My Morning Commute: Why Dublin Desperately Needs a Comprehensive Metro System

 ​10/10/2024 -  Ahmed Bader - Intern at Metro Dublin

Like many students, my morning commute to college relies heavily on
Dublin’s public transport. On this particular morning, I left my home
in Knocklyon at 8 am, hoping to make it in time for my 9 am lecture.
What should have been a straightforward journey turned into a hot,
sweaty ordeal that lasted 2 hours and 25 minutes—well beyond the usual
40 minutes it would take during off-peak hours or even the hour and 20
minutes typically expected in rush hour. By the time I arrived, I had
missed most of my lecture and was left feeling frustrated and
defeated.

Dublin Bus

Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated incident, and many Dublin
commuters will know the struggle of enduring overcrowded, delayed, and
unreliable bus services. The reality is that Dublin’s public transport
system is woefully inadequate for the needs of a growing city. While
the government's planned MetroLink project promises to deliver some relief, I can’t
help but feel that it’s not enough.

MetroLink, which will run from Swords to the city center and connect
to the airport, is undoubtedly a step forward—but Dublin needs more
than just a single line cutting through part of the city. What Dublin
truly needs is a fully integrated metro system that services all parts
of the city, not just a few select areas.

A more comprehensive metro system would have a profound impact on
reducing congestion, something that our current bus-heavy system fails
to achieve. The simple truth is that if you want to get people out of
their cars and onto public transport, you need to offer an efficient,
reliable, and fast alternative. Buses alone can’t do that, especially
when they’re stuck in the same traffic as everyone else.

Bus Congestion

Investing in a well-connected metro system would take pressure off the
roads, reduce the number of cars on the streets, and ultimately help
address the chronic congestion Dublin faces every day. It would also
make public transport a ​more attractive option for people, encouraging
a shift towards more sustainable commuting practices. Right now, for
many people, driving remains the more reliable choice, even though it
contributes to traffic jams and environmental pollution.

Dublin is one of the few capital cities in Europe without a metro
system, and it shows. As the city continues to grow, so too does the
demand for better public transport options. MetroLink is a start, but
it’s time to think bigger—Dublin needs a fully integrated metro
network such as the Metro Dublin Project 2032 to keep up with its population and reduce its reliance on cars.

Metro Dublin Project 2032 Map

By investing in a better public transport system, we can make Dublin a
city that is not only easier to navigate but also one that embraces
sustainability and reduces its environmental footprint. It’s time for
Dublin to catch up with other European capitals and give its residents
the transport system they deserve.