towards Heuston Station. The ‘G’ route will head along Thomas Street and James Street. The ‘D’ route will go via Patrick Street, Cork Street and Dolphins Barn. The ‘F’ route will travel on the edges of Clanbrassil Street. There will also be a new intermittent ‘O’ route which will reach South Circular Road as well as North Circular Road.

The 16 new high-speed bus routes in Dublin are a major part of the National Development Plan.