All systems go for LUAS as 20m target set for passengers

DUBLIN’S new transport system LUAS can reach its target of 20 million passengers per year, Transport Minister Seamus Brennan insisted said yesterday.

Speaking at the depot for Dublin’s new transport system in Sandyford, the minister said: “From the surveys that the Railway Procurement Agency have undertaken they are very confident they’ll meet those targets.

“This is part of my own constituency so I know the people fairly well and I can sense great excitement. If only half the people who tell me they’re going to travel on the Luas do so, we’ll meet those numbers,” he said.

Mr Brennan launched a set of stamps featuring the LUAS trams to mark the opening of the Sandyford to St Stephen’s Green Luas line, due to open at 3pm tomorrow after more than three year’s work.

Thousands of people will be able to travel on the trams for free until charging begins next week. Mr Brennan said there will be inspectors on the LUAS trams in future but did not anticipate major problems with non-payment of tickets.

“The cost of travel on the Luas is reasonable. On the Sandyford line, it’s €2 for a 22-minute trip,” Mr Brennan said. The second Luas line, which runs from Tallaght to Connolly station will open in July.

Both lines will run separately but Mr Brennan said this problem would be addressed with the construction of the Dublin Metro system.

During the start-up period, Luas trams, which can carry up to 320 people each, will run every 10 minutes. The Railway Procurement Agency said the trams were capable of arriving every five minutes.

Chief executive Frank Allen said: “We have the capacity to do it and if demand warrants it we can increase the frequency of the service.”

“We are very excited about the launch of services on Wednesday and we’re urging people to come out and see what it’s like for themselves. I think people will like it,” said Mr Allen.