The number of journeys on subsidised public transport and commercial bus services has increased by almost 31 million since 2013.

That is according to figures released by the National Transport Authority.

In 2013 there were 210 million passengers, while in 2016 that number went up to 236 million.

The NTA says all operators have experienced an increase in that three-year period.

Dublin Bus journeys increased from 112 million to 125 million, Bus Éireann went from 29 million to 32 million and Iarnród Éireann increased to 43 million from 37 million.

File photo

Dublin's Luas journeys increased from 31 million to 34 million.

While LocalLink, the rural transport programme, increased passenger numbers from 1.74 million to 1.79 million between those years.

The NTA says although a drop off in demand for public transport was seen during the downturn, growth in total passenger journeys over the past three years has been strong.

It says total PSO passenger journeys grew by eight million in 2014, a further eight million in 2015 and grew by 10 million in 2016.

Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA, said: "The figures we are publishing today are an indication that there is a clear demand for an efficient and reliable public transport service.

"Particularly so when the public transport alternative is environmentally friendly and offers value for money."