Draft new bus network for Waterford Metropolitan Area unveiled by NTA today
Public consultation on the draft new bus network now underway
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has today (8th July 2024) published its draft new bus network for the Waterford Metropolitan Area. The redesign of the bus network is one of the eight key elements of BusConnects Waterford that aims to transform the area’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.
Under the proposals within the Waterford bus network redesign report, there will be a 100% increase in the level of bus services in Waterford city and its suburbs. More routes will offer high-frequency service. Frequencies will be improved on Sunday and in the early mornings. Public bus services will be extended to new areas, bringing bus services within 400 metres walk of 73% of residents.
Four proposed routes would operate every 15 minutes, seven days a week. This includes Route 4, Outer Ring Road to Ferrybank. Areas currently served in only one direction will gain two-way services. New bus services will be introduced in areas such as Kilbarry, Skibbereen, Dunmore Road and Slieverue.
All routes in the draft new bus network would serve the city centre with the main point of interchange located in and around the vicinity of the Clock Tower. This will facilitate cross-city commuting, as will the introduction of new cross-city routes.
Fares will be simplified in a way that will make interchange seamless. Customers will not have to pay extra to change between bus services within a 90-minute period.
The new network report being unveiled today has been prepared by Jarrett Walker & Associates, a US based firm which specialises in designing metropolitan public transport systems, in collaboration with the NTA, Waterford City and County Council and Bus Éireann.
Consultation on the draft new network launched today, 8th July 2024, will run for 6 weeks. An Post will deliver up to 40,000 information booklets to residents and businesses along the proposed draft new bus network. An extensive public information campaign will be run for six weeks across all local media outlets.
Public information events will take place in the Tower Hotel on Thursday 18th July from 12 noon until 7pm and on Friday 19th July from 9am until 2pm. An online Public Information webinar will take place on Monday 22nd July at 1.30pm. The online consultation process will allow members of the public to provide their feedback on the proposals. The redesign will be finalised in the coming months and the new network will be rolled out from 2026.
Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA, said: “Through BusConnects Waterford, we can make it easier for people to get around using public transport, and to make this place more attractive for people who live here, work here, or who want to visit here.
“The redesign of the bus network is one of the key pillars of BusConnects Waterford and will ensure we move towards a more sustainable and inclusive public transport network that entices people from their cars and into more sustainable transport modes.
“The proposed network unveiled by the NTA in conjunction with Waterford City and County Council and Bus Éireann will double the size of the bus network in Waterford. It will see a significant increase in bus services across the city and surrounding areas as well as creating new connections to schools, jobs, public services and other amenities.
“This represents very good news for the people of Waterford, and I would encourage the people to engage in the online consultation process and to share their views. The feedback will help us to finalise a much-improved bus network that meets the needs of a growing city.”.
Stephen Kent, CEO of the Bus Éireann, said: “We’re very excited about the transformation of the bus network that will be enabled by BusConnects Waterford. The draft new bus network unveiled by the NTA marks a step change for public transport in the city. Increasing frequency and expanding bus services into new areas will encourage more people across a larger number of communities to take the bus. From our experience, this will lead to a significant increase in passenger numbers as a result. BusConnects Waterford is the key to a more sustainable future and better quality of life, and we encourage everyone to inform themselves and make their views known through the consultation process.”
Viisit to view the map of the draft new bus network for Waterford.
To take part in the consultation process, Waterford Bus Network Redesign | Busconnects page.
