Transdev: Securing Dublin’s sustainable transport future
Speaking with eolas Magazine, Eoghan Sweeney, Project Director of Transdev Dublin Light Rail Limited, explains how Transdev is shaping the future of urban mobility.
With two decades of experience operating Dublin’s Luas light rail system, Transdev has established itself as a leading player in Ireland’s public transport landscape. However, the company’s influence goes far beyond simply running a tram system: it is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and service excellence, with a global reputation for delivering world-class transport solutions.
As Ireland’s population continues to grow and cities become more congested amid shifting commuting patterns, Transdev’s expertise has positioned itself as a strategic partner for policymakers to meet these challenges.
According to Sweeney: “Public transport is not just about moving people; it is about shaping the ways in which cities function. We must provide transport solutions that are sustainable, efficient, and tailored to the communities we serve.”
This philosophy underpins Transdev’s approach, not just in Ireland but across the 19 countries in which it moves over 11 million passengers daily.
A global leader
Transdev is one of the world’s largest private mobility operators, delivering services across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australasia. The company manages and maintains a variety of transport systems, including:
• light rail and tram networks (such as Luas in Dublin, Sydney’s light rail system, and Rouen’s tram system);
• bus services (both urban and intercity);
• commuter rail networks; and
• autonomous and on-demand transport solutions.
In Ireland, Transdev is synonymous with Luas, Dublin’s tram system, which, today, is indisputably an integral part of the city’s infrastructure.
In this context, Sweeney emphasises the company’s dual focus on international expertise and local adaptation. “One of our biggest strengths is our ability to take global best practices and tailor them to the local environment,” he says, adding: “No two cities are the same, so our solutions must be designed with the needs of the Irish market in mind.”
This approach has enabled Transdev to build a strong reputation for reliability and service excellence in Ireland.
“Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it is embedded in everything we do.”
Eoghan Sweeney, Project Director, Transdev Dublin Light Rail Limited
Luas: A transformational success
The introduction of the Luas Green Line in June 2004 and the Red Line in September 2004 were landmark moments in Dublin’s transport history. For decades, the country’s capital city had struggled with congestion, limited public transport options, and over-reliance on private cars. The arrival of Luas provided a modern, efficient alternative, reshaping how people navigate the city.
Since its introduction 21 years ago, the system has expanded significantly, with the Green Line extension to Broombridge in 2017 marking one of the most important milestones.
Today, Luas spans 42 kilometres, with 67 stops connecting key areas of Dublin. The network carries over 54 million passengers annually, underscoring its role as a backbone of the city’s transport infrastructure.
Sweeney reflects on this journey: “When Luas first launched, there was some scepticism about whether Dubliners would embrace a tram system. But today, it is impossible to imagine the city without it. The level of ridership and public trust in Luas is a testament to its success, demonstrated by our consistently high customer satisfaction scores.”
The economic benefits of light rail investment are also clear. Studies show that property values near Luas stops have increased, businesses along the route have thrived, and commuters have enjoyed shorter, more predictable journeys.
With further Luas expansions under discussion, including an extension to Finglas, Transdev’s role in Dublin’s transport future is set to grow.
Technology for a smarter transport system
Equipped with global expertise in sustainable transport, Transdev is at the forefront of transport innovation, leveraging technology to enhance the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of its operations. “In Ireland, the company plays a major role in Ireland’s transition to a cleaner transport system.
To date, key technological advancements within Luas include:
• Real-time monitoring systems: Ensuring smoother operations and faster response times for disruptions.
• Predictive maintenance: Using conditional monitoring systems to identify potential challenges before they impact service.
• Smart ticketing and contactless payments: Making it easier and faster for passengers to board.
• Data-driven scheduling: Optimising tram frequency based on passenger demand and peak travel times.
“Technology plays a crucial role in modern transport. From the way we manage our infrastructure to how we interact with passengers, innovation is helping us deliver a safer, more reliable service,” Sweeney remarks.
Sustainability and green transport
With the Government having outlined legally binding targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, sustainable transport solutions will continue to play a key role in meeting the State’s decarbonisation targets. Sweeney states that Transdev is fully aligned with the Government’s Climate Action Plan targets, focusing on low-emission transport.
Luas is already one of the greenest modes of transport in Dublin, reducing congestion while simultaneously cutting carbon emissions compared to car travel. However, Transdev is aiming to enhance sustainability of Dublin’s light rail system by:
• exploring renewable energy generation sources for Luas operations;
• supporting TII to improve energy efficiency through better tram design and maintenance; and
• advocating for further public transport investment to reduce reliance on cars.
“Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it is embedded in everything we do,” Sweeney explains. “The transition to greener transport systems is essential for Dublin’s future, and we are proud to be leading the way.”
Safety and customer experience
On the reliability and safety of public transport, Sweeney says: “Public transport relies on trust. Therefore, passengers must feel safe, comfortable, and confident in the service.”
For Transdev, this means stringent safety measures and a sharp focus on customer experience. As such, Transdev has implemented:
• comprehensive staff training programmes to enhance safety awareness;
• passenger feedback systems to continually improve service quality; and
• enhanced security measures to ensure a safe commuting environment.
The Project Director emphasises that safety is not negotiable: “Safety is not just about compliance, it is also about culture. Every member of our team is trained to prioritise passenger wellbeing, and we constantly review our protocols to maintain the highest standards.”
Customer service is equally crucial to Transdev’s vision for public transport, with digital tools and real-time updates ensuring passengers have all the information they need for a seamless journey.
Transdev and Ireland’s transport future
As Ireland looks ahead to 2030 and beyond, public transport investment will be a cornerstone of national infrastructure planning. Comprising the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan, Project Ireland 2040 highlights the need for:
• further Luas expansions to accommodate growing demand;
• integration of bus and rail networks for a seamless transport experience; and
• adoption of new transport technologies, including autonomous and on-demand mobility solutions.
With population growth and urbanisation accelerating, Transdev will play a critical role in ensuring that Dublin has a public transport systems can meet future demand.
“The next decade is going to be crucial,” Sweeney says. “Cities are changing, and public transport must evolve with them. At Transdev, we are excited to be part of that transformation.”
With proven expertise, a commitment to sustainability, and a focus on technological innovation, Transdev is well positioned to help Ireland meet its transport challenges head on.
By embracing innovation, safety, and sustainability, Transdev ensures that Ireland’s public transport remains world-class while supporting economic growth, environmental goals, and urban connectivity.
“We do not just operate transport systems, we help build better cities,” Sweeney summarises, concluding: “With decarbonising targets underpinning the need for further evolution of Ireland’s public transport system, Transdev stands as a trusted, experienced partner, ready to drive the State’s public transport future forward.”
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Eoghan Sweeney Eoghan Sweeney is Project Director of Transdev Dublin Light Rail Limited, the Irish branch of global public transport operations company Transdev. Starting as an intern, he worked across engineering, project management, and operations, rising to Deputy Managing Director and more recently Project Director in his 15 years with the company. He has played a key role in the Luas Cross City extension and has led performance, contracts, and innovation initiatives. He holds a degree in transport operations and engineering from TU Dublin, a master’s in light rail energy reduction, and a professional diploma in strategy, development and innovation from UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. |
W: www.transdev.com
