Why public transport investments are worth the wait
Whether it’s MetroLink, DART+, BusConnects or the Luas expansion, Ireland is positioning itself to meet the future head-on. That’s why I’m delighted to be heading to Dublin for the Transport Ireland 2025 conference to talk about a topic that’s close to my heart: the long-term benefits of public transit investments.
Transport is a long game — and a worthwhile one
While large capital programs can seem daunting — both in scale and cost — the real story is told in the years and decades that follow. That’s when the returns start rolling in.
It’s proven time and again: investment in public transport isn’t just about transport. It’s about economic growth, alleviating congestion, promoting environmental sustainability, and building stronger communities.
I am based in San Francisco, where I have dedicated my career to advancing public transit systems. According to the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), every $1 invested in public transit yields $5 in economic returns. Public transit in the U.S. alone supports a $79 billion industry and over 430,000 jobs — with 77 percent of federal funding flowing to the private sector, supporting more than 2,000 suppliers across 48 states.
Real returns from real systems
Take Portland, Oregon, for example. TriMet’s MAX light rail lines have helped drive over $45 billion in development near its stations. Across the Dallas Rapid Area Transit (DART) service area, The University of North Texas has tracked a cumulative economic impact of $17.1 billion since 1999 — a staggering boost to the Dallas-Fort Worth region. Transit-orientated development has flourished: in just a two-year span, 31 projects were completed within a quarter mile of DART stations with a total property value of $980 million.
These numbers are compelling. But what’s even more important is what they represent: vibrant downtowns, job creation, housing development, better air quality, and more inclusive urban growth.
The Irish context
Ireland is on the cusp of a similar transformation. The Luas Benefits Report — which AECOM is proud to have supported — tells a powerful story of how light rail has changed Dublin over the last two decades.
The Luas, which operates with zero emissions at street level, has become more than a mode of transport; it’s now a symbol of Dublin, delivering clear and measurable benefits. Along its corridors, over 10,000 new jobs have been created in the technology and services sectors, while an estimated 12,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions were avoided in 2022 through modal shift. Importantly, the Luas has enabled some of Dublin’s largest housing and regeneration projects, connecting areas such as Tallaght and Sandyford to the city center, facilitating the delivery of much-needed new homes.
Looking ahead, projects like MetroLink have the potential to deliver even greater benefits — not just by moving people more efficiently, but by creating a ripple effect across communities, businesses, and industries. The vision for transport in Ireland is bold, and with the right support, it can be a catalyst for a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future.
Acknowledging the pain points
Of course, we also need to be honest: these benefits don’t appear overnight. Large-scale infrastructure takes time — and construction can be disruptive. We’ve seen it in every city. Streets are torn up, traffic is rerouted, businesses are affected. It’s frustrating. But what I’ve learned from decades of working in this space is that the short-term pain is vastly outweighed by the long-term gain. When we push through, what emerges on the other side is well worth the wait.
Let’s talk
If this topic resonates, I invite you to come and hear my presentation on the socioeconomic significance of transport infrastructure at Transport Ireland 2025. I’ll be sharing more insights, examples from around the world, and my thoughts on how we can all help make the most of these once-in-a-generation investments.
Ireland has the chance to lead by example in showing what’s possible when you invest in transport not as a cost, but as a catalyst. I look forward to being part of that journey with you.
AECOM is proud to be sponsoring Transport Ireland 2025, which is taking place at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin on Friday June 6th. Diane’s presentation on the socioeconomic significance of transport infrastructure will take place in the first session between 9-11am, alongside:
- Peter Walsh, Chief Executive Officer at Transport Infrastructure Ireland
- Jack Chambers TD, Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Reform and Digitalisation
- Séan Sweeney, MetroLink Programme Director, Transport Infrastructure Ireland.
The session will be chaired by Derval Cummins, Director, Transportation from AECOM.