Ballymount bus depot opens for Go-Ahead
By Maurice Garvey
IRELAND’S newest private bus company Go-Ahead Ireland opened its Ballymount depot on Monday, as it prepares to take on 10 per cent of the capital’s existing network.
The first to come into service will be the new 175 route from Citywest to UCD on September 9.
David Brown, CEO Go Ahead Group, Minister Shane Ross TD, Anne Graham (CEO, NTA) and Ed Wills, MD Go-Ahead Ireland
The remaining routes will be introduced on a phased basis, the 75 in October, and routes 76 and 76A in January.
Last year, the UK firm was awarded a five-year contract to run 24 of the existing Outer Dublin Metropolitan Area bus routes – announcing plans to recruit 425 staff as part of an €8.5 million investment in Ireland.
Minister for Transport Shane Ross said introducing competitive tendering into the market “encourages everybody to focus on their customer’s needs”.
“We must place passengers at the centre of our public transport policy. It also encourages innovation and improvements to service quality,” he said.
Ed Wills, Managing Director, Go-Ahead Ireland said the opening represented a key milestone for their operations in Dublin and they have received a lot of interest in the company.
The new modern depot has capacity for up to 500 colleagues and 250 buses, equipped with a workshop, drive-through bus wash, canteen, gym, showers, electric vehicle charging points and a cycle-park area.
Current payment options such as Leap Card will work on all buses operated by Go-Ahead Ireland, as will the Free Travel scheme.
The National Transport Authority, which sets all routes and fares, will also continue to manage and operate Real Time Passenger information and National Journey Planner.
Go-Ahead routes will fit in with changes brought in by the Bus Connects programme.
The colour was chosen through public consultation.
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