In the Pulitzer Prize-winning drama A Streetcar Named Desire, Tennessee Williams introduces the infamous character of Blanche DuBois, a former Southern belle who, after a series of personal losses, is forced to move into a rundown apartment on the outskirts of New Orleans in search of a fresh start.
While Williams’ story is set in a dilapidated New Orleans, we — over 120,000 university students across Dublin — might find some parallels with Blanche. Many of us have left our hometowns in search of new opportunities and brighter futures, and Dublin, with its vibrant cultural scene and renowned universities, has become a beacon of hope for many. However, unlike Blanche, we face a different set of challenges. The rising cost of living and a well-documented housing shortage in Dublin have left many of us increasingly dependent on the city’s public transportation system. Unfortunately, this system has become unreliable and is now directly affecting our lives.
The inconsistency and unpredictability of bus schedules, along with overcrowded DART and LUAS services, have become persistent issues for students and other passengers who rely on the Transport for Ireland (TFI) system. While no public transportation system is perfect, Dublin’s over-reliance on buses for connectivity is proving to be inadequate. To address this issue, politicians and citizens must acknowledge that buses alone can no longer solve the city’s connectivity problems. According to the Department of Transport, the economic cost of congestion in the greater Dublin area is projected to soar from an estimated €363 million to €1.5 billion by 2040. This increase will likely be passed on to consumers, meaning higher transport costs for years to come.
Another significant issue for students is the financial strain caused by the unreliable transportation system. Rising rents have forced students to live farther from campus, and with public transport being unpredictable, the cost of frequent trips quickly adds up. Alarmingly, Greenpeace recently ranked Dublin as having the worst public transport system in Europe, citing concerns like affordability and the complicated process of purchasing tickets.
To illustrate the frustration many students experience with Dublin’s flawed transportation system, consider the following scenarios: First, the quality of life for students could significantly decline as long commutes, often lasting over an hour, take away precious time from studying, working, or simply resting. For those living farther from campus due to rising rents, this daily struggle leaves them exhausted, reducing the time and energy they can devote to academic and personal pursuits. Second, the unreliability of the public transport network leads to missed classes, appointments, or work shifts, adding to the anxiety and stress that students already face. Imagine relying on a bus that doesn’t show up on time, or a DART service too crowded to board, making it impossible to arrive on time. Finally, the financial burden of needing to use alternative transport methods—such as taxis or ride-sharing services—when buses or trains fail to operate reliably adds up, pushing students deeper into financial strain. These scenarios highlight just how critical reliable, efficient transportation is for maintaining the quality of student life in Dublin.
So, what can Trinity College do to prevent a fate as tragic as Blanche DuBois’ in A Streetcar Named Desire (spoiler alert)? As students of a prestigious institution like Trinity, we should encourage our representatives to advocate for the development of improved public transport policies. These policies should focus on better communication and collaboration between Dublin City Council and national transport authorities. Only through this collective effort can we hope to see meaningful changes in Dublin’s public transportation system.
Furthermore, students could urge Trinity College to take an active role in lobbying for transportation improvements. By leveraging its respected position in the Dublin community, Trinity could push for reform, ensuring that the concerns of students are heard at both city and national levels. Trinity’s leadership could advocate in conjunction with the Student Union for a more efficient and affordable public transport system, ultimately reducing the economic and logistical burdens students face. Through a coordinated effort, Trinity could be a powerful advocate for change, pressing the Dublin City Council and transport authorities to prioritise the needs of students and other commuters who depend on public transport daily.
