2007 A Record Year For Luas

The Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey, T.D., announced last week that 2007 was a record year for passenger numbers on the Luas Red and Green lines operated by Veoila and the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA).

In 2007 nearly 29 million passengers used the Luas service.  This reflected an increase of nearly 3 million passengers on the 2006 passenger figures and 7 million on the 2005 passenger figures.

In order to handle the increased number of passengers in 2007 the RPA introduced 13 longer trams on both the Red and Green lines extending them from 30 meters to 40 meters. All remaining 30 metre trams will be extended to 40 metres in 2008 to allow further passenger growth and to provide greater comfort and accessibility for passengers.

Announcing the new ridership figures, Minister Dempsey said, "These passenger figures for Luas are very encouraging. It's further proof that if you make reliable, top quality public transport available to the public then it will be used. In 2008 I want to see more quality public transport coming on stream so that people can start making the switch from cars to public transport with ease. Freeing up our city centres from severe congestion is vital for economic growth and for improved quality of life. Reliable public transport will play a central role in addressing this issue."

"Under Transport 21 we have ambitious plans in the area of public transport. We will deliver seven extra Luas services, two new Metro lines and increased heavy rail and bus capacity. This will make an immediate difference to the public and for the first time offer real alternatives to the car," he concluded

Frank Allen CEO of the RPA said, "I am delighted with the growing passenger figures for both Luas lines and in particular with the record 2007 figures. I want to take this opportunity to thank the public for continuing to choose the Luas.

"We are working hard to deliver the planned new Luas and Metro services under Transport 21, and we hope to see more tram extensions coming on line and the commencement of services to Citywest and the Docklands over the next 36 months."