Bus Eireann N3/M3 Corridor Route & Timetable Changes - Phase 3

LXFlyer · 04-09-2017 7:26am #1

The third and final phase of the M3 Corridor changes have now been announced by Bus Eireann as taking place on 17 September 2017.

Full details and links to new timetables in the article below:

http://www.buseireann.ie/news_timetable.php?id=2378&month=Sep

M3 Corridor Service Improvements

Bus Éireann in conjunction with the National Transport Authority are pleased to announce the introduction of an enhanced bus service for our customers along the M3 Corridor and in particular the towns of Dunshaughlin, Navan, Kells, Virginia & Cavan. This follows the Bus reann/National Transport Authority review of services along the M3 Corridor and takes account of the feedback received from members of the public. The enhanced services will be introduced on Sunday, 17 September 2017.

How are my bus services changing?

This service change will see the current Route 109: Cavan – Virginia – Kells – Navan – Dunshaughlin – Dublin divided into 3 separate routes which will individually focus on certain sections of the corridor to provide an enhanced service offering including higher frequency, longer operating hours and quicker journey times to all our customers along the whole corridor. These changes will complement the improvements introduced on Route 109a: Kells – Navan – Dunshaughlin – Ratoath – Ashbourne – Dublin Airport – DCU – City Centre during the second half of 2016 and deliver a 24/7 bus service from Kells, Navan & Dunshaughlin to/from the city centre.

Route 109: Kells – Navan – Dunshaughlin – Bracetown – Navan Rd - City Centre

This service will follow the routing of the current Route 109 and will provide an hourly service linking Kells to the City Centre via the R147 via Navan, Dunshaughlin, Clonee, Blanchardstown & the Navan Rd terminating at Busaras. Additional services will operate in the morning & evening peak with some of these services extended to UCD.

Route 109X: Cavan – Virginia – Kells – M3 Motorway – City Centre

This service will follow the routing of the current Route 109 between Cavan and Kells before accessing the M3 Motorway south of Kells to continue its journey to the city stopping at Blanchardstown before entering the city via the Finglas QBC & O’Connell St before terminating at Busaras. This service will operate an hourly frequency from 04.45 from Cavan until 22.45 from the city centre. Additional services will operate in the morning & evening peak.

Route NX: Navan – M3 Motorway – City Centre – Wilton Terrace

This service will provide a fast, frequent and regular service from Navan to both the city centre and south city business zone. It will operate an extended routing in Navan to better serve residential areas before accessing the M3 Motorway to continue its journey to the city centre stopping at Blanchardstown before entering the city via the Finglas QBC, & O’Connell St before terminating at Wilton Terrace close to Leeson St. The service will operate every 20 mins from 05.40 until 20.00 and then every 30mins until last service at 23.30

Route 109a: Kells – Navan – Dunshaughlin – Ratoath – Ashbourne – Dublin Airport

This route will continue to operate as at present and provide an hourly service 24/7

A summary of how these service enhancements will impact on your individual towns is outlined:

Navan
Navan to the City Centre – Your main service will be Route NX which will provide 98 daily services to/from the City Centre. Combined with Route 109a this will provide a 24/7 public transport link to the city.

Route 109 will continue to provide an hourly link to the City Centre via the R147.

Local linkages to Kells & Dunshaughlin – Route 109 & 109a will provide a service every 30mins for local trips between these towns and locations in between.

Dublin Airport – Route 109a will continue to provide an hourly service to Ratoath, Ashbourne & Dublin Airport 24/7

Dunshaughlin
Dunshaughlin to the City Centre – Your service to the city will be provided by Route 109 & 109B which will provide a service every 30mins throughout the day

Local linkages to Kells & Navan – Route 109 & 109a will provide a service every 30mins for local trips between these towns and locations in between.

Dublin Airport – Route 109a will continue to provide a service every 60 mins to/from Ratoath, Ashbourne & Dublin Airport 24/7

Kells
Kells to the City Centre – Your service to the city will be provided by Route 109 & 109x which will provide a service every 30 mins throughout the day to/from the city centre

Local linkages to Navan & Dunshaughlin – Route 109 & 109a will provide a service every 30mins for local trips between these towns and locations in between.

