The information requested by the Deputy, which has been obtained from Dublin Bus, Iarnród Éireann, Bus Éireann and the Railway Procurement Agency, is as follows:
|
2000
|
2001
|
2002
|
2003
|
2004
|
2005 (Est.)
|
Dublin Bus
|
115,000
|
118,000
|
119,000
|
122,000
|
115,000
|
115,000
|
Suburban Rail/DART
|
33,000
|
35,000
|
34,000
|
34,00
|
35,000
|
37,000
|
Bus Éireann
|
3,500
|
5,500
|
6,500
|
6,750
|
7,000
|
7,500
|
Luas
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
12,000
|
13,000
|
The figure for suburban rail-DART excludes commuters from areas such as Kildare and Portlaoise who are classified with the mainline data. Given the nature of services provided by Bus Éireann, the figures provided are the best estimates from the company. For the purpose of this reply, morning peak hours are defined as 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.