Senior Network Planner LUAS

Background

TII is a statutory public agency responsible for managing and improving the country’s road, cycling, light rail network and future MetroLink Metro service. The annual expenditure of the organisation is currently in the order of €1.0 to 1.5 billion. TII is based in Dublin, with some regional and local project offices. The agency is responsible for managing significant road and light rail networks and assets on behalf of the state and these networks are used by millions of customers every year. TII works closely with the Department of Transport, the Transport Authority, Local Authorities and various safety bodies (including the Commission for Rail Regulation) to fulfil its remit.

The Luas light rail network, operating under the brand name ‘Luas’, is a vital component of Dublin’s transport system and carries significant passenger numbers (c. 55 million passenger journeys in 2025). It requires ongoing asset management to maintain high standards of service, safety, and reliability. The current network spans approximately 43km with 67 stops and TII is currently working on extending the network a further c.30 km (with an additional c.32 stops) as part of the Government’s NDP to connect the network to Finglas, Lucan, Poolbeg and Bray.

In addition to the plans to extend the network significantly during the next decade or so, which will increase services and passenger volumes and place additional pressure on the performance and resilience of the network, many of the assets are now 20+ year, which brings increased challenges in terms of obsolescence and planning for a larger scale asset renewal programme.

The Senior Network Planner is responsible for leading complex planning activities to support the efficient delivery of Luas Passenger Services on the existing light rail network. The role will also support the development and implementation of projects designed to enhance the resilience of the current network, improve passenger services as well as supporting the integration of new Luas lines to be delivered as part of the Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2040.

The role will include:

• Service Optimisation Planning: Establish and lead planning workstreams to optimise Luas services and customer experience through monitoring, analysing and modelling potential improvements to timetables, services patterns, travel times, capacity utilisations, vehicle availability whilst minimising resourcing where possible.

• Network Enhancement and Resilience Planning: Identify and manage various workstreams to assess operational effectiveness of the current light rail network and make recommendations on how performance can be optimised / strengthened with various operational and infrastructural enhancements.

Network Expansion Planning: Provide support to the TII’s Public Transport Capital Programmes department in the delivery of new Luas lines and extensions, envisioned under the NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy 2022-2040, providing core data and analysis to inform decision making in the areas of journey time analysis, passenger projections, timetable development and other relevant operational data and statistics available to the Commercial Operations department.

Key Stakeholder Engagement and collaboration:

The Senior Network Planner will be required to work closely with TII’s Operations Manager and the Keolis/Amey operations team to develop, advance and implement Luas service/timetable performance improvement measures and interventions which improve the overall performance and resilience of the network.

- The Senior Network Planner will be required to work closely with the other senior managers within the Light Rail Network Management team as well as with TII’s Safety section and the Commission for Rail Regulation (CRR) on safety related matters. The Senior Network Planner will also be required to collaborate with and support colleagues working on light rail asset investment programmes and on new schemes / extensions in Dublin.

• Strategy Development: As a senior role in the Light Rail Network section, the role holder will be required to contribute to the development of broader light rail strategies and plans, positively promote the values and culture of TII, contribute to the delivery of TII’s sustainability and climate action programmes and plans and represent TII at various international forums.

Other responsibilities include:

• Data Analysis &Modelling: Managing the collection and interpretation of data to identify

patronage demand trends and utilizing software modelling tools to assess future scenarios and forecast future needs.

• Assess available technologies and systems: forreal time patronage counting and future

forecasting and prepare a procurement and implementation strategy to deliver an effective passenger counting and forecasting system for the Light Rail Network.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Building productive relationships with government departments,

the Transport Authority, local authorities, and transport operators.

• Incident and Disruption Management: Assist with development of emergency plans, including service adjustments in response to unexpected network disruptions.

• Integration with Other Modes: Coordinate schedules andtransfer points toensure smooth

connections with other public transport modes (bus, train).

• Consultancy Management: Procure and direct the work of technical advisors, including

transport planners, engineers, and transport modellers.

• Strategic Network Planning: Support longer term / strategic planning activities for the Light Rail Network in Dublin including engaging with various stakeholders, the Department of Transport, the Transport Authority and Local Authorities.

• Business Case Development : Support the preparation and development of appraisals and business cases inline with appropriate guidelines and procedures.

• Network Depot Strategy and Enhancement: Develop proposals for increased resilience and performance at existing Luas depots. Contribute towards the development of an overall depot strategy for the expansion of the Light Rail Network as envisioned in the GDA strategy.

• Network Optimisation: Contribute to the development of line optimisation studies to ensure the continued efficient servicing of patronage demand. Assist in assessing the passenger demand forecasting and timetabling for new Light Rail lines envisioned in the GDA strategy.

• Feasibility studies: Leading engineering, environmental, and economic assessments for infrastructure projects.

• Ridership modelling: Utilizing demographic data to forecast future transit trip demands.

• Performance tracking: Analysing the performance of the TII’s operations and maintenance provider in the performance of their contract including but not limited to operations performance metrics such as: on-time performance, dwell times and lost kilometre performance.

• Monthly Management Meetings: Attend and contribute to regular performance meetings with TII operations and Maintenance Contractor and with Key stakeholders.

Education & Experience

• Degree or 3rd level professional qualification (NFQ Level 8 or equivalent) in Transport Planning or related fields such as: Transport Management, Spatial or Urban Planning, Transport Engineering, Transport Management, Engineering, Science, Mathematics or other relevant discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification or certification in transport planning or a related field would be an advantage
• At least ten years’ experience in a responsible position in the management of passenger transport systems, transport operations, transport planning or related field.
• Experience within public transport operations environment would be an advantage, however candidates with demonstrated experience in designing, optimizing, or managing complex, interconnected networks or resource systems, with the ability to apply transferable planning principles to a light rail environment will be considered.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to summarise and present findings of complex issues in a succinct and relatable manner.
• Experience in Capacity Modelling, Conflict Detection, Statistical Analysis and Scenario Planning.
• Strong Technical skills in the following areas would be an advantage: Scheduling Software: GIS Mapping and BI Platforms:
• Experience in operations and timetable development would be an advantage
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workstreams concurrently, effectively prioritising tasks to ensure focus on critical activities.
• Strong experience of cultivating and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders and contractors.
• Good people management skills and proven team player who is willing to work as part of a wider team.
• Good experience of working with colleagues in other disciplines and departments in identifying and implementing solutions to problems.
• Knowledge and experience of management of operations, including the application of risk management and project governance.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to a variety of audiences.
• A strong commitment to public safety, to the safety of our own staff, and to the safety of those working on our behalf.

To apply for, or to locate further information on, these posts please visit our website: https://www.tii.ie/careers/

The closing date for applications is Thursday 30th July at 12pm.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland is committed to a policy of equal opportunity.