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Dublin Bus celebrates 100-year history of bus public transport

8 July 2025

  • Vintage bus parade on original Route 43
  • DUTC carried 542,000 customers in 1925, Dublin Bus can now cover this in a single day
  • Heritage fleet parade show development from 31-seater petrol buses to Double Deck fully electric buses.
  • Route 40 will celebrate its 100th birthday in September 2025

A heritage fleet of buses embarked on the original Route 43 on Sunday 6 July. A total of six buses departed Parnell Square in the capital city at 10.30. They travelled along O'Connell Street, onto the start of the original route at Eden Quay, before heading toward Killester, where the route terminated.

This celebratory parade marked the 100-year history of public bus transport in Dublin. Dublin Bus is a direct descendant of the Dublin United Tramways Company that started operating buses in 1925. The heyday of the tram was coming to a close at that time. The advent of the petrol engine caused a shift toward buses. On 6 July 1925, Route 43 from Eden Quay to Killester started with two buses.

The Summerhill Depot was opened in July 1925 and represented the first DUTC bus depot. However, the initial DUTC bus fleet was garaged in Marlborough St on the site of what is now the Earl Place building.

Routes have changed over time, with the longest serving being the 39, 40 and 41. The least changed route in this time is the 41 which makes its way from the city centre to Swords. On the 14 September this year, Route 40 will celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Billy Hann, Dublin Bus CEO said that “we’re delighted to celebrate this milestone with the National Transport Museum and all those who share a passion for Dublin’s transport story. What began with just two buses leaving Eden Quay in 1925 has grown into more than half a million journeys every day. While the city has changed in many ways, one thing that has never changed is our commitment to the people and communities we serve. Today, we celebrate this journey and proudly recognise the people, past and present, who have kept and continue to keep Dublin moving forward.”

Bob Laird of the National Transport Museum, speaking at the event, said that "this is a great celebration of 100 years of bus transport in Dublin. The city's transport heritage is an important part of its social history. We are honoured to show off R1, the first double decker in Dublin, dating from 1937. Along with all my colleagues in the museum, we are delighted with the role that our vintage buses can play in understanding and appreciating the rich history of transport in Ireland"

Dublin Bus is continuing to grow and evolve. They now operate a fleet of approximately 1,050 buses across nine depots. BusConnects represents a step change in how Dublin Bus moves people around Dublin. In 2024, they carried 159 million passengers. On a busy day they carry around 500,000 people.

Since 2023, Dublin Bus has been working with the NTA in what is the largest transformation in the company’s history. The roll-out of electric buses continues at a rapid rate, with more than 10% of the fleet being fully electric. Dublin Bus has electrified two of their depots, with a third due to be commissioned in the coming months. This development will continue apace as the company continues to replace Diesel buses with electric ones.