GO-AHEAD HITTING THE ROAD NEXT WEEK
FROM Sunday, a new bus company will begin to operate a number of Dublin Bus routes servicing north Wicklow.
Go-Ahead Ireland introduced its first bus in Dublin at the start of September and is gradually taking control of more routes, including the 184, 185 and 45A services.
The company’s managing director, Ed Wills, said that 161 drivers have been recruited and trained as they begin to operate the next phase of routes. The October 7 phase will include the 45A from Dun Laoghaire to Kilmacanogue, while the 184 (Bray to Newtownmountkennedy) and 185 (Bray to Enniskerry) will move to Go-Ahead on October 21.
‘We know there has been a lot of change to the Dublin transport landscape recently – and a lot more to come – which is why we are taking this opportunity explain how Go-Ahead Ireland fits into the picture,’ said Mr Wills.
Go-Ahead will operate 10 per cent of the current bus network in Dublin by the end of 2019.
Go-Ahead Ireland operates the bus routes which are serviced by its own drivers. The National Transport Authority (NTA) is responsible for determining the bus routes required to service the needs of the public. They also develop and manage all aspects in relation to fare setting, Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI), destinations and timetables. Transport for Ireland is the consumer brand created by the NTA.
Journey planner and RTPI will be available on the TFI apps and transportforireland.ie, while the buses will accept the same methods of payment, including Leap Card, Free Travel Cards, rambler tickets, annual passes, cash and Dublin Bus tickets.
‘In April of this year we committed to an investment of €8.5 million in our company here and nearly six months on, we have opened our depot in Ballymount, have a fleet of 125 buses, 217 colleagues, are on track with recruitment and continuing to employ great drivers, engineers and support colleagues; have introduced our first bus route and are looking forward to the coming months when the Go-Ahead Ireland brand expands,’ said Mr Wills.