	Throughout 2011 Dublin Bus implemented a wide range of service developments resulting in a more efficient and reliable service for its customers. These improvements are the result of its Network Direct Project and Real Time Passenger Information projects (RTPI). Network Direct, which began in September 2010, has redesigned the Dublin Bus service network to provide customers with the benefits of: more direct routes, more regular and frequents services, a simplified bus network, increased cross city and orbital connections and improved reliability. These service improvements comply with the 2009 Cost and Efficiency Review of Dublin Bus undertaken by Deloitte.
By incorporating these principles, Dublin Bus has devised a service that meets the changing needs of its customers and the results are evident in the following increase in passenger numbers along Quality Bus Corridors (QBCs) and revised Routes: Blanchardstown QBC- Passenger numbers increased by 4% Stillorgan QBC- Passenger numbers increased by 2% Lucan QBC- Passenger numbers increased by 4% Northern Orbital Routes - Passenger numbers increased by 13% Revised Route 40 (Finglas Village to Liffey Valley)- customer response is extremely positive
Commenting on the success of Network Direct, Paddy Doherty, Chief Executive, Dublin Bus stated, “The transport needs of our customers has evolved over the years and the success of Network Direct has shown that we have successfully adapted to meet those needs.”
The Network Direct project is nearing completion with the outstanding phases (Swords, Rathfarnham and the Howth Road) due for completion in the first quarter of 2012.
Along with a revised network, increasing service reliability has been another key factor in Dublin Bus’ success. The National Transportation Authority (NTA) has overseen the development of RTPI for bus users in Dublin. In February 2011 on-street RTPI display units went into operation and since July Dublin Bus customers have also been able to avail of RTPI via the Dublin Bus website, a Dublin Bus iPhone app. and a sms text service that is operated by Dublin City Council on behalf of the NTA. Dublin Bus users can now monitor the progress of their service and know the exact arrival time of services. The free Dublin Bus iPhone app has been a great success for Dublin Bus and has been downloaded 55,000 times since its launch. It beat a range of nominees to win Best Travel and Tourism App at the second annual Appy awards, which honour the best in application development for smart-phones, tablets and social media platforms. On December 22nd Dublin Bus launched the Android version of the Dublin Bus app allowing an even a greater number of Smartphone users instant access to RTPI.
2012 will see the completion of Network Direct, which will increase the number of service benefits for Dublin Bus customers As Dublin’s main public transport provider, it remains for Dublin Bus to build on the success of both Network Direct and RTPI to meet the changing needs of its customers.

Media Releases 2011

2011 Sees Real Gains for Dublin Bus