News Reporter Kelly Smyth details the growing controversy surrounding the removal of the 145 bus route as part of the BusConnects rollout.
UCD Students’ Union (UCDSU) have launched a petition for the restoration of the 145 bus route with concerns that the removal of the route may “severely impact” a sizable portion of commuting UCD students and faculty.
Controversy first arose in early November 2024 following the National Transport Authority (NTA)’s announcement of Phase 6a of the BusConnects Network Redesign, with plans for the popular 145 bus route to cease operations.
In response to this, UCDSU released a statement on November 12, calling for the NTA to reconsider removing the 145 bus route, which was due to be terminated on December 8. Students’ Union President Miranda Bauer said the elimination of the route would “disproportionately affect students who already face lengthy commutes, particularly those who come from outside of Dublin or from underserved areas.”
The Students’ Union also highlighted the student accommodation shortage in this message, calling for the NTA to defer plans to terminate the route until another direct connection between UCD and Heuston Station is established.
While Phase 6a was pushed back to January 26, the NTA did not respond to the demands of the Students’ Union, with no alternative direct route between campus and Heuston Station being established.
The 145 is crucial for students like myself, who have mobility issues. It is the only direct bus to UCD from Heuston, and the proposed alternatives will only create more problems.
With a lack of action from the NTA and the Department of Transportation, UCDSU created the ‘Save the 145 Bus Route - Direct Access to UCD’ petition. The campaign reaffirms the Union’s stance that the removal of the bus route is harmful, with Students’ Union Campaigns and Engagement Officer Saskia McCormack-Eiffe saying that “the proposed alternatives are simply not good enough.”
Support for the petition can be found on campus, with one final year UCD student who signed the petition calling the termination of the 145 “a big inconvenience.” When asked if the plan will impact their commute, the student continued, “I can’t afford to live in Dublin, so I have no choice other than to commute over two hours each way every day, which may be longer now.”
Another UCD student, Joana Adao, stated “The 145 is crucial for students like myself, who have mobility issues. It is the only direct bus to UCD from Heuston, and the proposed alternatives will only create more problems. I’m extremely disappointed by this decision and hope that the Students’ Union can advocate on our behalf for a more practical solution.”