PHOTOGRAPHED BY WILLIAM MURPHY

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I was due to meet up with several friends at Eatokyo on Capel Street. However as I was invited to a “postponed” family Christmas dinner the meet-up has been rescheduled for Friday the 3rd. So today I travelled to Dalkey but as there was no Train Service to Dalkey today I got the 46A Bus (a service that was to be discontinued a few weeks ago) to Dun Laoghaire with the intention of walking to Dalkey and photographing my journey but the fog which was getting worse every minute made this idea impractical so I only photographed the area near the railway station in Dun Laoghaire before I got a taxi to Dalkey.

The postponed Christmas Dinner was excellent – maybe we should do the same next year.

As an Irish person, I am accustomed to “St Stephen’s Day, but many, likely those primarily from England, frequently comment on my as usage of the term, as “Boxing Day” is entirely standard for them. Until now I have not given much thought to the term “Boxing Day” so I decided to investigate:

St Stephen’s Day vs. Boxing Day:

St Stephen’s Day: This is the religiously-rooted name, commemorating St Stephen, the first Christian martyr. It is widely used in Ireland, many European countries (often under a translated name e.g. Stephanitag in Austria, Svátek svatého Štěpána in the Czech Republic) and in some Commonwealth countries.

Boxing Day: This term is predominantly used in the United Kingdom (including, to varying extents, Scotland and Wales), Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Its origins are debated, but common theories include:
Alms Boxes: Churches would open their alms boxes (for the poor) on this day.
Servant’s Gifts: Wealthier families would give gifts, or “Christmas boxes,” to their servants and tradespeople on this day, as it was often the day after Christmas servants would have time off to visit their family.

Regional Usage:

Ireland: Overwhelmingly uses “St Stephen’s Day.” “Boxing Day” is rarely, if ever, used and would likely be considered an exclusively British term.
England: Predominantly uses “Boxing Day.”
Scotland: “Boxing Day” is widely used. The extent to which some identify it as being an English term is unclear.
Wales: Primarily uses “Boxing Day.”
Northern Ireland: The usage is likely more mixed due to the region’s complex history and cultural ties to both Ireland and Britain. Some may use “St Stephen’s Day” (more likely amongst those identifying as Irish or Catholic), while others will use “Boxing Day” (more likely amongst those identifying as British or Protestant).

Dublin’s 46A Bus Route: A History and a Future in Flux

The 46A bus route in Dublin, a service steeped in history and cherished by locals, was recently slated for replacement as part of the BusConnects scheme. While the planned changes promised increased efficiency, their implementation has been delayed, leaving the future of the 46A uncertain. This section of my blog post delves into the history of this iconic route, explores the proposed changes, analyses the reasons behind the delay, and examines public reaction to the developments.

A Dublin Icon: The History of the 46A

The 46A bus route first graced the streets of Dublin in 1926, courtesy of the Dublin United Tramways Company. For nearly a century, it has faithfully connected Dun Laoghaire and the Phoenix Park, traversing the North Circular Road (NCR) in its more recent iterations. This route has become deeply ingrained in the city’s fabric, even earning a place in popular culture through its mention in Bagatelle’s song “Summer in Dublin.” Notably, the 46A was one of the original routes to utilise the then-new 74-seater buses, further solidifying its place in Dublin’s transport history.  

Over the years, the 46A has gained a reputation for its efficiency and reliability, running as frequently as every eight minutes. This dependability has endeared it to commuters who have come to rely on its consistent service. The route’s longevity and consistent service have made it a symbol of Dublin’s public transportation system.

The BusConnects Scheme and the Planned Changes

The BusConnects scheme, a comprehensive redesign of Dublin’s bus network, aims to create a more efficient and user-friendly system. Under this scheme, the 46A was to be replaced by a new set of routes, primarily the E2, a 24-hour service running from IKEA in Ballymun to Dun Laoghaire via the city centre. The number 11 bus, which currently serves Sandyford, will be diverted to cover the NCR and Phoenix Park, ensuring continued service to this area.

The planned changes also include the following:

Route 4: Diverted from Monkstown at O’Connell Bridge to Heuston Station.  

New Routes: Introduction of several new routes, including:
E1: Northwood – DCU – City Centre – Bray – Ballywaltrim  
L1: Newtownmountkennedy – Greystones Station – Bray Station  
L2: Newcastle – Greystones Station – Bray Station  
L3: North Delgany – Greystones Station – Glenbrook Park  
L12: Ballywaltrim – Herbert Road – Bray Station  
L14: Southern Cross Road – Bray Station – Palermo  
L15: Enniskerry Golf Club – Bray Station  
L26 & L27: These routes will replace the 46A in South Dublin, running from Kilternan and Leopardstown Valley, respectively, to Cornelscourt and then to Blackrock Station (L26) or Dún Laoghaire (L27). This change is crucial for understanding the impact of the 46A’s removal on different parts of the city.  
X1 & X2: These express routes will also replace the 46A, providing faster connections between Kilcoole, Greystones, and the city center (X1), and Newcastle, Kilcoole, Greystones, Brides Glen, and the city center (X2).

