The purpose of the progress report is to provide a comprehensive overview of progress across the BusConnects programme in cities across Ireland. Published on a biannual basis by the National Transport Authority (NTA), it sets out the status of project delivery, highlights key milestones achieved, and tracks overall progress against core programme outcomes where data is available. The report is designed to provide a consistent and transparent view of how the programme is evolving over time, and the extent to which it is supporting improved public transport, enhanced passenger experience, and more sustainable travel.
BusConnects Dublin is at a more advanced stage of delivery. Accordingly, more comprehensive data is available, and performance reporting is focused on Dublin at this stage. This includes project-level data from schemes that have been operational long enough to assess performance, covering passenger boardings, bus service performance (such as punctuality and reliability), operational performance (including scheduled kilometres operated), and sustainability indicators such as emissions and the transition to lower-emission fleets. While early results are included, the full benefits of the programme will become clearer over time as implementation progresses.
The report also provides an overview of the wider BusConnects programme, its objectives, and the current delivery status across all participating cities. While updates are provided for Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford, these programmes are at earlier stages of development, and reporting will continue to evolve as each city progresses. Future reports will include more detailed performance and outcome data as it becomes available.
The BusConnects Programme continues to make strong progress, with delivery momentum accelerating across all projects. All Core Bus Corridors in Dublin have now received planning approval, with the first two schemes at Liffey Valley and Ballymun / Finglas having entered the construction stage. Supporting infrastructure, including stops and shelters and depot electrification, is advancing, while programmes in Galway, Limerick and Waterford are progressing through planning and delivery. In Cork, the preliminary Business Case has been signed off by the Cabinet, and the Tivoli temporary depot has reached substantial completion.
Across Dublin, passenger demand remains strong, with 188 million boardings recorded in 2025, including significant usage across Network Redesign routes. This is underpinned by expanded service provision, including the introduction of 24-hour routes and enhanced weekend services. As the programme moves into construction, an increased focus on communications and community engagement has delivered strong results, including campaigns reaching over 2 million people via social media in March 2026. Customer-focused initiatives are delivering tangible benefits. The TFI 90-Minute Fare is enabling more flexible and integrated travel, with almost 35 million uses in 2025. In parallel, the continued rollout of electric buses is accelerating the transition to a lower-emission network, with over 5,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions avoided to date.
To read the full progress report click on the following link – BusConnects Progress Report September 2026