Dublin Airport is to increase the number of bus operators serving the airport and reduce reliance on private cars.
Bus operators have until November 22 to submit bids for operating from the airport, with licenses starting from March 1, 2024, for three years.
In addition, Dublin Airport is seeking bus operators whom it says “can provide high-capacity, high-frequency, and competitive public transport options, prioritise excellent customer service, meet unique airport requirements including early morning and late-night connectivity, offer accessible ticketing options and reliable real-time information, and connect the airport with key areas, transport interchanges, and major population centres in Ireland.” The initiative follows the high demand for public car parks at the airport and ongoing delays to the Metrolink project, projected now to open no earlier than 2035.
Currently, only around one-third of departing passengers and 35pc of the 19,900 people working at Dublin Airport travel to the airport by bus. There are 15 bus companies serving the airport:
- Aircoach
- Airport Hopper
- Bus Éireann
- City Link
- Dublin Bus
- Dublin Coach
- Dublin Express
- Expressway
- Flightlink
- GoAhead Ireland
- GoBus
- JJ Kavanagh
- John McGinley
- Translink
- Wexford Bus
