The National Transport Authority is to seek proposals for three high-speed bus routes in Dublin, which would cut journey times by up to 40%.
The Irish Times reports the routes are Swords and Dublin Airport to the City Centre, Blanchardstown to UCD and Clongriffen to Tallaght.
The airport line would run along a similar route to Metro North, but could be introduced at a fraction of the price.
Indicative costs come in at between €150m to €200m, compared with the €3bn which was estimated for the now shelved Metro project.
The Swiftway system would operate in a similar way to Luas, with special boarding areas where tickets can be bought.
The buses would have a number of doors to allow passengers swift access or departure.