Dublin Airport – Route 109a will continue to provide a service every 60 mins to/from Ratoath, Ashbourne & Dublin Airport 24/7

Cavan & Virginia
Cavan & Virginia to the City Centre – Your service to the city will be provided by Route 109X which will provide a service every 60 mins throughout the day to/from the city centre with earlier and later departures.

The departure times from Cavan & Dublin will now be at 00.45 mins to the hour

Local linkages to Navan & Dunshaughlin – A limited number of Route 109x services will operate via Navan and at other times you can interchange onto Route 109 & 109a at Kells which will provide a service every 30mins for local trips between these towns and locations in between.

Services to the Mater Hospital
As part of these service changes Route 109, 109x & XN will provide enhanced linkages to the Mater Hospital. However the location of stops for certain services will change:
Route 109 – This service will continue to serve the stops at Berkeley Rd & North Circular Rd.

Route 109X – This closest inbound stop to the Mater Hospital will be Phibsboro & outbound at Lower Dorset St. Both stops are a short walk to the hospital

Route NX – This closest inbound stop to the Mater Hospital will be Phibsboro & outbound at Lower Dorset St. Both stops are a short walk to the hospital

Services to Third Level Colleges
All Route will provide close connectivity to numerous third level colleges including the following
Dublin City University – Route 109a operates directly to the university from Kells, Navan & Dunshaughlin. Customers from Cavan & Virginia can interchange onto this route in Kells.

Blanchardstown Institute of Technology – Route 109, 109x & NX all serve the Blanchardstown Slip Rd stop which is a short walk from the college.

Trinity College – Route NX stops at Westland Row adjacent to the University

University College Dublin – Certain Route 109 & 109x peak hour services operate direct to the campus

Dublin Institute of Technology – Route 109x & NX stop at Broadstone a short walk to both the Bolton St & Grangegorman Campuses, while all 3 routes stop at O’Connell St close to the Cathal Brugha Street Campus

All our city centre stops are located close to Dublin Bus & Luas stops to facilitate interchange on these services to travel to other third level institutions

If you have any feedback in relation to the revised service offering please forward your comments to customercare@buseireann.ie
Bus reann would like to thank our customers for their continued support of the public transport network along the M3 Corridor and we look forward to welcoming you on board our improved services in the near future.

The service enhancements on Route’s 109, 109X & NX will be introduced on Sunday, 17 September 2017 and have been approved by the National Transport Authority.

Monday, 4th September, 2017

stop · 04-09-2017 9:10am

NX seems a strange designation, thought NTA were trying to standardise route numbers nationally?

Conway635 · 04-09-2017 9:37am

Overall a positive set of changes, and I'm saying this even though it discommodes me personally (I lose my evening services from Leeson St to Kells, but am happy to accept that NX will cater for majority of south city pax).

In strange point: since we are splitting out the services to given them unique numbers, it seems a shame to have the new short workings to Dunshaughlin called 109 - couldn't they be 109C. (Or even 109D).

C635

AlekSmart · 04-09-2017 5:39pm

Conway635 wrote: »

Overall a positive set of changes, and I'm saying this even though it discommodes me personally (I lose my evening services from Leeson St to Kells, but am happy to accept that NX will cater for majority of south city pax).

In strange point: since we are splitting out the services to given them unique numbers, it seems a shame to have the new short workings to Dunshaughlin called 109 - couldn't they be 109C. (Or even 109D).

C635

An interesting set of service changes for sure,quite a convoluted set of numbers and letters for regulars to get used to...I do feel your pain on the Leeson St-Kells loss,which was of itself,a recent enough development ?

Conway635 · 04-09-2017 6:16pm

AlekSmart wrote: »

Conway635 wrote: »

Overall a positive set of changes, and I'm saying this even though it discommodes me personally (I lose my evening services from Leeson St to Kells, but am happy to accept that NX will cater for majority of south city pax).

In strange point: since we are splitting out the services to given them unique numbers, it seems a shame to have the new short workings to Dunshaughlin called 109 - couldn't they be 109C. (Or even 109D).

