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Minister Alan Kelly (right) with the 30 millionth Luas passenger this year, Rachel Williams. Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

Another record year for Luas as passenger numbers continue to rise

30 million passengers used the service in 2013, up 500,000 from the year previous.

THIS YEAR SAW a record 30 million passengers take a trip on the Luas tram service, according to new figures from the Railway Procurement Agency.

This marks the fourth consecutive year of rising passengers numbers following a fall in over 2008 and 2009, and an increase of roughly 500,000 on last year.

The continued success of the light rail service was praised by Transport Ministers today, with Minister Alan Kelly predicting a continued rise in future as a result of line extensions on the Northside.

They awarded the 30 millionth passenger with an annual Luas ticket this morning at Heuston Station.

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Click here to see a larger version of this image. (Image Credit: RPA)

Earlier this year, preparations began the construction of Luas Cross City, which will link the Green and Red lines.

The project will see a major overhaul of traffic systems around St Stephen’s Green  to facility utility work, and some of the cities most iconic statues are to be removed for the duration of the works.

Last week, Minister Kelly came under fire following remarks that the declining popularity of the Dublin Bus service was due to middle-class snobbery.

Fianna Fáil’s Timmy Dooley called on him to retract the “deeply insensitive” comment.

Read: Man injects himself in the groin on the Luas >

More: Meet the lifesaving Luas driver who went back on duty after a dramatic rescue >

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