A report by Dublin Bus reveals that commuters can expect longer journey times and more congestion because of changing demographics in the capital.
New statistics show a 6% rise in population served by Dublin Bus between 1996 and 2002.
In south Dublin, which includes areas like Lucan and Clondalkin, the figure has jumped by 17%.
The details were revealed at today's opening by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, of the first new bus depot in 30 years. The depot is sited at Harristown near Ballymun.
The Dublin Bus report predicts longer journey times for many commuters as Dublin's population increasingly spreads into neighbouring counties.
