Consultation opens on proposed new bus corridors

The first round of public consultation regarding proposals to deliver 12 new sustainable transport corridors (STCs) got underway recently.

These STCs, which are part of the BusConnects Cork project, are fundamental to realising the ambition of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS), the National Transport Authority (NTA) said as it revealed details of the STCs.

The plans include approximately 93km of bus lane/bus priority and 112km of cycle facilities across the city.

The proposed STCs aim to increase the number of people using public transport in Cork four-fold by 2040 and expand the numbers cycling and walking by 33%.

BusConnects Cork will also be essential, the NTA said, to achieve Cork’s objective to become one of Europe’s 1st climate neutral cities by 2030, under the EU’s Cities Mission programme, which has selected Cork as one of 100 cities who will lead the way on climate action and smart cities across Europe.

These corridors will seek to transform the public transport network into a more efficient, sustainable model to help meet anticipated growth and future demand in the region. Investing in a sustainable future for Cork is vital for supporting the city’s growth over the coming two decades while accelerating the journey to a net-zero future.

STCs will benefit the Cork metropolitan aea in the following ways:

• Improve the public transport network

• Make the bus system operate more efficiently by reducing bus journey times and increasing punctuality and reliability

• Encourage more people to walk and cycle by enhancing infrastructure

• Create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians

• Create a more sustainable and liveable city.

Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said: “As one of Europe’s fastest growing cities, Cork has a unique opportunity to become a leader in sustainable transport. BusConnects Cork is key to making public transport and active travel a viable option for people and communities across the city.

“These new sustainable transport corridors will make travel by bus, as well as walking and cycling, more attractive to many more individuals and families.”

Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer of the NTA said: “A clean, modern and reliable public transport system can help unlock Cork’s potential as a connected and competitive European city. That’s why the NTA has unveiled this investment of half a billion euro in sustainable transport corridors under BusConnects Cork, which we believe can be truly transformative.”

Ann Doherty, Chief Executive Officer of Cork City Council said: “These corridors will greatly benefit the region in a number of ways by reducing bus journey times, creating a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians and increase numbers walking and cycling. “This will help to create a more sustainable and liveable city to attract greater investment in the region and secure Cork’s economic and future growth for decades to come.”

The 12 STCs, brochures, route maps and further information can be viewed at busconnects.ie/cork.

The 12 proposed corridors

• Dunkettle to City

• Mayfield to City

• Blackpool to City

• Hollyhill to City

• Ballincollig to City

• Bishopstown to City

• Togher to City

• Airport Road to City

• Maryborough Hill to City

• Mahon to City

• Kinsale Road to Douglas

• Sunday’s Well to Hollyhill