C635

An interesting set of service changes for sure,quite a convoluted set of numbers and letters for regulars to get used to...I do feel your pain on the Leeson St-Kells loss,which was of itself,a recent enough development ?

Not sure how long the 109 has had these SSG trips, but I've been using it daily for 9 months now, and it has been much less stressful than driving, and very much less expensive too. The 5pm ex Wilton Tce was ideal for me most days, and the 6pm if I was late in work.

But I can't defend keeping them on - rarely more than 6 boarded at all of the stops before Busaras.

What would be really useful for those living beyond Navan would be some sort of transfer facility between NX and 109X in either direction, however the only place they meet is Blanch slip road where you either can't change on (inbound) or off (outbound) the respective routes.

C635

sofireland · 04-09-2017 8:04pm

The whole Navan section seems odd, assume picks up Opp Ardboyne, proceeds out Old Dublin Road, around the roundabout, back towards Navan, then turn right to go up via Johnstown. Times on Timetable 1hr 10 minutes. Hugely optimistic for me.

LXFlyer · 04-09-2017 8:58pm

sofireland wrote: »

The whole Navan section seems odd, assume picks up Opp Ardboyne, proceeds out Old Dublin Road, around the roundabout, back towards Navan, then turn right to go up via Johnstown. Times on Timetable 1hr 10 minutes. Hugely optimistic for me.

I'd imagine there will be a new stop for the NX before the junction at the Ardboyne, where it would then turn left to go towards Johnstown.

I cannot imagine that it would be doubling back on itself. That would make no sense.

Where are you getting 1 hr 10 mins (as in which route and where from and to)?

tom23 · 05-09-2017 7:00am

What's the proposed journey time on the NX from Navan-Dublin? I see it's back up the blanch slip road. M50 would be a concern because any sort of 'accident' nearly brings it to a halt.

Banjoxed · 05-09-2017 7:35am

Conway635 wrote: »

Not sure how long the 109 has had these SSG trips, but I've been using it daily for 9 months now, and it has been much less stressful than driving, and very much less expensive too. The 5pm ex Wilton Tce was ideal for me most days, and the 6pm if I was late in work.

But I can't defend keeping them on - rarely more than 6 boarded at all of the stops before Busaras.

What would be really useful for those living beyond Navan would be some sort of transfer facility between NX and 109X in either direction, however the only place they meet is Blanch slip road where you either can't change on (inbound) or off (outbound) the respective routes.

C635

M3 Parkway station would be ideal, but that would involve joined up thinking of the sort that is now seemingly anathema to the CIE group.

gazzer · 05-09-2017 7:38am

About time these changes came in. Thank God anybody going from Cavan to Dublin won't have to endure sitting in traffic for 20 minutes plus when driving up the main street

sofireland · 05-09-2017 7:44am

LXFlyer wrote: »

I'd imagine there will be a new stop for the NX before the junction at the Ardboyne, where it would then turn left to go towards Johnstown.

I cannot imagine that it would be doubling back on itself. That would make no sense.

Where are you getting 1 hr 10 mins (as in which route and where from and to)?

Navan Opp Ardboyne to O Connell St NX route.

There are no signs of a new stop being created, and it would be further away from Ardboyne stop as is. On the 109a the bus goes out to the roundabout on the N2 and back on itself to service the stop at the pillo hotel, that's why I think they will do it that way. Unless of course there is a new stop put in place.

LXFlyer · 05-09-2017 8:03am

tom23 wrote: »

What's the proposed journey time on the NX from Navan-Dublin? I see it's back up the blanch slip road. M50 would be a concern because any sort of 'accident' nearly brings it to a halt.

The timetables are all linked to on the first post above.

Surely you could say the same about any main route into Dublin?

tara83 · 05-09-2017 8:04am

Dunshaughlin forgotten again. Commuters from Navan on express buses have shorter commute times and looks like that will continue

tom23 · 05-09-2017 11:17am

LXFlyer wrote: »

The timetables are all linked to on the first post above.

Surely you could say the same about any main route into Dublin?

