Dublin welcomes 70mph Luas

Public trams return to the streets of Dublin for the first time in more than 50 years with the opening of the Luas line from Sandyford to St Stephen’s Green.

Thousands of people are expected to test the new public transport system, which will be free for the first five days.

The first Luas tram will leave Sandyford at 3pm and should arrive in St Stephen’s Green 22 minutes later. Each tram can carry up to 320 people at speeds of 70 miles per hour.

The 13 areas served by the Sandyford to St Stephen’s Green line include Stillorgan, Dundrum, Milltown and Ranelagh. The trams will also run along Harcourt Street, where trams from the old system once ran in the past.

Transport Minister Seamus Brennan has urged the public to watch out for the unfamiliar trams, which will be running on the line every 10 minutes.

When charging is introduced, tickets will cost between €1.30 and €2 for one way trips. Luas users who wish to leave their cars at the park and ride sites in Stillorgan and Balally must pay €4 per day.

The second Luas line, from Tallaght to Connolly Station, will be opened next month.