BusConnects

A 2017 report, commissioned by the NTA and produced by US-based consulting firm Jarrett Walker + Associates (previously involved in similar projects in New Zealand),{{cite web|first=Jessica | last = McAllen | url = https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/lessons-from-down-under-how-not-to-do-busconnects-1.3661640 |title=Lessons from down under: How not to do BusConnects |publisher=The Irish Times | website = irishtimes.com |date=2018-10-16 |accessdate=2022-10-15}} set out a number of options for the redesign of Dublin's bus transport network.{{cite web|url = https://busconnects.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/dublin-area-bus-network-redesign-choices-report-17-06-05-web.pdf | publisher = National Transport Authority | website = busconnects.ie | title = Dublin Area Bus Network Redesign Choices Report | date = 6 June 2017 }} The proposed purpose of the redesign was to improve network functionality and increase bus ridership in the Dublin area. The report noted that the existing network focused on radial routes (from the suburbs into the city centre) and had very few orbital or crossing routes (from suburb to suburb).{{cite web |url=https://d1trxack2ykyus.cloudfront.net/uploads/2018/07/busconnects-dublin-network-redesign-summary.pdf|title=Dublin Area Bus Network Redesign Public Consultation Report: Summary (July 2018)|work =Jarrett Walker + Associates|date=2018-07-01|access-date=2022-06-14}} Arising from this report, an initial network proposal was released for public consultation in mid-2018.

According to a press release issued by the Department of Transport in March 2022, it was noted that, while a "final budget and delivery schedule for BusConnects Dublin" had not been established, the proposed budget was then projected to be €4 billion and work speculated to "be substantially complete by 2030".{{cite web|url =

https://www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ec324-government-gives-green-light-to-dublins-busconnects/ | website = gov.ie | publisher = Department of Transport | title = Press Release - Government Gives Green Light to Dublin's BusConnects | date = 8 March 2022 | accessdate = 15 October 2022 }}

{{see also|Dublin Bus#BusConnects}}

The BusConnects programme in Dublin was split into phases, for which the main consultation initiatives concluded in 2020. The NTA began implementing the new network in stages, starting in 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.transportforireland.ie/network-redesign/ |title=BusConnects Dublin Network Redesign - Transport for Ireland |publisher=National Transport Authority | website = transportforireland.ie |date= |accessdate=2022-10-15}}{{cite web |url=https://jarrettwalker.com/dublin-area-bus-network-redesign/|title=Dublin Area Bus Network Redesign|website=Jarrett Walker + Associates|access-date=2022-06-14}} These included:

• Phase 1 (H-Spine) - initially rolled out in June 2021, when routes 29a, 31/a/b and 32 were replaced by routes H1, H2 and H3.{{cite news|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/busconects-plans-5476159-Jun2021/|title=BusConnects: H Spine towards Howth and Malahide to begin from Sunday|publisher = Journal Media Ltd | website=TheJournal.ie|date=24 June 2021|first=Ronan|last=Duffy|access-date=14 February 2022|archive-date=14 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214232202/https://www.thejournal.ie/busconects-plans-5476159-Jun2021/|url-status=live}}
• Phase 2 (C-Spine) - launched in November 2021 in West Dublin and East Kildare,{{cite web |url=https://www.goaheadireland.ie/c-spine-launching-28th-november|title=C-Spine launching 28th of November 2021|publisher=Go-Ahead Ireland |website = goaheadireland.ie |date=2021-11-17|access-date=2022-05-14}} this involved the introduction of several routes operated by Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland, including the C-Spine (C1, C2, C3, C4), route 52, a number of peak-only and local routes and two night-time routes.{{cite web |url=https://www.dublinbus.ie/News-Centre/General-News-Archive/Second-Phase-of-new-Bus-Connects-Network-to-launch/|title=Second Phase of new Bus Connects Network to launch|website = dublinbus.ie | publisher=Dublin Bus |date=2021-11-10|access-date=2022-05-16}}
• Phase 3 (N-Orbital) - launched in May 2022 with the N4 and N6 north Dublin orbitals.{{cite web |url=https://www.nationaltransport.ie/new-24-hour-service-among-busconnects-changes-for-dublins-northside-from-sunday/|title=New 24-hour Service Among BusConnects Changes for Dublin’s Northside from Sunday|website=nationaltransport.ie|date=2022-05-27|access-date=2022-05-31}}{{cite web |url=https://www.transportforireland.ie/northern-orbitals/|title=DUBLIN- NORTHERN ORBITALS|website=transportforireland.ie| publisher = National Transport Authority |date=2022-05-29|access-date=2022-05-31}}
• Phase 4 (G-Spine) - launched in October 2022 with routes G1, G2 and 60.{{Cite web|last=Donohoe|first=Amy|date=2022-10-25|title=New Dublin bus route labelled 'shambolic' due to 'delays and cancelled services'|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/new-dublin-bus-route-labelled-shambolic-due-to-delays-and-cancelled-services-42093016.html|access-date=2022-10-27|website=The Irish Independent|language=en}}{{Cite web|last=McCullagh|first=Tony|date=2022-08-10|title=Latest changes to Dublin Bus network delayed over driver numbers|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/latest-changes-to-dublin-bus-network-delayed-over-driver-numbers-41902270.html|access-date=2022-08-13|website=The Irish Independent|language=en}}{{cite web|first=Olivia |last = Kelly | date = 13 October 2022 |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2022/10/13/new-busconnects-services-begin-in-dublin-on-sunday/ |title=New BusConnects services begin in Dublin on Sunday |publisher=Irish Times | website = irishtimes.com |accessdate=2022-10-15}}{{cite web|url = https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/full-details-phase-4-busconnects-25060826 | title = Full details of Phase 4 BusConnects changes launching next month | website = dublinlive.ie | first = Emma |last = Nevin | date = 20 September 2022 }}
• Phase 5a (W-Orbital) - launched in June 2023 with routes W4, W61 and W62.{{cite web|last=MacRedmond|first=David|date=2023-06-21|title=BusConnects: Three new routes for west Dublin and east Kildare set to begin on Sunday|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/three-new-orbital-bus-routes-dublin-kildare-6098965-Jun2023/|access-date=2023-06-26|website= TheJournal.ie|language=en}}{{cite web |url=https://www.transportforireland.ie/getting-around/by-bus/phase-5a-w-orbital/ |title=PHASE 5A: W-ORBITAL |website=transportforireland.ie| publisher = National Transport Authority |date=2023-06-01|access-date=2023-06-26}}
• Phase 5b - launched in November 2023 with routes S2, S4, S6, S8, W2, 74, L25, and L55.{{Cite web |date=November 2023 |title=Phase 5b Southern Orbitals |url=https://www.transportforireland.ie/getting-around/by-bus/phase-5b-southern-orbitals/ |access-date=2023-11-25 |website=transportforireland.ie| publisher = Transport for Ireland |language=en-US}} Following this change, routes 17, 17D, 18, 75, 75A, 76, 76A, 175 and 61 ceased operations.
• Phase 6a - launched in September 2024 with the northside orbital route of the N2,{{cite web |url=https://www.transportforireland.ie/getting-around/by-bus/n2-orbital-route/#:~:text=Phase%206a%20of%20the%20BusConnects%20Network%20Redesign%20roll-out%20in |title=N2 Orbital Route |website=transportforireland.ie| publisher = Transport for Ireland |date=2024-09-12|access-date=2024-09-30}}{{cite web |url=https://www.goaheadireland.ie/nta-launches-new-orbital-route-dublins-northside-part-busconnects-network |title=NTA LAUNCHES NEW ORBITAL ROUTE FOR DUBLIN’S NORTHSIDE AS PART OF BUSCONNECTS NETWORK |website=goaheadireland.ie| publisher = Go-Ahead Ireland |date=2024-09-27|access-date=2024-09-30}}{{cite web |url=https://www.goaheadireland.ie/new-service-orbital-route-n2 |title=New Service - Orbital Route N2 |website=goaheadireland.ie| publisher = Go-Ahead Ireland |date=2024-09-12|access-date=2024-11-24}} and is due to continue into January 2025 with the launch of further routes{{cite web|first=Tim |last = O'Brien | date = 2024-11-14 |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/transport/2024/11/14/new-busconnects-routes-pushed-back-until-january-due-to-risk-of-christmas-confusion/ |title=New BusConnects routes pushed back until January due to risk of Christmas confusion | website = irishtimes.com | publisher = The Irish Times |access-date=2022-11-24}} (including the E-Spine).{{cite web |url=https://busconnects.ie/phase-6a-e-spine-launching-8-12-24/ |title=Phase 6A of the Network Redesign E Spine will be launched in January 2025 |website=busconnects.ie| publisher = BusConnects |date=2024-11-04|access-date=2024-11-24}}{{cite web |url=https://www.transportforireland.ie/getting-around/by-bus/phase-6a-e-spine/ |title=Phase 6a: E-Spine — Launching January 2025 |website=transportforireland.ie| publisher = Transport for Ireland |date=2024-11-14|access-date=2024-11-24}}