Thanks missed that, I had a look, so journey times will be longer than the express which is currently in place. But there is more frequency. My guess is that they haven't a hope in hell of making that journey in that time so people will have to get the bus 20 minutes earlier.

As for the M50, not a day goes by when there is an incident on it. At least the trek down the Navan road is not to bad because of the BC. Its the old cabra road thats the problem. Regardless I dont use BE anymore but I hope these changes work for the sake of friends who still do and feel frustrated by the commute and the quality of service currently offered by BE at times.

Commuter109 · 05-09-2017 1:10pm

I have only had a glimpse at it but initially i dont think it's a good deal for Navan Monday to Friday commuters.

Journey times appear longer and they have totally done away with the excellent true expresses services and Port Tunnel is no longer being used.

It is serving a stop that doesn't yet exist ( good joined up thinking there)

Possibly there are advantages for Johnstown commuters as they service pretty much seems to focus around that area, could really be renamed the Johnstown express, but I think its swings and roundabouts to the extent that I cant see them getting near the times the have suggested in the timetables ( as has always been the case, you could usually add 15 minutes to the expected time of arrival) , so i think we are well on the way back to a 1hour 30 , which is a shame when the true expresses could do it in reasonably close to an hour

I know that there has been alot on social media about traffic congestion in Johnstown at certain times, again this doesn't seem to have been taken into account in any shape or form and they seem to be running buses through it at peak school hours

http://www.meathchronicle.ie/news/roundup/articles/2017/05/31/4140973-watch-drone-footage-shows-johnstown-school-traffic-snaking-back-17km/

Add in the fact that you are pretty much standing in the rain for the winter with no access to bus aras, and all in all, i hope i am wrong, but i think Sillian Tours are possibly going to be the big winners here , with bread and butter customers opting for them

tom23 · 05-09-2017 2:43pm

Commuter109 wrote: »

I have only had a glimpse at it but initially i dont think it's a good deal for Navan Monday to Friday commuters.

Journey times appear longer and they have totally done away with the excellent true expresses services and Port Tunnel is no longer being used.

It is serving a stop that doesn't yet exist ( good joined up thinking there)

Possibly there are advantages for Johnstown commuters as they service pretty much seems to focus around that area, could really be renamed the Johnstown express, but I think its swings and roundabouts to the extent that I cant see them getting near the times the have suggested in the timetables ( as has always been the case, you could usually add 15 minutes to the expected time of arrival) , so i think we are well on the way back to a 1hour 30 , which is a shame when the true expresses could do it in reasonably close to an hour

I know that there has been alot on social media about traffic congestion in Johnstown at certain times, again this doesn't seem to have been taken into account in any shape or form and they seem to be running buses through it at peak school hours

http://www.meathchronicle.ie/news/roundup/articles/2017/05/31/4140973-watch-drone-footage-shows-johnstown-school-traffic-snaking-back-17km/

Add in the fact that you are pretty much standing in the rain for the winter with no access to bus aras, and all in all, i hope i am wrong, but i think Sillian Tours are possibly going to be the big winners here , with bread and butter customers opting for them

Im using Sillen and can't fault them. I had hope that BE / NTA would eventually put some sort of Bus Station into Navan by this stage but it seems unlikely. I hope these new bus times work out for folk, but with the new housing estate opening up on Kentstown Road and beside the Old Johnstown Village road its going to get a lot busier around there.

chewed · 06-09-2017 8:29am

Quick question. My son travels from Navan to Cavan every Sunday evening. Now he'll have to get a bus to Kells and then get another bus to Cavan. Can he get 1 ticket that will do him for both trips?

piplip87 · 06-09-2017 8:42am

As said above it will inconvenience me slightly. Travelling from Virginia to Halfway house. Overall good service and more frequent buses but surely going out to Finglas will add on a good bit to the journey for those heading into the city?

LXFlyer · 06-09-2017 8:55am

chewed wrote: »

Quick question. My son travels from Navan to Cavan every Sunday evening. Now he'll have to get a bus to Kells and then get another bus to Cavan. Can he get 1 ticket that will do him for both trips?

