Public transport has emerged as a defining issue for UCD students in 2025, with two significant concerns taking centre stage: the discontinuation of the 145 bus route and ongoing reliability issues with Go-Ahead Ireland-operated services. The UCD Students’ Union (UCDSU) has been vocal in addressing these issues, though responses from transport authorities remain mixed.
The removal of the 145 bus route, which previously provided a direct link between Heuston Station and UCD ignited a wave of frustration among students. The National Transport Authority (NTA) eliminated the route as part of its BusConnects programme, a substantial overhaul of Dublin’s bus network to improve efficiency. However, many students and staff argue that the change has increased travel times and costs, particularly for those commuting from Kildare, Carlow, Laois, Offaly, and Kilkenny. UCDSU Campaigns & Engagement Officer Saskia McCormack-Eiffe criticised the decision, stating:
“The proposed alternatives are simply not good enough and are a material disimprovement for students coming from counties such as Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, and Waterford.” UCDSU also launched a petition calling for the route’s reinstatement or introducing a direct alternative. The petition gained significant traction, amassing thousands of signatures.
Under pressure, Minister for Further and Higher Education James Lawless met with the NTA to seek a resolution. As a result, the authority introduced additional “X” services (X26, X27, X28, and X30) to run from Heuston to UCD. These services will be operational in March.
After the confirmation of the new services, Minister Lawless said in a statement: “I listened to the concerns of constituents after receiving many representations on this issue. I am pleased that the NTA has accommodated these concerns with changes to their existing services. The extra X services will leave from the side of Heuston station, just 30 yards from where the old 145 used to leave from at the front, and it will bring student commuters and others to UCD and beyond with no need to get off the bus. I’d like to thank [the] acting chief executive at the NTA, Hugh Cregan, and his staff for their assistance in helping sort out this problem and listening to the concerns of their customers. This issue affects me as much in my new role as it did in my old department. The welfare of students is always at the forefront of my mind – it’s good to get this sorted.”
Despite numerous complaints regarding discontinuing the 145 bus service, there has been a notable lack of appreciation for the newly implemented E1 and E2 bus links. These routes have significantly improved frequency and reliability compared to the previous options, including the current 39A service. While the announcement of the new X bus routes has been extensively circulated in various media, the UCDSU has yet to retract its petition advocating for the return of the 145 services. Additionally, there has been little effort on their part to promote or acknowledge the existence of these new bus routes, leaving many students unaware of the more efficient alternatives soon to be available to them.
Separate from the 145 issue, frustration with Go-Ahead Ireland, a private operator contracted by the NTA to run several Dublin bus routes, has been mounting. Reports of frequent cancellations, unreliable timetables, and so-called “ghost buses”—services that appear scheduled but never arrive—have led to widespread complaints, especially regarding the S-buses, S4 and S6. These ongoing reliability issues highlight the need for immediate action. The NTA has fined Go-Ahead Ireland for failing to meet service standards, but students reliant on routes such as the S4 and S6 say disruptions remain frequent.
At a recent UCDSU Council meeting, a motion was passed calling for the renationalisation of Go-Ahead bus routes, arguing that publicly operated services are more reliable and accountable. The motion, proposed by UCDSU President Miranda Bauer and seconded by Campaigns & Engagement Officer Saskia McCormack-Eiffe also mandates collaboration with Dublin City University Students’ Union (DCUSU), as DCU students have similarly been affected.
The motion states:
“Many Dublin bus routes operated by Go-Ahead have become increasingly unreliable, with frequent cancellations and service reductions. The NTA has repeatedly fined Go-Ahead for failing to meet service standards, yet service failures persist.”
While UCDSU advocates renationalisation, the NTA maintains that private operators are valuable in expanding Dublin’s public transport network. Renationalisation is undoubtedly complex and costly, and immediate service improvements are not guaranteed.
Moving Forward
Ultimately, these evolving situations call for continued dialogue among the NTA, government representatives, and student bodies. As policymakers work to streamline and modernise Dublin’s transport system, ensuring that service improvements truly meet commuter needs will be essential. The coming months will be critical in determining whether these efforts can restore confidence in a network vital for UCD students and the wider community.
Jack Donlon & Hannah Costello – Co-Editors
