New bus service runs from Blanchardstown to Naas

A NEW bus route running between Blanchardstown and Naas came into service last week.

The 139 connects Blanchardstown IT, Ongar, Leixlip, Maynooth, Rathcoffey, Clane, Sallins and Naas, including Naas Hospital.

There are nine services each way, seven days a week, with first departures at 7.15am and the last at 10.35pm.

The 139 is a National Transport Authority (NTA) initiative and will be run as a Public Service Obligation (PSO) by JJ Kavanagh & Sons under the Transport For Ireland (TFI) brand.

TFI is the single public transport brand that the NTA has developed to promote and integrate public transport in Ireland.

As a PSO route, fares for the service are set by NTA, and are consistent with fares on similar journeys elsewhere on the bus network in the Greater Dublin Area. Schedules and timetables are also set by NTA.

“When analysing public transport in the north Kildare and west Dublin area, we came to the conclusion that there was a demand for a bus service that would link significant population and activity centres such as Naas, Maynooth and Blanchardstown,” said NTA Chief Executive Officer, Anne Graham.

“Thanks to the 139, moving along this corridor between these centres will now be easier than ever. The 139 offers a convenient way for students in Blanchardstown IT and NUI Maynooth to get to campus, for example.

“It also offers a public transport alternative for shoppers in places like Leixlip who want to go to Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, where it interconnects with over a dozen Dublin Bus services.

“Leixlip is also a significant hub of economic activity, and the 139 will serve the Intel facility and other major employers in the area.

“We also believe that the 139 will prove to be of great benefit to people all along the route whether they want to take a short journey or a long one, and with Leap fares starting at €2.10, it is a great value offering.”

Interested parties were invited by NTA to tender for the route through a notice placed on eTenders and the OJEU in late July 2017.

JJ Kavanagh & Sons were assessed to be the most economically advantageous tender following the completion of the tender assessment process.

A full trip on the new service cost €6.50 in cash or €5 on a Leap card. Maynooth to Blanchardstown will cost €3.30 cash or €2.60 on Leap.