Yes he can continue to get a through ticket.

gazzer · 06-09-2017 12:24pm

Just having another look at the 109x timetable. BE are still insisting that it only takes 25 minutes to get from Cavan Town to Virginia

However the 20 minute journey that it currently states it takes from Virginia to Kells has increased from 20 minutes to 35

I think they meant to say that the 35 minutes is from Cavan to Virginia.

Geuze · 06-09-2017 1:56pm

chewed wrote: »

Quick question. My son travels from Navan to Cavan every Sunday evening. Now he'll have to get a bus to Kells and then get another bus to Cavan. Can he get 1 ticket that will do him for both trips?

Yes, of course.

A ticket can be bought between any two points on the network, even if you need 5 buses to travel between them

Same goes for IE.

piplip87 · 07-09-2017 9:52am

gazzer wrote: »

Just having another look at the 109x timetable. BE are still insisting that it only takes 25 minutes to get from Cavan Town to Virginia However the 20 minute journey that it currently states it takes from Virginia to Kells has increased from 20 minutes to 35 I think they meant to say that the 35 minutes is from Cavan to Virginia.

The bus usually gets into Virginia between 7.25-7.30 have seen it earlier. I think the added time for Kells is:

The stop outside Virginia
The Stop in Maghera
The Stop at whitegate
The 2 Stops in Carnoross
Then the 3 in Kells. Some mornings it can be near 8.10
getting onto the motorway after Kells

piplip87 · 07-09-2017 9:55am

A quick question,

Will there be a link up at the Blanchardstown Slip road. As mentioned above my usual stop is the Halfway House.

The 109x to blanchardstown will have me in Blanch in an hour but from there could I get on the next 109 that comes along?
Makes very little sense changing in Kells and going on a tour of Co Meath.
If not what Dublin bus services if any serve the slip road

gazzer · 07-09-2017 11:01am

piplip87 wrote: »

A quick question,

Will there be a link up at the Blanchardstown Slip road. As mentioned above my usual stop is the Halfway House.

The 109x to blanchardstown will have me in Blanch in an hour but from there could I get on the next 109 that comes along?
Makes very little sense changing in Kells and going on a tour of Co Meath.
If not what Dublin bus services if any serve the slip road

None that I know off (open to correction on that). You could walk to the Shopping Centre and get the 39A to the Halfway House. About a ten minute walk to the stop.

Slippin Jimmy · 09-09-2017 12:28pm

So if you get the bus from the square you now have to endure a tour of Navan before leaving the town? There was nothing wrong with the way the current stops are, Market Square, Ardboyne, The Willows, etc then just go out on the motorway.

LXFlyer · 09-09-2017 1:50pm

Slippin Jimmy wrote: »

So if you get the bus from the square you now have to endure a tour of Navan before leaving the town? There was nothing wrong with the way the current stops are, Market Square, Ardboyne, The Willows, etc then just go out on the motorway.

If you take the NX, yes.

The 109 will stick to the old route but via the old road through Dunshaughlin.

I imagine there was demand for an increased service in the Johnstown area which has influenced the changes.

Like all public transport changes you'll never please everyone - there will always be winners and losers.

Slippin Jimmy · 09-09-2017 2:26pm

LXFlyer wrote: »

Like all public transport changes you'll never please everyone - there will always be winners and losers.

Very true. The 109's that serve Johnstown at the moment never seem to pick up or drop off many people. I've often used this bus and can only remember 1 or 2 people getting on/off.

LXFlyer · 09-09-2017 2:47pm

Slippin Jimmy wrote: »

Very true. The 109's that serve Johnstown at the moment never seem to pick up or drop off many people. I've often used this bus and can only remember 1 or 2 people getting on/off.

Well I'd imagine this is a conscious effort to encourage more people out of their cars and onto the bus service by the NTA.

Banjoxed · 10-09-2017 12:12am

LXFlyer wrote: »

Well I'd imagine this is a conscious effort to encourage more people out of their cars and onto the bus service by the NTA.

But not the train service, expensively built and left to its own devices. M3 Park-where?

On another note, anyone seen Noel Dempsey around Navan at all? He must be struggling with building that railway to Navan he was so confident of delivering ten years ago.

