Extra Morning Service Introduced On 133 Bus Route Between Wicklow And Dublin

The National Transport Authority and Bus Éireann have introduced an additional morning bus on the 133 route, starting on the 7th of October.

The move follows ongoing capacity issues with the service, which had resulted in commuters repeatedly being left stranded at bus stops each morning.

The decision has been welcomed by local politicians. 

Taoiseach Simon Harris thanked Bus Éireann and the National Transport Authority for listening to the concerns of local residents along the route.

He said: “This extra bus will help cater for the high demands of this service. After speaking with local commuters, I understood that, with the return of school and colleges in September, the demand for the route 133 had increased significantly, and action needed to be taken to ensure that this service could continue to accommodate commuters along this route.”

Deputy Jennifer Whitmore said she was contacted by residents of Newtownmountkennedy voicing their frustration with the service.

“They have been repeatedly been left standing at their bus stops each morning because the 133 bus is full when it reaches them. People have been unable to get to work, college or school and I have been working with the NTA to have this capacity issue resolved as a matter of urgency.

Deputy Steven Matthews has frequently flagged the capacity issues experienced on this route during extensive engagements with the National Transport Authority and Bus Éireann.

“Of all public transport routes in Wicklow, the 133 is by far the one that I receive the most emails raising issues with capacity, punctuality and reliability on a weekly basis. I have been working with the NTA and Bus Éireann over the last few months and the confirmation from their regional manager that an additional bus will be on the route for rush hour morning commuters is hugely welcome.

Deputy John Brady commented: “For too long, people in areas such as Newtownmountkennedy, Kilpedder, and Kilmacanogue have been left stranded at bus stops as full buses pass them by, particularly during peak morning hours. I have repeatedly raised this issue with the NTA and Bus Éireann, highlighting the urgent need for additional capacity on the 133."