Changes to bus services planned
Concerns have been expressed following the news that Bus Éireann plan to introduce temporary revised timetables for a number of Cork city services citing recruitment issues.
Details of the new schedules will be known on Monday and come into effect from 20 October for the 202/202a, 205, 208 and 220 routes.
A statement from Bus Éireann said: “The changes on these high frequency routes are being implemented to improve punctuality for passengers as well as improving service delivery. The amendments on these routes will also lead to greater reliability across the entire network.
“Following consultation with trade unions, these changes will come into effect from 20 October with regular reviews planned. As driver recruitment increases to achieve our full requirement, service frequency will return to current levels on the aforementioned routes as quickly as possible.”
The statement also said: “With just 2% of our service kilometres delivered through bus lanes in Cork city, significantly more measures are needed and the company looks forward to the full implementation of BusConnects Cork which starts in 2025, funded by the National Transport Authority.”
Politicians have predicted that this means reduced services on these routes.
Sinn Féin Cllr Joe Lynch said: “With three of these routes serving Bishopstown and surroundings, this will be particularly hard felt by bus users there.”
People Before Profit-Solidarity TD Mick Barry questioned why these five services were picked to cut back.
“And why are they giving a start date for the cuts but no start date for the restoration of services?” he asked.
Green Party Cllr Oliver Moran, said: “The approach from Bus Éireann is from one sense a pragmatic one in admitting the seriousness the driver shortage and paring back services to reflect that. But it's no long-term solution. The city has a plan for increased services from next year. Reducing services now is only buying time. Bus Éireann need to attract and retain drivers and look at everything in the pay and conditions at Capwell to make that happen.”