UCD commuters coming via Heuston "pushed under the bus" as direct route between campus and Heuston set to be abolished

UCD Students' Union (UCDSU) has again written to both the NTA and the Department of Transport, reiterating its calls for the immediate reinstatement of the 145 bus route or the introduction of an alternative direct service to UCD from the Capital’s main train station. 

Ahead of the service's cessation on Sunday 26 January, the students' union has also launched a petition in order to draw attention to the issue.

The 145 bus route, which has been a vital connection between Heuston Station and UCD, will no longer serve students, staff, and the wider UCD community. This change will significantly impact many who rely on it for their daily commute, exacerbating existing transport challenges.

UCDSU has been vocal about the need for a reliable transport network, and ahead of the new term, the union is reiterating its call for the immediate reinstatement of the 145 bus route or the introduction of an alternative direct service to UCD from the Capital’s main train station. Additionally, UCDSU has written to UCD to ensure the university is leveraging its influence to address this issue. 

UCDSU Campaigns & Engagement Officer Saskia McCormack-Eiffe said: 

“As we return for the new term, the reality of losing the 145 bus route is setting in for students and staff alike. The proposed alternatives are simply not good enough and are a material disimprovement for students coming from counties such as Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Offaly, and Waterford. We are calling for a permanent solution to ensure that UCD remains accessible to all, and that is in keeping with university efforts to discourage car usage where possible. All who rely on the 145 to get to campus are being pushed under the bus by the NTA with this part of the ‘Busconnects’ plan.”

Ciara Donohue, Welfare Officer with UCDSU added: 

“The 145 bus route is essential for the wellbeing of students who depend on it for their daily journey. Losing this service will not only create significant logistical challenges but will also add unnecessary stress, particularly for those with tight schedules or additional needs.”

Ahead of the new term, UCDSU is also launching a petition to mobilise the UCD community and gather support for the restoration of this vital transport link.

UCDSU remains committed to advocating for a transport system that meets the needs of the entire UCD community, and will continue to engage with relevant authorities to ensure that this vital issue is addressed before the 145 bus route is discontinued. 

Further to this, the Union does not see the need for the maintenance of this vital route to come at the expense of the roll out of much needed 24/7 routes servicing Bray and other areas.

ENDS

UCDSU Petition to Save the 145 Bus: https://my.uplift.ie/petitions/save-the-145-bus-route-to-ucd