UCD Students’ Union writes to NTA seeking preservation of direct routes to Belfield campus
(Dublin, 12 November 2024) — UCD Students' Union has formally called on the National Transport Authority (NTA) to reconsider its plan to eliminate the direct bus connection between Heuston Station and University College Dublin (UCD) as part of the upcoming BusConnects phase, due to be rolled out from Sunday 8 December 2024.
In a letter sent today, UCD Students' Union President Miranda Bauer expressed serious concerns regarding the proposed changes, which threaten to remove the 145 bus route—a critical transport link relied upon by UCD students and staff commuting from connecting trains from Heuston Station, several suburbs across Dublin, and Wicklow.
The proposed elimination of the 145 route will disrupt the primary commute option for many UCD students who travel from across Dublin and beyond. With an estimated 37,000 students and 4,000 staff on campus, this direct link to Heuston Station is essential for students who rely on an already lengthy commute involving train and bus transfers. The Union highlighted that removing this link will create additional challenges, reduce accessibility, and potentially deter students from travelling to campus.
UCDSU President Miranda Bauer said:
“Access to reliable and direct public transport is fundamental for students to be able to attend and complete their studies at UCD. Eliminating the 145 route will disproportionately affect students who already face lengthy commutes, particularly those who come from outside Dublin or from underserved areas. We urge the NTA to keep this vital link intact and ensure that students' needs are not sidelined in the redesign of the transport network.”
The Union has requested that the removal of the 145 route be deferred until an alternative route can be implemented that maintains direct access between Heuston Station and UCD. Additionally, the Union has asked for an urgent meeting with the NTA to discuss solutions that will protect UCD’s accessibility for all students, especially in light of the ongoing accommodation shortage.
ENDS
