The agency responsible for the Dublin Luas system expects the tram will be breaking even on a day-to-day basis before the last quarter of 2006, ahead of recent projections, according to a report issued yesterday.
The Department of Transport revealed in June it expected operating losses from Luas until 2007, but the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) says the department's agreed subsidy for 2006 will not now be required.
"By the final quarter of 2006, Luas will break even," said Tom Manning of the RPA yesterday.
Last year, the RPA announced that the break-even figure was 20 million passengers a year. There were fears that, due to a slow start to 2005 coupled with poor early results on the red line, this magic figure would not be reached on schedule.
But weekly patronage figures just released suggest it will be achieved by the middle of next year. Between March and June, passenger numbers have consistently been in excess of 400,000 per week.
Although official figures are not yet available, trends suggest the two months since have shown a steady increase.
The improved financial situation is "based on patronage and also on income through our kiosks and park-and-ride services", said Mr Manning.
Regarding the concentration of passengers throughout the week, Friday is the busiest day, with more than 70,000 passengers, followed by Thursday with around 65,000. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday have roughly the same at about 55,000. Sunday is the quietest with fewer than 40,000.
The RPA says its plans to extend the red line from Connolly Station to the Point are at "an advanced stage", while it is committed to a Metro system from St Stephen's Green to Dublin airport and Swords. It also wants to extend the green line beyond Sandyford to Cherrywood.
Integrated Smartcards for all modes of public transport in Dublin is proving difficult, however. Mr Manning admitted "2006 is ambitious" for this.
"We are working with the Department of Transport to try to get a revised roll-out date for this project," he said.