Drogheda to Busaras bus service now runs 24-hours

Ann Casey

Published: Thu 11 May 2023, 2:15 PM

Last updated: Thu 11 May 2023, 2:16 PM

Commuters from East Meath can avail of new enhanced bus routes including a full 24-hour 101 service.

Route 101 from Drogheda to Busáras via Dublin Airport and serving Julianstown, Whitecross, Mosney and Gormanstown is now a 24-hour service, with 293 departures each way per week, operated on a fleet of new, fully accessible double and single deck coaches. Passenger numbers on this route are currently running 37 percent ahead of 2019 and it is projected that this route will carry a record one million passengers this year.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) and Bus Éireann announced the improved bus services for passengers in County Meath last week.

Route 101x from Drogheda to Wilton Terrace in Dublin via east Meath will see the frequency of services maintained, with services operated on a greater number of accessible single deck buses and double deck coaches in response to increased passenger demand.

Bus Éireann was announced as the operator of the routes following a competitive tender process. These two enhanced routes will operate on new, fully accessible vehicles provided by the NTA. The newly enhanced services will run from Sunday and full details and timetables are available at buseireann.ie

Following fare reductions on public transport services last year, public transport has become more affordable than ever. A single, adult Leap Card fare from Julianstown to Dublin is just €5.04. Fares for people aged 19-24 years who have a Young Adult Leap Card will be just €2.52.

Bus public transport in Ireland is going from strength-to-strength, with Bus Éireann delivering 89.5 million passenger journeys in 2022, a return to pre-Covid levels and with unprecedented growth in demand in recent months.

"With passenger numbers on bus transport growing apace, we are delighted to deliver this new investment in public transport for Meath,’’ said Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA. ‘’We know that where new and enhanced services are made available, people respond positively and choose to travel by bus."