A total of 2.13 million journeys were recorded on the Dublin/Galway rail line in 2019, the highest figures ever recorded on the route. This represents a 4.1 per cent increase on 2018.
In addition, the Galway to Limerick route also showed continuing significant growth, and at 531,000 journeys exceeded half a million for the first time: up 16% from 2018. Growth on the corridor was particularly pronounced from Oranmore which saw passenger numbers surge by over 40%, and to/from Limerick and other stations on the new section – which next month marks its tenth anniversary since reopening – at over 16%.
More and more people are opting to take the train to avoid congestion, and economic improvements, greater numbers of people in employment, and increased tourist numbers visiting the Galway region have all contributed to the major increase in passenger numbers. Discounted online fares, and the Taxsaver scheme for Commuters is driving growth, and domestic and international tourism is set to increase demand further for Galway City of Culture 2020.
Nationally, Iarnrod Éireann recorded its highest ever number of passenger journeys in 2019, with 50.1 million passenger journeys made across Intercity, DART and Commuter services. This represents a 4.4% growth on the previous year.
Commenting on the figures, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, Jim Meade said recording the highest ever passenger journeys on both Galway routes is a high point for us as an organisation.
