Councillor calls for improved bus services

Dublin City Councillor Supriya Singh has called for improved coordination of bus routes 42 and 43 following concerns raised by residents about buses arriving within minutes of each other, followed by lengthy gaps in service, particularly at weekends.

Councillor Singh, who represents the Raheny–Donaghmede Local Electoral Area, raised the matter with the National Transport Authority (NTA) after receiving complaints from commuters who rely on these services.

Residents highlighted that routes 42 and 43 share a significant part of their journeys, but their timetables are not always evenly spaced.

They suggested that better coordination could help reduce waiting times, overcrowding and improve the overall reliability of services.

In a written response to Councillor Singh (pictured above), the NTA confirmed that routes 42 and 43 are due to be replaced by new routes 20 and 21 under Phase 8 of the BusConnects Dublin Network Redesign Programme.

Implementation is currently planned for the second half of 2027, subject to funding and operational readiness.

The NTA stated that it intends to better align the timetables of the replacement routes, which will continue to share a common section between Clarehall and Dublin city centre.

However, the authority also confirmed that there are no plans to revise the existing 42 and 43 timetables before the new routes are introduced.

Responding to the update, Councillor Singh said:

“Residents have raised a very reasonable concern.

“When two buses serving much of the same route arrive within five or ten minutes of each other, followed by a long gap, it can be frustrating for passengers, particularly at weekends when services are less frequent.

“I understand the frustration commuters are experiencing.

While the NTA’s intention to improve timetable coordination under BusConnects is a positive step, the concerns residents have raised relate to the services they are relying on today.

“The second half of 2027 is still some time away, and I believe there is merit in exploring whether practical adjustments could be made to the existing timetables in the meantime.

“Reliable public transport is essential for people travelling to work, education, appointments and other daily commitments. Even relatively small improvements in scheduling could make a meaningful difference to commuters.

“I will continue to raise these concerns with the relevant transport authorities and advocate for more reliable and better-coordinated services.”

Councillor Singh thanked the residents who brought the issue to her attention and encouraged other commuters using routes 42 and 43 to share their experiences, particularly regarding weekend services.