LXFlyer · 10-09-2017 12:21am

Banjoxed wrote: »

But not the train service, expensively built and left to its own devices. M3 Park-where?

On another note, anyone seen Noel Dempsey around Navan at all? He must be struggling with building that railway to Navan he was so confident of delivering ten years ago.

Do you seriously think bussing people to a railway station to then get a train is going to get them out of their cars?

The more changes you add, the less appealing public transport becomes.

Add to that they would have to pay two fares, the fact that the trains are already jammed, and that the bus will take people directly to the south city centre.

You would also be lengthening the journey times for the people already using the bus who would be diverted to serve the rail station.

There's free parking at M3 Parkway as it is.

Banjoxed · 10-09-2017 8:57am

LXFlyer wrote: »

Do you seriously think bussing people to a railway station to then get a train is going to get them out of their cars?

The more changes you add, the less appealing public transport becomes.

Add to that they would have to pay two fares, the fact that the trains are already jammed, and that the bus will take people directly to the south city centre.

You would also be lengthening the journey times for the people already using the bus who would be diverted to serve the rail station.

There's free parking at M3 Parkway as it is.

Do you seriously think that having no bus connections at all at M3 Parkway is a good thing?

I remember the integrated fares between the Kildare line and the 90 bus. Perhaps you don't? We might be forgiven for thinking that Bus Éireann and Irish Rail are wholly unconnected with each other in any way.

LXFlyer · 10-09-2017 9:26am

Banjoxed wrote: »

Do you seriously think that having no bus connections at all at M3 Parkway is a good thing?

I remember the integrated fares between the Kildare line and the 90 bus. Perhaps you don't? We might be forgiven for thinking that Bus reann and Irish Rail are wholly unconnected with each other in any way.

I don't think that re-routing Dublin-Navan express buses to serve the station is a good idea as you seem to. It would lengthen journey times for the majority. Add in waiting times at the station and the bus/rail option becomes uncompetitive compared with the direct coach.

The trains from M3 Parkway are already uncomfortably jammed as it is - where would all these additional passengers that you see using it fit? There won't be any additional rolling stock available for another 18 months at least.

There hasn't been any signs of further development of integrated Bus Eireann / Iarnrod reann ticketing from the NTA and until that happens, and there is a significant increase in rail capacity on the line, this idea is in my view is a non-starter.

Incidentally, they tried this with the 111 Trim service and no one used it - everyone stayed on the bus.

I'm sorry for sounding unduly negative, as I'm normally very pro-integration, but just think this through from a practical perspective.

Perhaps when the rail capacity issues are addressed then maybe a dedicated Navan - M3 shuttle bus could be tried, but again I wouldn't be diverting existing services and unnecessarily lengthening people's journeys.

Banjoxed · 10-09-2017 10:17am

LXFlyer wrote: »

I don't think that re-routing Dublin-Navan express buses to serve the station is a good idea as you seem to. It would lengthen journey times for the majority. Add in waiting times at the station and the bus/rail option becomes uncompetitive compared with the direct coach.

The trains from M3 Parkway are already uncomfortably jammed as it is - where would all these additional passengers that you see using it fit? There won't be any additional rolling stock available for another 18 months at least.

There hasn't been any signs of further development of integrated Bus Eireann / Iarnrod reann ticketing from the NTA and until that happens, and there is a significant increase in rail capacity on the line, this idea is in my view is a non-starter.

Incidentally, they tried this with the 111 Trim service and no one used it - everyone stayed on the bus.

I'm sorry for sounding unduly negative, as I'm normally very pro-integration, but just think this through from a practical perspective.

Perhaps when the rail capacity issues are addressed then maybe a dedicated Navan - M3 shuttle bus could be tried, but again I wouldn't be diverting existing services and unnecessarily lengthening people's journeys.

I dont disagree with you. I'm not advocating that the NX be rerouted - just to have any/some connection between Navan and M3 Parkway. After all, the pre opening PR did say that would be the case, to counteract valid criticism of the toll before the station junction off the M3

LXFlyer · 10-09-2017 11:39am

Banjoxed wrote: »

I dont disagree with you. I'm not advocating that the NX be rerouted - just to have any/some connection between Navan and M3 Parkway. After all, the pre opening PR did say that would be the case, to counteract valid criticism of the toll before the station junction off the M3

Until rail capacity issues are resolved I cannot see that happening.

