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RTÉ News
06-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Dublin Bus takes trip down memory lane with vintage fleet
Dublin Bus celebrated 100 years of public bus transport in the city centre, featuring a vintage fleet reenacting the service's first ever route. Six buses, chronicling Dublin Buses' 100-year history, including their latest fully electric offering, departed Parnell Square in the capital this morning. The convoy travelled along O'Connell Street to the original 43 route through Eden Quay to Killester, ending at the National Transport Museum in Howth. Dublin Bus is a direct descendant of the Dublin United Tramways Company that started operating buses in 1925, starting with Route 43 on this day 100 years ago, and opening their first bus depot in Summerhill that same month. Speaking at the event, Dublin Bus CEO Billy Hann, said today's celebration aimed to recognise those "who have kept and continue to keep Dublin moving forward" from establishing Route 43 with two buses, to their current 1,100-strong fleet. "They were carrying 500,000 passengers. We're doing that on a daily basis now, and 159 million passengers on an annual basis. "We're delighted to celebrate this milestone with the National Transport Museum and all those who share a passion for Dublin's transport story," he added. The vintage parade was led by a Leyland R1, Dublin's first double-decker, which saw service in the capital from 1937 until 1956 - restored and maintained by the volunteer led National Transport Museum. Bob Laird, treasurer and historian at the museum, said he and the team were delighted with the role that their vintage buses could play in the event. "The bus service is an extremely important part of Dublin and it's an extremely important part of people's mobility. There's a lot of social history here. "The first house built in Ireland after the first world war were in Killester. That's why they got the first bus service. It's very much a part of who we are," Mr Laird said. "It's great to see an occasion like this. It means a lot to us."
Irish Independent
06-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Dublin Bus celebrates 100-year history of transport with heritage fleet
The six buses embarked on the original Route 43 this morning. They travelled along O'Connell Street, onto the start of the original route at Eden Quay, before heading toward Killester, where the route terminated. Billy Hann, Dublin Bus CEO, said: 'We're delighted to celebrate this milestone with the National Transport Museum and all those who share a passion for Dublin's transport story. "While the city has changed in many ways, one thing that has never changed is our commitment to the people and communities we serve. "What began with just two buses leaving Eden Quay in 1925 has grown into more than half a million journeys every day. "Today, we celebrate this journey and proudly recognise the people, past and present, who have kept and continue to keep Dublin moving forward,' he added. Dublin Bus is a direct descendant of the Dublin United Tramways Company (DUTC) which started operating buses in 1925. With the tram losing popularity and the petrol engine gaining interest, it was the right time for the company. The Summerhill Depot was opened in July 1925 and represented the first DUTC bus depot. However, the initial DUTC bus fleet was garaged in Marlborough Street on the site of what is now the Earl Place building. Routes have changed over time, with the longest-serving being the 39, 40 and 41. The least changed route in this time is the 41, which makes its way from the city centre to Swords. On 14 September this year, Route 40 will celebrate its 100th anniversary. Bob Laird of the National Transport Museum, speaking at the event, said: "The city's transport heritage is an important part of its social history. We are honoured to show off R1, the first double-decker in Dublin, dating from 1937." Dublin Bus now operates a fleet of approximately 1,050 buses across nine depots, with 159 million passengers transported in 2024. Last week it was reported that pre-tax profits of the state's largest transport company increased by 64pc to €3.83 million. Penalties received by the National Authority were also halved to €4.67m, down on the €9.09m imposed in 2023.
Irish Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Dublin Bus chief executive paid €276,000 for 2024
Dublin Bus paid its chief executive Billy Hann €276,000 in total last year, new figures from the State-owned public transport company show. The business, which provides most of the capital's public transport, boosted profits in 2024 to €3.8 million from €2.3 million the previous year, and had €50 million in net assets on December 31st. According to its annual report, Dublin Bus paid Mr Hann €276,000 in 2024, €1,000 more than during the previous year. That included a basic salary of €200,000 and 'post-retirement benefit costs' of €50,000, both of which were unchanged on 2023. READ MORE Mr Hann also received €23,000 social insurance last year, €1,000 more than in 2023, and €3,000 benefit in kind, which the accounts state was for the use of a company car. The accounts note that Mr Hann's pay was in line with guidelines for the chief executives of State companies. Government efforts to keep a lid on State company executives' pay are frequently debated on the grounds that such companies may have to boost salaries to lure talent. Overall, Dublin Bus paid its executives €2.5 million in 2024, up from €2.3 million the previous year. The company restructured executive management last year. It paid chairman Gary Owens €21,600 in fees while the rest of the board received €12,600 each, barring worker directors Stephen Hannan and Dermot Healy. The accounts state that neither received fees from the company last year. IATA Director General Willie Walsh on airline profits, air fares and why the Dublin Airport passenger cap makes Ireland a laughing stock Listen | 35:56 Dublin Bus grew its workforce to 4,224 last year from 3,940 as it expanded its business. Wages grade workers, mostly bus drivers, accounted for 249 of the 284 staff taken that the company hired. It employed 3,201 drivers last year, according to the annual report. Total wages, excluding directors, came to €268,020 last year from €241,348 in 2023, the report shows. Dublin Bus spent €919,000 on consultants in 2024, with the largest share, €635,000, going on 'organisational strategy'. Regulation and safety accounted for the next highest amount spent, at €155,000. The company increased services last year, focusing on key points of demand such as the airport and university, and as it implemented the BusConnects overhaul of its network. The report argues that this has benefited many areas, but notes the company recognises that it may need further refinements to ensure it meets all customers' needs. Mr Hann cautions in his statement that the company continues to face challenges 'particularly in relation to congestion, infrastructure and the need for ongoing investment in public transport'.
