Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd, has welcomed confirmation received from the National Transport Authority that the popular 101 Bus Service from Drogheda to Dublin will become a full 24-hour service from this Sunday the 7th of May, with 293 departures targeted per week.
However, Labour Deputy Ged Nash said the much delayed introduction of the extended service was “Better late than never”.
“The very popular 101x route from Drogheda to Dublin will see its frequency maintained with a greater number of accessible single deck buses and double deck coaches in response to increased passenger demand” O’Dowd said.
“The two Drogheda routes will be operated by Bus Eireann and includes a fleet of new, fully accessible double and single deck coaches on the routes.
“On Route 101, the NTA have indicated that passenger numbers are currently running 37% ahead of 2019 and it is projected that this route will carry a record one million passengers this year which is an incredible number of passengers.
24-hour 101 route is welcome but has arrived late – Nash
Deputy Ged Nash said he was disappointed earlier this year as the deadline for the commencement of the 24-hour service was put back twice.
“I am glad we finally have a firm date for the start of this long-awaited service which is a potential game changer for the commuters of Drogheda.”
“Drogheda commuters should already be using this long-promised enhanced 101 service that is to run every half hour and on a 24/7 basis” he added.
“I am pleased that the NTA and Bus Eireann have finally agreed the contract to deliver the service and we now have some certainty for commuters who have been calling for this service for years.”
The 101 route was one of two routes put out to tender by the NTA in 2021 and subsequently, Bus Eireann was chosen as the preferred bidder for the contract.
The route provides connectivity between Drogheda and Dublin City Centre, serving Balbriggan, Dublin Airport, N1 Business Park and Busaras.
Deputy Nash explained: “Under the new contract, the 101 will run every 30 minutes, Monday to Saturday, and every 20 minutes at peak. There will continue to be an hourly service on Sundays.
“Route 101X will see its service maintained but with a greater number of accessible buses serving the route and some increase in capacity.”
The Louth Labour TD concluded: “The new service is very welcome but the enhancement of the service won’t be complete without action on fares.
“I would repeat my call on the NTA to now look at bus and rail commuter fares from Drogheda and treat our commuters to the same benefits as people travelling from existing ‘short-hop’ zones outside of Dublin, like Greystones.”
The newly enhanced service timetables are available at www.buseireann.ie
