Dublin Network Redesign

The BusConnects Network Redesign is transforming Dublin’s bus network through phased delivery of high frequency spine corridors and expanded local, orbital, and radial services. Since 2021, multiple phases have been introduced, resulting in significant service changes, including new routes, simplified networks, and increased frequency. These changes are improving reliability, capacity, and connectivity across the city. Early performance (to summer 2026) shows 107 million passengers journeys across implemented NRD phases, indicating strong passenger growth. Further phases are planned from 2027.

Service changes and revisions

The introduction of routes F1, F2, F3, 73, 80, 82 and L89 in Phase 7 delivered a range of benefits. Post-implementation, schedules were optimised based on early operational insights to support improved reliability and service performance.
  • Adjustments to new routes 23, 24 and 80:  From the 8th of February 2026, routing and service changes to Phase 7 routes 23, 24 and 80 were implemented. Changes to routes 23 and 24 have strengthened connectivity between key areas, simplified journey options, reduced duplication and has supported more direct and reliable travel across the corridor.
  • Since the Phase 7 launch on 19 October 2025, Route 23 has carried 0.5 million passengers, Route 24 has carried 0.7 million passengers, and Route 80 has carried 1.2 million passengers. These figures, covering the period from launch (on 19 October 2025) to the end of Q1 2026, indicate strong uptake and sustained demand across all three services.
Revised Timetables on Xpresso / Express routes
Timetables on several Xpresso / Express routes were revised in April 2026 to improve reliability and better align services with demand. Changes included adjusted departures to reduce waiting times, increased capacity, and supporting more consistent, efficient journeys for commuters.
Several of these peak-time services were introduced as part of Network Redesign Phase 2, including Express routes X25, X26, X27, X28, X30, X31, and X32. Since their launch and up to the end of Q1 2026, these routes have carried over 2 million passengers.

Strong passenger growth across the network

Route E1

The busiest route in the Dublin Bus network, carrying over 8.1 million passengers in 2025. Introduced under BusConnects Network Redesign Phase 6a in January 2025, the figure reflects its part-year operation. The route demonstrates how increased frequency and simplified routing are driving strong demand. The route connects major residential areas with employment centres and the city centre, supporting daily commuting. Growth continued into early 2026, with a further 2 million passengers carried between January and March.

24/7 Services and the Night-Time Economy

The continued expansion of 24-hour services under BusConnects is playing a central role in supporting Dublin’s night-time economy. The network now includes 15 round-the-clock routes, with recent growth driven by Phase 7, significantly enhancing late-night and early-morning connectivity across the city. Demand for overnight travel remains strong. In 2025, over 11 million journeys were recorded between 22:00 and 06:00, with sustained growth observed over the past six months (March – August 2026). These services are critical in enabling access for night-time workers, supporting leisure travel, and contributing to the wider economy.

  • 12x Network Redesign 24/7 routes (Phases 1-7): C1, C2, C5, C6, N4, G1, G2, E1,E2,F1,F2,80;
  • 3x Pre-NRD 24/7 routes: 15, 39a, 41;
  • 12x Nitelink network: 7n, 29n, 31n, 33n, 42n, 46n, 49n, 69n, 70n, 77n, 84n and 88n.
Westmoreland Street (Stop 319)

The busiest stop in the Dublin Bus network in 2025 served 1.25 million passengers, boarding at the stop, reflecting its role as a key BusConnects interchange in the city centre. Served by high-frequency routes including E1, E2, F1, F2 and F3, the stop provides direct connections between the city centre and surrounding suburbs, supporting access to major retail, employment and tourism destinations. Routes introduced under BusConnects Phases 6a and 7 demonstrate how more frequent, reliable and simplified services are driving demand, with particularly high usage at this location.

Further information