NTA launches Phase 4 of Dublin’s BusConnects programme

Credit: National Transport Authority

The National Transport Authority has announced that Dublin Bus’ ‘G Spine’ will commence service on 16 October 2022, as part of the fourth phase of the Irish capital’s BusConnects programme. The new route will serve the communities in Ballyfermot, Liffey Valley, Clondalkin, Islandbridge and the City Centre.

This phase will provide enhanced bus services and follows on from the successful launches of the H Spine in June 2021, C Spine in November 2021 and the Northern Orbitals in May 2022.

The G Spine will see the introduction of three routes from the West of the City – G1, G2 and Route 60 – which will be operated by Dublin Bus. G1 and G2 will operate 24 hours a day, seven days per week and will coincide with the removal of the 79 and 79a routes, as well as the Liffey Valley to City Centre part of route 40.

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The new timetable will operate very frequently on the spine section between Ballyfermot and the City Centre, with buses operating every eight minutes from 06:00 to 22:00 on weekdays. In addition, route 60 will operate every 60 minutes from 05:00 to 23:00 on weekdays. Additional peak time journeys will be included on this route during the school term, for morning and evening peaks, between Cherry Orchard and the City Centre.

Anne Graham, CEO of NTA, said: “Today’s (13 October) announcement of the fourth phase of BusConnects follows on from the successful roll-out of the H Spine, C Spine and Northern Orbitals. BusConnects aims to improve bus services and to connect people and places in Dublin. Today’s launch means we will have 10 routes operating 24 hours a day, seven days per week across Dublin”.

Andrea Keane, Acting CEO of Dublin Bus, said: “The launch of G Spine and Route 60 services is positive news for our customers across West Dublin. Along with providing increased capacity, frequency, and weekend services, this new phase of the network redesign will offer people 24-hour access to the docklands and key parts of the city’s business district.”