Luas profits to be reinvested in network

The €5.6m profit made from the Luas light rail system last year will be reinvested in the transport system, it was announced today.

The Railway Procurement Agency said it plans to ensure that a high quality service on its Red and green Lines will be maintained for the 26 million passengers it carried.

In its annual report for 2006 – the second full year of operation the Luas red and green lines – the company recorded a surplus of €5.646m.

The profit was up 200,000 euro on the previous year, when 22 million customers travelled.

Luas has also consolidated its position within the small group of urban public transport systems in Europe that do not require operating subventions.

RPA chief executive Frank Allen said the success of Luas in attracting large numbers for passengers, particularly outside the peak commuting hours, has become a role model for planners developing transport in other European cities.

“The merging rail network, incorporating new Luas and Metro Lines, is already making significant contribution to the sustainable development of the Greater Dublin Area,” he said.

“The public’s enthusiastic response to Luas continued to drive the successful implementation of Transport 21.”

Future plans for RPA include the extension of the green line from Sandyford to Cherrywood, and the green line from Conolly Station to the Point.

Routes have also been agreed for the new Metro North from Dublin city to Swords via Dublin Airport and for Metro West through West Dublin.