During both the implementation and consultation phases, the BusConnects projects in Dublin attracted significant controversy and criticism, including from service users,{{cite web|url = https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/serious-concerns-raised-busconnects-due-25078363 | website = dublinlive.ie | title = 'Serious concerns' raised about BusConnects due to spike of no-show buses in north Dublin |first = Emma | last = Nevin | date = 22 September 2022 }} residents,{{cite web|url = https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/controversial-bus-connects-plan-could-become-as-politically-dangerous-as-water-charges-fine-gael-tds-claim-37334927.html | publisher = Independent News & Media | website = independent.ie | title = Controversial Bus Connects plan could become as politically dangerous as water charges - Fine Gael TDs claim | date = 19 September 2018 | first1 = Cormac |last1 = McQuinn | first2 = Wayne |last2= O'Connor }} politicians,{{cite web |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-30870519.html |title=Shane Ross urges people to get involved in the Bus Connects consultation |publisher=Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com |date=2018-09-21 |accessdate=2022-10-15}} and transport unions.{{cite web|first=Vivienne |last = Clarke | date = 21 September 2018 |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/busconnects-designer-says-union-is-misleading-public-1.3636869 |title=BusConnects designer says union is misleading public |publisher=Irish Times | website = irishtimes.com |accessdate=2022-10-15}} Concerns included route coverage, total journey times, allowing for route access and changes, actual performance and "no shows", property "taking" required to implement routes, and reduction in road space for existing commuter traffic. Similar sentiments have been expressed in Ballyfermot.{{Cite web|last=Blaney|first=Amy|date=2022-11-15|title=Dublin Bus users call for return to original routes if G-Spine issues not resolved|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/dublin/dublin-news/dublin-bus-users-call-for-return-to-original-routes-if-g-spine-issues-not-resolved-42143544.html|access-date=2022-11-15|website=The Irish Independent|language=en}}{{cite web|url = https://dublininquirer.com/2022/11/23/the-new-bus-routes-from-ballyfermot-into-town-are-worse-than-the-old-ones-councillors-and-commuters-say | title = The New Bus Routes from Ballyfermot into Town Are Worse Than the Old Ones, Councillors and Commuters Say | website = dublininquirer | first = Claudia |last = Dalby | date = 2022-11-23 }}

