End of an Era for the Iconic 46A Bus Service, Transitioning to 24-Hour E-Spine Routes
Dublin: After over a century of service, Dublin’s historic 46A bus route has ceased operations as part of a transformation under the BusConnects programme. The 46A, immortalised in Bagatelle’s iconic song Summer in Dublin, officially ended its current service on Saturday, marking the close of a chapter in Dublin’s rich transport history.
The route, which began in 1926, was the busiest service connecting Dublin and Dún Laoghaire. It holds a unique place in the city’s collective memory, often symbolising Dublin’s vibrant urban life. Bagatelle bassist Ken Doyle, reflecting on the significance of the 46A, noted that the band’s 1980 hit was inspired by the journey along this route. Doyle expressed sadness over the end of the service, echoing the sentiments of many Dubliners who share fond memories of the 46A.
A New Era: 24-Hour E-Spine Service
The cessation of the 46A is part of Phase 6 of the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) BusConnects project, which aims to modernise Dublin’s public transport network. While the original 46A is being retired, the service will continue in a new form as part of the E-Spine network, offering 24-hour routes designed to enhance connectivity and support night-time travel.
According to Transport for Ireland, the E1 and E2 routes will operate 24-hour services from North Dublin through the city centre to Dún Laoghaire and Bray/Ballywaltrim. These routes will provide increased frequency, more evening and weekend services, and greater accessibility for commuters.
Enhanced Connectivity
The new E-Spine routes will also improve access to major destinations, including universities like UCD, Trinity College, and DCU, and hospitals such as The Mater, The Rotunda, Temple Street, and St. Columcille’s. Blake Boland, a spokesperson for Dublin Bus, emphasised that these changes are part of the effort to create a more connected city with higher-frequency routes and reliable 24-hour services.
Reflecting on a Legacy
John Joe Thorpe, a volunteer at the National Transport Museum, shared his nostalgia for the 46A, recalling its constant presence on O’Connell Street since 1926. For many Dubliners, the route is inseparable from the city’s identity and history.
The final journey of the 46A ended at Donnybrook Bus Depot, but its legacy will live on in the hearts of Dubliners and through its continuation in the newly upgraded BusConnects network. While the transition marks the end of an era, it also ushers in a new phase of modern, efficient public transport for the city.
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