City bus improvements come right on time!
Funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) through the Government’s July Stimulus, the changes include enhanced frequency to a number of current timetables on routes 202, 208, 214, 221, 225, 226 and 226a.
There is also an extension now in place on Route 220 Ballincollig/city centre/Carrigaline to Carrigaline Primary Care Centre.
A new Route 212 will provide a service from Kent Station to Mahon Point via the city centre and Monahan Road in both directions.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said that the enhancement, which is the biggest single investment by government in Bus Éireann services in more than 15 years, will mean that public transport will be a viable option for more people outside Dublin than ever before.
“By providing more choice and frequency, we will connect more communities and encourage the switch from cars, while also reducing traffic, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” said the Minister.
Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA added: “Each of these service enhancements have been carefully considered and created to meet either increased demand or to address gaps in existing services. Our public transport system must continue to evolve with the needs of passengers, and it is with that in mind that each of the service improvements have been designed.”
Driver training and route familiarisation commenced on these routes late last year and continued throughout the holiday season with full operation commencing last Sunday.
All timetables have been approved by the NTA and are available on buseireann.ie.
However, the full effects of these changes are on hold as Bus Éireann is operating at just 25 per cent capacity under new Level 5 restrictions until further notice.
The company stressed that travel should be limited within your own county, unless the travel is essential for work, education and other essential purposes.
Capacity will be limited to one in four seats on all services and passengers are advised that these seats should be reserved for essential workers, to observe capacity signage on board vehicles and continue the mandatory wearing of face coverings on all services.
Importantly, passengers are advised under no circumstance to use public transport if they are experiencing any Covid-19 related symptoms, nor should public transport be used to travel to or from a Covid-19 testing centre.
Allen Parker, Bus Éireann Chief Customer Officer thanked the public for its high compliance rate with all Covid-19 restrictions to date.
“We are aware that increased restrictions can be frustrating for our passengers and we would like to take this opportunity to ask for their continued understanding and respect for all our frontline employees, including our drivers and supervisors. We will continue to work tirelessly to deliver essential public transport services as we all work together to stop the spread of Covid-19.”