Bus Éireann is pleased to announce the significant enhancement to Limerick City and County services and timetables. Funded by the National Transport Authority through the Government’s July Stimulus, it includes a new Sunday service of two round trips on Route 345 Scariff/Limerick as well as increased frequency on city services including an extension to the Georgian Village on Route 303 Pineview/City Centre/Southill.
The main benefits include:
Route 303 Pineview – City Centre – Southhill
Route 306 Edward St – City Centre – Ballynanty –Glenagross
Route 323 Nenagh-Limerick
Route 345 Scariff – Limerick
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan; “This is the largest single investment by government in Bus Éireann services in more than 15 years. These new and improved services 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.”
Anne Graham, CEO, National Transport Authority; “NTA and Bus Éireann are committed to continuing to roll-out significant improvements like this for the entire citywide network and are delighted to prioritise this doubling of capacity for two of the Limerick Regeneration areas, where people are most reliant on bus services for access employment opportunities and essential services. These enhancements are a taste of what’s to come under the Limerick Shannon Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (LSMATS), a draft of which we published earlier this year. In that plan NTA sets out an ambitious programme to deliver a step-change in public transport provision in the city. There will be similar frequency and capacity enhancements proposed for all areas, coupled with investment in the infrastructure required to provide fast and reliable journey times for passengers. The LSMATS is currently being reviewed based on the feedback received from members of the public during the recent consultation process.”
Stephen Kent, CEO, Bus Éireann; “We are delighted to announce the introduction of these enhanced timetables and services in Limerick today. Thanks to the National Transport Authority (NTA) and Government we can expand these important services adding an additional 3 million kilometres a year for our customers nationwide while creating 120 jobs. To be recruiting drivers nine months into a pandemic is very positive and we are delighted to see that more women are starting to see it as a career for them as well. We will continue to work together with the NTA to increase connectivity across the country for local communities, keeping Ireland connected”.
Driver training and route familiarisation has commenced on these routes and will continue throughout the holiday season, with full operation of the routes commencing on 3rd January 2021. All timetables have been approved by the NTA and are available on www.buseireann.ie.
Bus Éireann and Expressway services continue to operate at a capacity of 50% under Level 3 restrictions and Government advice is that public transport should be avoided unless the travel is essential. Bus Éireann fully adheres to all public health guidelines and is committed to ensuring the continued safety and well-being of its employees and customers observing many precautionary measures including the mandatory wearing of face coverings, overnight deep cleaning, touchpoint cleaning throughout the day and protective screens and personal protective equipment for drivers.
Bus Éireann encourages customers to use Leap Cards, Automatic Ticket Machines and online ticket purchase to minimise the use of cash. Tickets can be purchased at www.buseireann.ie.
