BusConnects Phase 3 has launched today and will include the implementation of two northside orbital routes from Sunday.
The N4 and the N6, which will see the replacement of the 17A, were originally expected to begin in January but were delayed due to driver shortages.
This third phase will be in effect from Sunday May 29, with the N6 route being operated by Go-Ahead Ireland and the route will link Finglas and Howth Junction, via Beaumont Hospital.
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The N4 route which will be operated by Dublin Bus, will connect Blanchardstown Shopping Centre with the Point Village, via Finglas and Dublin City University, 24 hours a day.
There is a 10-minute frequency on both the N4 and N6 at most times on weekdays and Saturdays, with lower frequencies on Sundays.
An interchange bus stop to allow customers transfer between the N4 and N6 has been installed in Finglas Village. Thanks to the TFI 90-minute fare, there is no additional cost incurred for transferring from one to the other.
The 90-minute fare has recently been reduced by 20% to just €2 until the end of the year, and the fare for students and young adults is just €1.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said: “Today’s launch marks another achievement for the ambitious BusConnects project.
“These new services will better connect areas in the north of the city. They will provide an easy, accessible, and more sustainable way for people to travel from Howth to Blanchardstown and into the Point and the North Quays in the city centre.”
“This latest phase of the new network provides communities in these areas not just with increased frequency, but also a night service offering commuters 24-hour bus connections. This will enable more commuters to rely on public transport for all their needs and further reduce the need for cars on our roads.”
Anne Graham CEO of the NTA said that customer response to phases one and two has been really positive.
She said: "Passenger numbers on Phase 1 services – the H-Spine and related services introduced in July 2021 – are running at 22% ahead of background growth on bus passenger numbers. The figure for Phase 2 – the C-Spine and related services introduced in November 2021 – is 12%.
“It’s clear that the new network is persuading more and more people to use the bus."
Ray Coyne, CEO of Dublin Bus said: “Today is a very positive day for Dublin Bus and our customers. The launch of the new N4 route will provide people across west and north Dublin with 24-hour direct access to the docklands and key parts of the city’s business district.
“Crucially, it will also connect Blanchardstown to The Point Village via Finglas, Glasnevin, DCU, and Clontarf. This will bring increased capacity, frequency and more connections for customers looking to use to other public transports such as commuter rail, DART and Luas.
“The N4 will be the sixth 24-hour Dublin Bus service, demonstrating our commitment to meeting the changing needs of customers and the city. The introduction of the N4 and other orbitals will also help us increase growth in public transport usage, combat climate change and mitigate congestion by making bus services a better, quicker and more reliable option.”
Read more: First new Busconnects orbital routes serving north Dublin to launch next month
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