Dublin Bus, Ireland’s largest public transport operator, has launched a new innovation funding challenge aimed squarely at improving Customer Experience across its network, as passenger demand, data volumes and service expectations continue to rise in the capital.

The Dublin Bus Innovation seed funding challenge invites employees, industry stakeholders and the public to submit ideas under four pillars: Data and Visualisation, Optimisation, Collaboration, and Smart Cities. Each successful proposal can secure up to €15,000 in funding, alongside access to expert support and delivery teams, positioning innovation as an operational tool rather than a conceptual exercise.

Customer Experience is central to the initiative. In 2025 alone, Dublin Bus carried 165 million passengers, generating vast datasets that the operator believes can be better analysed and applied to improve journey reliability, engagement and satisfaction.

With a fleet of 1,100 buses operating from nine depots, the organisation is seeking solutions that improve operational efficiency while delivering clearer, more responsive experiences for customers.

Launching the programme, Minister James Lawless TD highlighted its customer-first focus, saying: “Dublin Bus Innovation shows a strong commitment to putting customers first and embracing new ideas. By inviting collaboration from employees, stakeholders, and the public, this initiative has the potential to unlock practical solutions, enhance everyday journeys, and help build a smarter, more connected city for everyone.”

From a leadership perspective, the challenge reflects a shift towards co-creation as a Customer Experience strategy.

Dublin Bus CEO Billy Hann said: “Running a company like Dublin Bus in a growing city requires constant adaptation. Dublin Bus Innovation is about strengthening our ability to solve problems, work with others and apply new thinking at pace.”

Discover how Dublin Bus plans to turn innovation into everyday customer impact in the full article.

(Photo Credits to Maxwells)