Tram service returns to Dublin today after an absence of 55 years. At midday the Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, and guests assemble at the Sandyford Luas depot for speeches, music and refreshments to mark the opening of the nine km Luas line B linking the south Dublin suburbs with the city shopping area at St Stephen's Green.
From 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, the public can ride free on the 14 trams, which run at 10-minute intervals. Travel will continue to be free until Sunday.
From tomorrow the first tram in each direction runs at 5.30 a.m. with last trams leaving termini at 12.30 a.m. except for Sunday when 11.30 pm is the last departure. This is an interim introductory timetable. From Monday fares charged depend on how far you travel. The Sandyford line is divided into three zones; the Tallaght line, which will open in the autumn, into four.
Adult single tickets from Stillorgan to St Stephen's Green - across three zones - cost €2, return €3.80. An all-zone one-day Luas and bus ticket costs €6. A weekly all-zone ticket is €14. The onus is on the passenger to buy a ticket before travel.
To leave your car all day at the "park and ride" facilities costs €4, or €2 for a half-day. Parking is provided at Sandyford, Stillorgan and Balally stops on the line which opens today, and at Red Cow and Tallaght.
Ticket vending machines take coins, notes, Laser and credit cards and give change. There are at least two at each stop.