The total number of rail and bus journeys in September was at its highest level since the beginning of the year, the new CSO transport bulletin shows.

The latest data shows that car traffic volumes are now at 90% of September 2019 levels in the Dublin area and 91% of September 2019 levels in regional locations.

Heavy goods vehicles (HGV) traffic volumes are 0.2% higher in Dublin and 0.8% higher in regional sites compared with the same week in 2020. 

Figures for new cars licensed rose above 2020 and 2019 levels with 6,354 new cars licensed in September 2021 compared with 5,747 in 2020 and 4,104 in 2019, the figures show.

This bulletin is compiled using data collected by Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Road Safety Authority, the National Transport Authority, Dublin City Council, the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and the Department of Transport.

Gap declining

The CSO’s Nele van der Wielen said: “Today’s figures from the CSO show that car traffic volumes have not returned to pre-COVID-19 levels but the gap between 2021 and 2019 figures is gradually declining.

“Latest available data for the week beginning 27 September (week 39) show that the volumes of private cars in regional locations are 13% higher than in the same week of 2020, however, car traffic volumes are still 10% lower than the same week in 2019.

“Public transport services returned to full capacity from the beginning of September. This is reflected in increasing rail and bus journeys which are at their highest level since the beginning of 2021. The total number of rail and bus journeys is now 70% of those taken in early March 2020 (pre COVID-19).”