{{see also|Cork (city)#Bus}}

The consultation phase for the proposed BusConnects project in Cork was opened in 2022.{{cite web|url = https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/public-asked-for-views-on-new-busconnects-routes-for-cork-1327675.html | website = breakingnews.ie | title = Public asked for views on new BusConnects routes for Cork |date = 30 June 2022 |first = Sarah | last = Mooney }} The published proposals attracted significant controversy and complaint from home-owners,{{cite web|first=Eoin |last = English |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-40977848.html |title=BusConnects plan drives a wedge between frustrated commuters and fearful homeowners |publisher=Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com |date=2022-10-09 |accessdate=2022-10-15}} politicians,{{cite web|first =Mary |last = Leland |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/property/residential/arid-40967516.html |title=BusConnects and NTA controversial plans for Cork: unique opportunity or highways to Hell? |publisher=Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com |date=2022-09-25 |accessdate=2022-10-15}}{{cite web|url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40978868.html | publisher = Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com | title = Taoiseach: Part of Cork's €600m BusConnects plan has left elderly in tears | first1 = Elaine | last1 = Loughlin | first2 = Eoin |last2 = English | date = 8 October 2022 | accessdate = 28 October 2022 | quote = all seven of the city’s Fianna Fáil councillors, including the Taoiseach’s brother, have tabled a motion for Monday’s council meeting calling for the plans to be rejected }} transport unions, and other stakeholders.{{Cite web|last=English|first=Eoin|date=2022-10-10|title='We've no intention of rushing BusConnects plan ... the aim is to get it right'|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40980143.html|access-date=2022-10-13|publisher=The Irish Examiner|website = irishexaminer.com |language=en}} According to reports from mid-2022, concerns were raised in particular about the proposed demolition of old stone walls, the potential for nearly 1000 properties to lose parts of their gardens through compulsory purchase orders,{{cite web|url = https://redfm.ie/post/anger-over-proposals-for-busconnects-routes-in-douglas/ | publisher = Red FM | website = redfm.ie | title = Anger Over Proposals For Busconnects Routes In Douglas | date = 18 July 2022 | accessdate = 16 October 2022 }} the loss of sections of Ballybrack Woods in Douglas, and the felling of 1,400 mature trees along proposed routes.{{cite web|url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-40982039.html| title = Scientist urges BusConnects Cork plan to improve on 'meagre tree planting scheme' | publisher = Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com | date= 12 October 2022 | accessdate = 16 October 2022 | first = Eoin | last = English }}

As of mid-2024, approximately €24m had been spent on proposed BusConnects initiatives in Cork,{{cite web|url = https://www.echolive.ie/corknews/arid-41441113.html | work = The Echo | first = Amy | last = Power | title = €24 million spent on Cork BusConnects projects since 2021 | date = 22 July 2024 | accessdate = 1 October 2024 }} including at least €2.5 million on consultation efforts,{{cite web|url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41378515.html | work = Irish Examiner | first = Eoin | last = English | title = Transport body spends €2.5m to decide routes for Cork bus projects | date = 21 April 2024 | accessdate = 1 October 2024 }} with planning applications due to be submitted "on a phased basis beginning in the first quarter of 2025".

In February 2023, the National Transport Authority published a draft version of a new bus network for Limerick city. At that time, the network redesign was intended to be rolled out in 2025.{{Cite web|last=Sheehy|first=Mairead|date=2023-02-22|title=Limerick welcomes 24-hour bus service under new network plan|url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/munster/arid-41077685.html|access-date=2023-03-08|website=The Irish Examiner|language=en}}

As of March 2022, the then Minister of Transport proposed "acceleration" and a rollout of BusConnects initiatives to Galway, Limerick and Waterford.{{cite web|first=Paul |last = Hosford |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/politics/arid-40824471.html |title=Eamon Ryan would like to see acceleration of €2 billion BusConnects scheme |publisher=Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com |date=2022-03-08 |accessdate=2022-10-15}}

• Public transport in Ireland
• Quality Bus Corridor

{{reflist}}

• {{official website|https://busconnects.ie/}}

{{Dublin transport}}

Category:Bus transport in the Republic of Ireland

Category:2021 in Ireland

Category:Transport in Ireland