Passenger numbers travelling on Ireland’s public transport network in 2023 returned to record numbers after the dip caused by the pandemic according to the latest figures released by the National Transport Authority. This includes the Luas network in Dublin as well as Dublin Bus, Bus Eireann, Iarnroad Eireann, Go Ahead Ireland and TFI Local Link.
In total Luas carried 48.2 million passengers during 2023 which amounts to a 25% rise when compared to 2022. The 12 months of 2022 had seen 38.6 million passenger journeys recorded.
This was just over the average for all of the different modes of transport which saw a 24% rise in comparison to 2022. Possibly more significantly these overall numbers are actually 5% up on the previous record year in 2019.
Eamon Ryan, Minister for Transport, said: “Public transport has turned a significant corner this year. Communities up and down the country are now benefiting from the significantly increased and enhanced public transport and the new lower fares we have introduced. The numbers of people using our buses, trains and trams this year are really encouraging. It shows that when you provide good transport services people flock to them, in both urban and rural areas. This year we will continue to invest in and improve transport services with more town buses, more rural services and progression on transformative Bus Corridors in our cities, now starting to come out of planning.”