IRISH PUBLIC TRANSPORT passengers made almost 270 million journeys in 2012 according to the National Transport Authority.

That figures include journeys on all commercial and State owned bus services as well as all rail travel and school transport schemes.

The numbers show how buses remain the backbone of the public transport system, accounting for a roughly 75 per cent of all public transport travel in the country.

The numbers were put together by the National Transport Authority as part of an examination of commercial bus services in the greater Dublin area (GDA).

The numbers are almost final but there are no official figures on commercial bus services operating outside of Dublin, these figures therefore have been estimated

So how do they break down:

Passenger journeys in 2012

• Dublin Bus – 113 million
• Bus Éireann – 27 million
• Commercial bus (GDA) – 13 million
• Commercial bus (outside GDA) – 6.5 million
• Rural transport – 2 million
• Iarnród Éireann – 37 million
• Luas – 29 million
• Dept. of Education school transport – 40 million

Here’s how the numbers compare:

(Source: National Transport Authority)

Read: Take off-peak buses in Dublin? You could be in line for a fare decrease… >

Read: ‘We’re targeting 5 million extra customers this year,’ – Public Transport Minister >

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More