The National Transport Authority (NTA) has announced planned upcoming changes to the Kildare Commuter bus network as part of its ongoing review process.
Enhancing Capacity and Reliability
These revisions, designed to improve capacity, punctuality, and reliability, will be introduced at the end of 2026.
Since Go-Ahead Ireland began operating services on the Kildare Commuter Corridor in November 2019, demand has grown significantly. Passenger numbers have doubled from 1.2 million to 2.4 million journeys annually, driven by an 11% increase in County Kildare’s population between 2016 and 2025 and changing travel patterns. This growth has led to increased congestion, making service improvements essential.
Goals of the Revised Network
The revised network aims to simplify routes and timetables, meet punctuality and reliability targets despite rising congestion, and increase capacity to meet current and future demand.
On the 120 Corridor, a new route, 128, will operate between Prosperous, Sallins, Sandyford, and UCD at peak times, allowing for interchange opportunities to the Luas Red and Green lines and Dublin orbital routes. Routes 120C and 120D will be renamed as route 121 and enhanced with some departures extended to Maynooth, improving connectivity with commuter rail services and Maynooth University. Additional departures will also be introduced on route 120X to reduce travel times and better accommodate commuter demand.
Major Changes on the 126 Corridor
On the 126 Corridor, all existing route variants will be consolidated into a single alignment serving Dublin, Naas, Newbridge, Kildare, and Rathangan. A 24-hour service will be introduced between Dublin, Naas, and Newbridge. A new route, 127, will link Newbridge, Naas, Tallaght, Sandyford, and UCD, replacing routes 125 and 126T. In addition, a new TFI Local Link route, 893, will serve Suncroft between Kildare and Newbridge with improved frequency and a more useful timetable.
On the 130 Corridor, route 130 will be extended to Sallins Station for direct rail connections, while Dublin-bound services will be renumbered as route 130X. All services will operate via Sallins Road in Naas, introducing a new Dublin-bound connection for residents along this corridor.
Increase in Service Levels
Overall, the revised network will deliver a 10% increase in service levels throughout the day, with additional departures where needed.
The current TFI fare zones will continue to apply across the new network, and more details on the current fare structure, including zone maps and ticket options, are available on the Transport for Ireland website.
Passenger Feedback
Passengers can submit observations on the proposed changes on or before 10 January 2026 at https://consult.nationaltransport.ie/.