This information is important for understanding the alternative options available to commuters after the 46A is discontinued.

These new services will replace the following existing routes: 46a, 46e, 63, 63a, 84, 84a, 84x, 143, 144, 145, 155, 184, and 185. These changes, initially scheduled for December 8th, 2024, were intended to streamline services and improve connectivity across the city.

Efficiency Gains: The Rationale Behind the Changes

The new routes under BusConnects are touted as more efficient due to several key factors:

Increased Frequency: The new ‘spine’ routes, like the E2, are designed to operate at higher frequencies, reducing waiting times for passengers.  
Simplified Network: The network redesign aims to simplify routes, making them easier for both locals and tourists to understand.  
Orbital Routes: The introduction of orbital routes, such as the N2, allows passengers to travel between suburbs without having to go through the city centre, reducing journey times and congestion.  
Improved Connectivity: The new network aims to improve connectivity to key destinations like schools, hospitals, and employment centres.  
Enhanced Services: The BusConnects scheme includes increased peak hour capacity, more evening and weekend services, and 24-hour operations on some routes.  
Modernised Buses: The revamped routes will feature modernised buses equipped with better amenities for passengers, including improved seating, accessibility for wheelchairs and strollers, and enhanced safety features.  
These improvements are expected to enhance the overall efficiency and convenience of Dublin’s bus network.

Delay and Uncertainty: Why the Changes Were Postponed

The implementation of the new routes, including the replacement of the 46A, has been postponed to January 2025. The original launch date was December 8th, 2024. The National Transport Authority (NTA) cited several reasons for this delay:  

Minimising Disruption During Christmas: The NTA acknowledged that the changes would cause short-term disruption for some passengers, and they deemed it undesirable to implement them in the busy pre-Christmas period.  
Resource Allocation for Christmas Services: Delaying Phase 6a of BusConnects allows the NTA to allocate resources to provide additional bus services, including night services, during the Christmas period.  
Public Consultation and Feedback: The NTA has been engaging in public consultation to address concerns and gather feedback on the proposed changes. The feedback received during the public consultation likely played a role in the decision to postpone the changes.  
Benefits for UCD Students: The delay also benefits students at University College Dublin (UCD) by ensuring continued direct access between Heuston Station and UCD throughout the exam season.  
This delay presents an opportunity for the NTA to further refine the BusConnects plan and address public concerns more effectively. By taking the time to analyse the feedback received and make necessary adjustments, the NTA can ensure a smoother transition and increase public acceptance of the new network. While the delay provides a temporary reprieve for the 46A, it also introduces uncertainty about the future of the route.

Public Reaction: A Mix of Opinions

The planned changes to the 46A and the subsequent delay have elicited a mixed response from the public. Some commuters have expressed concerns about the removal of a familiar and reliable service, while others welcome the potential improvements in efficiency and connectivity.  

One student, Lucy, highlighted the negative impact of the changes on her commute to UCD and her workplace in Dundrum Town Centre. While acknowledging the increased frequency of some services and the new connectivity to Sandyford, she lamented the loss of popular routes like the 46A. However, other commuters see the changes as a positive step, with more frequent buses and new connections to areas previously not served directly.  

On the other hand, some commuters have expressed support for the BusConnects scheme, recognising the need for a more modern and efficient bus network. They believe that the long-term benefits of the redesign will outweigh any short-term inconvenience.      

Conclusion: Navigating Change in Dublin’s Bus Network
The 46A bus route holds a significant place in Dublin’s history, providing reliable service for almost a century. Its proposed replacement under the BusConnects scheme aims to create a more efficient and modern bus network for the city. While the new routes offer potential benefits such as increased frequency, simplified routes, and improved connectivity, the changes also bring concerns about the loss of familiar services and potential disruptions to existing commutes.

The delay in implementing the new routes provides a valuable opportunity for the NTA to address public concerns, refine the BusConnects plan, and ensure a smoother transition for commuters. The diverse public reactions highlight the need for careful consideration and effective communication throughout this process.

Ultimately, the future of the 46A remains uncertain. Whether it will be fully integrated into the new network or eventually phased out, the coming months will be crucial in shaping the future of public transportation in Dublin and determining the fate of this iconic route.

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