Dublin Live
31-05-2025
- Dublin Live
Gardai to conduct spot checks on Dublin buses this bank holiday weekend to support 'safety of customers'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Gardai will conduct spot checks on Dublin buses this bank holiday weekend in order to support the "safety of our customers and employees". Officers will board board Dublin Bus services as part of a new series of 'Days of Action' across the fleet which will start this weekend and continue over the coming weeks. The new plan is part of a joint commitment by Dublin Bus, An Garda Síochána, and the Department of Transport to improve safety on public transport. This includes a dedicated public transport wide day on June 10, which will involve increased Garda presence across key routes and areas of the city. The Garda Days of Action are planned to continue throughout 2025, with the dates, times, and loations to be decided by feedback on the ground. Reported incidents of anti-social behaviour aboard Dublin Bus services have more than doubled from 494 to 1053 per year in the last five years. The initiative, Dublin Bus say, aims to "deter anti-social behaviour, support drivers and enhance the experience for people using public transport across the city and Greater Dublin Area". Chief Executive of Dublin Bus Billy Hann said: 'At Dublin Bus, the safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. The Garda Days of Action reflect our strong and ongoing partnership with An Garda Síochána, and we welcome their continued support in ensuring a safe and respectful environment on board our services. "Our Safer Journeys Team is a key part of this safety focus, and we remain committed to working with Government and the Gardaí to enhance safety and security across the public transport network." Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien added: "A reliable and safe public transport network is fundamental to a functioning city. "That means visibility, presence and cooperation. I fully support these Garda-led Days of Action and commend Dublin Bus for the proactive way it has approached safety through initiatives like the Safer Journeys Team. "This is what joined-up public service delivery looks like — practical, responsive and focused on people." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Irish Examiner
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Siptu welcomes Dublin Bus support for transport police after knife threat to driver
Trade union Siptu has welcomed the backing of Dublin Bus for a dedicated transport police in Ireland, a week after a bus driver in the city was threatened by a man holding what appeared to be a handgun. The union had instructed its members to withdraw services in the Mountjoy Square area from 7pm in the wake of the incident last Friday, and said that it hoped that such a shocking incident would mark a 'turning point' in the debate around a transport police. 'It must no longer be about whether we should have a transport policing service but rather how it will be established and operated,' sector organiser John Murphy said. 'In relation to Mountjoy Square, the suspension of bus services in that area after 7pm will continue until all the necessary measures are in place to improve security for our members.' It comes after Dublin Bus CEO Billy Hann was quoted in the Irish Times as saying his organised backed a transport police and had lobbied for its creation. Although the Garda commissioner and ministers had long ruled it out, including then-transport minister Eamon Ryan as recently as last October, the Government has said it would press ahead with creating a transport police. In February, justice minister Jim O'Callaghan said the proposed transport police was a priority and emphasised that it must have powers of arrest. 'The reason why we want to bring it forward is that there were experiences, not just in Dublin but throughout the country, of people finding themselves on public transport and not feeling safe, particularly late in the evening,' he said. However, no timeline was set for its introduction. Siptu's Dublin Bus representative and national executive council member Stephen Millan said the union had put forward comprehensive proposals around a transport police service which were then adopted by political parties and included in the Programme for Government. 'It is most welcome that Dublin Bus management announced publicly yesterday that it also supports the establishment of a dedicated transport policing service,' he said. 'The need for a transport policing service based on international best practice is a very real one. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to make it a reality in as short a timeframe as possible.' Mr Murphy added that the volume of incidents reported to Dublin Bus has doubled since the pandemic. 'Our own research in the Respect Transport Workers campaign surveys confirms this increased threat to our members working on buses, trains and other forms of public transport,' he said. Read More Assault of Limerick bus driver underlines need for dedicated transport police, union says
