W6 orbital bus route introduced for Dublin

 The National Transport Authority (NTA), in partnership with Go-Ahead Ireland, is set to launch of the W6 Orbital bus route on Sunday, 24 November 2024. This enhanced service will merge the existing W61 and W62 routes, offering improved public transport links to key areas including Maynooth, Celbridge, Hazelhatch, Newcastle, Saggart and Tallaght.

The W6 Orbital route is designed to connect North Kildare, West Dublin, and South Dublin, serving thousands of passengers daily. By linking key towns and urban centres, the W6 will provide a more efficient and reliable travel option for commuters, improving access to jobs, education, and other services across these regions. The W6 will also enhance access to other key transport options, including train services in Maynooth and Celbridge and the LUAS Red Line, providing seamless connections for commuters across Dublin and Kildare.

Originally part of Phase 5A of the BusConnects programme, the W6 was initially introduced as two separate routes—W61 and W62—while essential infrastructure upgrades were implemented. With these upgrades now complete, the unified W6 route is ready to transform regional connectivity, creating a more efficient and seamless public transport option that will serve thousands of passengers daily.

The newly unified W6 route represents the next step in delivering a more connected and accessible public transport system in the west Dublin and north Kildare area

Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority, said: “I’m delighted to see the rollout of the W6 Orbital route, which represents a more connected service for commuters in the surrounding areas. This new service will make commuting easier and more accessible for thousands of passengers everyday, supporting our vision of a connected Ireland.”

Dervla McKay, Managing Director of Go-Ahead Ireland, said:  “We are delighted to see the remerge of Routes W61 and W62 into Route W6.  With some minor changes to timetables, the route allows for passengers to connect to other public transport services at Maynooth Station, Hazelhatch & Celbridge Station, and the Luas Red Line.

“Go-Ahead Ireland is dedicated to providing reliable, sustainable public transport services and connections to its communities, and the W6 further builds on progress made this year on the BusConnects Network Redesign.”

The W6 Orbital will officially come into service on Sunday 24th November, offering new connectivity for thousands of passengers daily. For more information, please visit:  https://www.transportforireland.ie/getting-around/by-bus/phase-5a-w-orbital/.