Written answers

Tuesday, 16 January 2018

Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport

Public Transport Provision

Photo of Catherine MartinCatherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1410. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when the new extended LUAS trams on the green line and cross city line are to be introduced; the further measures his Department will take to deal with increased demand on this line following the opening of the cross city line; the increase in number of passengers on this line since the opening of the extension in December 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55263/17]

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

With the introduction of the new Luas service through the city centre and onwards to Broombridge, many new users have been attracted to try out the new service.

Numbers on Luas increased by 10.26% to 37.6m on both lines in 2017. With the Green Line now extended to Broombridge, and providing interchange with the Red Line and greater connectivity to rail services, those numbers are likely to grow substantially again in 2018. While it is welcomed that so many new customers are using the extended Green Line, it has meant that some trams are operating at capacity. 

The Green Line Capacity Enhancement project was recently approved by Government. The purpose of the project is to address current capacity limits at peak hours on the Luas Green Line and to cater for future demands along the line. The project is proposed in the National Transport Authority's (NTA) Transport Strategy for the Greater Dublin Area 2016-2035. It includes the lengthening of the existing green line tram fleet, the purchase of additional trams to meet future passenger demand and modifications to Sandyford Depot to stable and maintain these trams. A complementary investment project to lengthen the platforms at the Green Line stations was completed last year.

The NTA have advised that the first of the new 55 metre long trams is expected to be deployed in the coming weeks.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.