The introduction of the F1 bus service in October 2025 to replace the 49 has significantly impacted daily commuters in Tallaght, Firhouse, and Knocklyon. Not only have journey times to and from the city centre from Dublin South-West increased by around 30 minutes, but crucial connections to other areas such as the Firhouse Shopping Centre, Templeogue Village and Terenure Village have been lost. This change has left many public transport users frustrated and inconvenienced, as the longer journeys are now impacting commutes to work, school and personal commitments. 

The once straightforward commute is now a complex and prolonged ordeal. Changes made to the route previously taken by the 49 have meant that the F1 is now travelling along more congested roads with no priority bus lanes. It's clear that a solution is necessary for the sake of both practicality and sustainability.

We propose the introduction of a radial bus service that would more closely follow the route previously taken by the 49 to run alongside the F1 bus. This would restore access to the areas that have been cut off and address the longer journey times into the city centre from Tallaght, Firhouse and Knocklyon. 

The current situation is leading to increased car usage, as many residents opt for driving to avoid the prolonged bus journey, which further exacerbates traffic congestion and environmental issues. By implementing a radial bus service that follows the discontinued 49 route, we can encourage more people to use public transport, improving traffic flow for those who need to drive and reducing carbon emissions.

We urge the Minister for Transport, the NTA and any other relevant authorities to urgently implement this proposal for the betterment of public transport in Dublin South-West, an area which has long been underserved in this regard. By signing this petition, you support the creation of a more efficient, faster, and environmentally friendly transport system that meets the needs of all commuters in Tallaght, Firhouse, and Knocklyon. Your support can demonstrate the need for this vital improvement for our community's public transportation network. 

Please sign this petition to help improve our daily commutes and keep our local villages connected.