The National Transport Authority (NTA) has today published its Annual Report for 2024, revealing another landmark year for public transport in Ireland.
Record-breaking passenger numbers on PSO services in 2024
Passenger numbers across Public Service Obligation (PSO) services reached an all-time high of more than 343 million journeys—an increase of 32 million compared to 2023. This significant growth marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking figures and confirms that public transport usage has not only recovered from the pandemic but now exceeds pre-2019 levels.
This figure represents a significant milestone for public transport usage, reinforced by the October 2024 announcement that daily journeys have reached a record high, surpassing one million trips per day.
This surge in demand was reflected across all major operators. Dublin Bus continued to support passengers in our capital, with 159 million journeys completed in 2024, a near nine percent increase from the previous year.
Bus Éireann saw 46 million journeys, up from 43 million in 2023, while Go-Ahead Ireland recorded more than 22 million journeys, a 20% increase in passengers supported by the rollout of the new N2 orbital route under BusConnects Dublin.
The Luas achieved its highest passenger numbers to date, with 54 million journeys, and Irish Rail services carried almost 51 million passengers, surpassing 2023’s figures by almost, 5 million.
TFI Local Link services also continued to show year on year growth, with 4.7 million journeys completed in 2024—an increase of almost 47% compared to the previous year. This significant increase in passenger numbers was supported by 45 new and enhanced services were introduced under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, supporting local communities with travel to retail, appointments and family commitments.
Driving infrastructure developments and capital projects 2024
The Annual Report also highlights several key milestones and infrastructure developments.
In July 2024, DART marked its 40th anniversary alongside the arrival of its first battery-electric carriages, now in testing as part of the DART+ programme. Progress continued with a Railway Order application for DART+ Coastal North and planning decisions for DART+ West and South West.
The submission of the railway order application for Luas Finglas marked a key milestone in expanding Dublin’s light rail system, while BusConnects Dublin advanced tendering for key corridors.
In Cork, the NTA approved the BusConnects Preliminary Business Case and a new depot on Kinsale Road, while Waterford completed public consultation on its future bus network redesign.
Fleet electrification accelerated with the delivery of 159 battery-electric buses and the electrification of Bus Éireann’s fleet in Limerick. Sixty-five battery-electric train carriages are expected to enter service on the Dublin–Drogheda line in 2026.
In April 2024, the NTA awarded a comprehensive framework contract for the design, supply, installation, and operation of a multi-modal ticketing system—marking a major milestone in the rollout of the Next Generation Ticketing project. This transformative initiative, one of the most ambitious technology upgrades in Ireland’s public transport sector, has now entered the analysis and design phase. This stage will address the technical architecture, installation strategy, and the complex logistical requirements essential for successful implementation.
Supporting Active Travel
Active travel remained a priority, with €321 million allocated to projects and 184 kilometres of new or upgraded footpaths and cycleways added nationwide. The Safe Routes to School programme delivered 91 treatments and installed cycle and scooter parking at 822 schools.
Building on this, by year-end, 85 organisations earned the Smarter Travel Mark for sustainable mobility efforts.
Transport regulation evolved with updated taxi fare orders and continued grants for electric and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, while a record number of new SPSV driver licences were issued.
To view the NTA’s 2024 Annual Report, please visit www.nationaltransport.ie.