The redesign of the bus network is one of the nine key elements of BusConnects Cork that aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people. The new plan has just been unveiled this morning by the CEO's of the National Transport Authority and Bus Eireann.Under the proposals the level of bus services in Cork will increase by 36% with shorter wait times and more direct routes for commuters within the city.The proposals will also result in more residents of the city and areas within the Cork Metropolitan Area having access to the public transport network with Little Island, Cobh, Carrigaline, Ringaskiddy, Glanmire, Ballincollig and Blarney among those areas with new routes.
The redesigned bus network will provide a more coherently planned, higher capacity and more understandable network for those within the Cork Metropolitan Area while paving the way for the future introduction of Luas within the city.Fares will be simplified in a way that will make interchange seamless. Customers will not have to pay extra to change between bus, rail or future Luas services within that 90-minute period.
Speaking about the announcement, Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority:
“Cork is a growing city. This brings with it an increasing demand for public transport. Through significant investment over recent years, we’ve seen a 50% growth in public transport usage from 2013 to 2019. However, there is potential to enhance services ever future.
“That’s why over the past four months, the NTA has been engaging with the people of Cork in shaping a new bus network that meets their future needs. Their responses have helped to inform the draft new bus network which we’re publishing today as part of BusConnects Cork."
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD commented saying: “This is a milestone for the BusConnects project which will make Cork a cleaner, greener and more liveable city. BusConnects in Cork will mean increased services and frequency making it easier for everyone to choose public transport to get around - be it to school, work or anywhere else.
“Delivering this project will mean that Cork will have a more efficient and frequent service that people can really rely on to cater for their transport needs.”
Public consultation on the draft new bus network will now commence. To take part in the consultation process, visit: https://busconnects.ie/busconnects-cork/.
