The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) and the National Transport Authority (NTA) confirmed that, for the first time ever, Luas has carried more than 30 million passengers in a 12 month period. Passenger numbers are expected to reach 30.3 million by the end of the year.
To mark the occasion, the 30 millionth Luas passenger received an annual ticket for the Red and Green Lines. Rachel Williams was presented with the ticket at Heuston Station where Ministers Varadkar and Kelly joined the RPA and NTA for the presentation.
(L to R) RPA Acting Chief Executive, Rory O’Connor, Minister of State, Alan Kelly T.D., Transport Minister, Leo Varadkar T.D. and lucky winner Rachel Williams from Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.
Luas passenger numbers have grown steadily from the arrival of the light-rail system in 2004. While passenger numbers dropped in 2008 and 2009, reflecting the general economic trend, they have been growing since then, partly due to the opening of three extensions in 2010 and 2011, grant-aided by the NTA, and also to the beginnings of an economic recovery. RPA, who have been assigned the management of the Luas services by the NTA, also have been implementing a number of innovative marketing campaigns in a drive to grow passenger numbers, including the “Kids Go Free” campaign and reduced rates for use of Luas Park and Ride car parks.
The graph below shows the growth in numbers since Luas opened.
Welcoming these figures RPA’s Acting Chief Executive Rory O’Connor said that it was hugely encouraging to see Luas doing so well and praised the effort put into customer service by the staff of the Luas operator, Transdev. He noted that the common factor in the most successful cities is an excellent integrated public transport system.