Banjoxed · 10-09-2017 12:29pm

LXFlyer wrote: »

Until rail capacity issues are resolved I cannot see that happening.

It can take traffic off the M3.

AlekSmart · 10-09-2017 12:43pm

Banjoxed wrote: »

It can take traffic off the M3.

MMmmmmm....I seem to remember some very successful Golf Classics around about the Royal County over the years.....the local TD (and Minister) was apparently,quite handy with the swing too....:D

Some of the larger SIMI Motor Dealers were reputed to take up offers of partaking in the charitable events too.........;)

Less CAR Traffic on the M3........."Excellent idea Minister....However....etc etc etc....:P;):rolleyes:.....perhaps not "

LXFlyer · 10-09-2017 12:46pm

Banjoxed wrote: »

It can take traffic off the M3.

I don't think you understand.

The peak hour trains are crammed on the Maynooth/M3 Parkway line already. There isn't room for adding bus loads of people from Navan onto them. They might get on at M3 Parkway in the mornings, but then other people at intermediate stations would not, and it would be impossible in the evenings.

There is a bigger picture here - quite simply the railway line could not cope with those extra peak time passengers. Until the 2700 DMU stock returns, at least 18 months away, that will remain the case.

As for taking traffic off the M3, it is hardly jammed with cars is it? I imagine more people would be open to using the station as a P & R facility rather than taking a bus to it.

All these ideas are great in theory, but practically they aren't realistic given the current financial and capacity constraints.

Banjoxed · 10-09-2017 3:14pm

AlekSmart wrote: »

MMmmmmm....I seem to remember some very successful Golf Classics around about the Royal County over the years.....the local TD (and Minister) was apparently,quite handy with the swing too....:D

Some of the larger SIMI Motor Dealers were reputed to take up offers of partaking in the charitable events too.........;)

Less CAR Traffic on the M3........."Excellent idea Minister....However....etc etc etc....:P;):rolleyes:.....perhaps not "

Yup, got it in one there Alek.

horseburger · 11-09-2017 5:02am

chewed wrote: »

Quick question. My son travels from Navan to Cavan every Sunday evening. Now he'll have to get a bus to Kells and then get another bus to Cavan. Can he get 1 ticket that will do him for both trips?

There will still be connections between Navan and Cavan on the Dublin Cavan 109X service that will begin on 17th September.

It will be possible to get the 109X bus, in Navan to Cavan on Sundays, as well as Monday to Saturday. On Sundays the 109X from Dublin to Cavan, is scheduled to pick up and drop off at The Mercy Convent in Navan at 10.12am, 12.19am, 2.19pm, 4.19pm, 8.12pm and 10.12pm.

The 109X bus from Cavan to Dublin, on Sundays, will pick up and drop off at the bus stop opposite Navan Fire Station at 10.05am, 12.01pm, 2.01pm, 4.01pm, 6.01pm, 8.01pm and 10.05pm.

From Monday to Friday, the 109X service from Cavan to Dublin will pick up and drop off at the bus stop opposite the Fire Station at 6.03am, 10.01am, 12.01pm, 2.01pm, 4.01pm, 6.01pm, 8.01pm, and 10.00pm.

From Monday to Friday you will be able to get the 109X bus from Navan to Cavan at The Mercy Convent, where it will pick up and drop off at 8.19am, 10.19am, 12.19pm, 2.19pm, 4.19pm, 8.19pm and 10.12pm.

On Saturdays you will be able to get a bus from Navan to Cavan at the Mercy Convent, where it will pick up and drop off at 8.12am, 10.12am, 12.19pm, 2.19pm, 4.19pm, 8.12pm and 10.12pm

On Saturdays the bus from Cavan to Dublin will pick up and drop off at the bus stop opposite the Fire Station at 10.05am, 12.01pm, 2.01pm, 4.01pm, 6.01pm, 8.01pm and 10.05pm.

http://buseireann.ie/timetables/1504435671-109X.pdf

tom23 · 12-09-2017 7:17am

LXFlyer wrote: »

Well I'd imagine this is a conscious effort to encourage more people out of their cars and onto the bus service by the NTA.

