Dublin Bus recorded its busiest year on record in 2025, carrying an estimated 164 million passengers and cementing its position as Ireland’s largest public transport operator, according to figures welcomed by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien.
The milestone represents a five‑million increase on 2024 and reflects what the Minister described as the impact of sustained Government investment in public transport. Expanded services, higher capacity and the rollout of more 24‑hour, cross‑city and high‑frequency routes have helped drive the surge in demand.
On a typical weekday, Dublin Bus now carries around 500,000 passengers, operating more than 130 routes across the capital and the Greater Dublin Area. The network has also accelerated its shift to cleaner transport, with over 10% of the fleet now fully electric, just two years after the first electric double‑decker entered service. The number of 24‑hour routes has grown to 15, supporting late‑night travel across the city.
Minister O’Brien said the record numbers highlight the public’s growing confidence in bus services. He noted that the Government plans to invest €10.1 billion in public transport between 2026 and 2030 under the National Development Plan, alongside €2 billion earmarked for MetroLink.
While welcoming the progress, the Minister said further improvements remain a priority, including enhancing accessibility, improving passenger experience nationwide and advancing plans for a dedicated transport security force in 2026. “We aim for a public transport service that continues to earn people’s trust and meet the demands of a growing city,” he said.
Dublin Bus’s performance underscores the broader shift toward sustainable urban mobility, with rising passenger numbers signalling strong public appetite for reliable, frequent and low‑emission transport options.
Dublin Bus Flickr Picture by Can Pac Swire