To be honest this is futile on behalf of the NTA. Public transport in Meath is not anywhere near that position to make people leave their car in favour of a service that at times is not reliable. Maybe for private operators they would take the option. Having used all options over the years I'd use my car first followed by a private operator.

LXFlyer · 12-09-2017 8:40am

tom23 wrote: »

To be honest this is futile on behalf of the NTA. Public transport in Meath is not anywhere near that position to make people leave their car in favour of a service that at times is not reliable. Maybe for private operators they would take the option. Having used all options over the years I'd use my car first followed by a private operator.

One would imagine that they are hoping this will be more reliable?

Not much point investing in new buses and drivers, and putting extra money in for a big expansion in services otherwise.

horseburger · 12-09-2017 4:42pm

tom23 wrote: »

To be honest this is futile on behalf of the NTA. Public transport in Meath is not anywhere near that position to make people leave their car in favour of a service that at times is not reliable. Maybe for private operators they would take the option. Having used all options over the years I'd use my car first followed by a private operator.

The advantage that the Bus Éireann services between Navan and Dublin have over Sillan Tours, the private operator that currently serves Navan to and from Dublin, is that with Bus Éireann, if you are required to be in Dublin later than 7.15pm, you can get back to Navan by bus, and there are more options for getting to and from Navan (and Kells and Cavan) and Dublin, throughout the day, with Bus Éireann, compared to the Sillan Tours timetable.

Bus Éireann also currently runs more services on Saturdays and Sundays, to and from Navan and Dublin, compared to the Sillan Tours service.

tom23 · 18-09-2017 10:57am

Have any commuters feedback on the new changes?

gazzer · 18-09-2017 11:37am

I got the 109X at 2.15 from Busarus yesterday. Was a bit confusing because the big display on the wall showed the bus leaving at 2.30. Anyway the bus left a 2.30. However it took the usual route up the Navan Road. Maybe it was because of the crowds on Dorset St? It was great bot having to go through Navan. Took 90 minutes to get to Virginia. 20 minutes quicker than other Sundays that I have got the 109

LXFlyer · 18-09-2017 11:46am

Seems to be a lot of issues today - buses cancelled on various routes.

I wouldn't be surprised if the drivers were up to some skulduggery being honest - some form of "blue flu"....

crank_1975 · 18-09-2017 12:08pm

It was, to put it mildly, a cl*sterf*ck. 06.45 109X arrived in Kells from Cavan and was full. Apparently the additional express from Virginia was cancelled and the next scheduled express by-passes Kells as per the timetable so was waiting an hour for a 109X. Can't wait to go home :eek:

LXFlyer · 18-09-2017 12:35pm

Reports on Twitter of multiple missed services on 109, 109A, 109X, 111, 115, 115A and 120 and issues with NX too.

Far too many missing buses for this not to be more than a couple of drivers missing.

chewed · 18-09-2017 12:46pm

The 19.25 109x from Kells to Cavan arrived at 19.55! Not a good start to their new service. Though it maybe due to the big match!

Cannon_fodder · 18-09-2017 12:51pm

LXFlyer wrote: »

Reports on Twitter of multiple missed services on 109, 109A, 109X, 111, 115, 115A and 120 and issues with NX too.

Far too many missing buses for this not to be more than a couple of drivers missing.

All Ireland hangover? Not too many Dubs in here today

LXFlyer · 18-09-2017 1:48pm

Doubt it - most of those routes start in outer depots.

Maybe new rosters are causing "issues".

devnull · 18-09-2017 5:44pm

The NavanExpress twitter account has been silent all day on the disruption to services.

The NTA have tweeted several customers though saying: "Sorry services haven't met expectations 2day @Buseireann is responsible 4 operating these services, we will make them aware of issues raised"

Bus Eireann N3/M3 Corridor Route & Timetable Changes - Phase 3

Comments