Five-fold national increase in customers since rollout of Connecting Ireland began in January 2022!
It’s a céad míle fáilte every week for TFI Local Link customers
Journey numbers have reached a record high, with people now using TFI Local Link bus services more than a 100,000 times a week across rural Ireland.
These services are provided for the National Transport Authority (NTA) by the 15 Local Link offices around the country.
There were 105,986 passenger journeys on TFI Local Link services in week ending 13 October, 2024. This represents a more-than five-fold increase compared to January 2022 when weekly numbers were at 19,982.
Passenger journey numbers have been increasing consistently for over three years now. The weekly national average was 16,745 in 2021; 36,664 in 2022; and 78,892 in 2023. Now it has surged to 100,000 – a new high.
This dramatic increase in numbers coincides with the rollout of NTA’s Connecting Ireland – Rural Transport Programme, from January 2022. Since then, over 110 new and enhanced TFI Local Link routes have been introduced under the programme, covering every county.
2024 is the third year of a five-year implementation programme for Connecting Ireland. Some 60 per cent of the proposed services are now in place with the remainder to be introduced in the coming years.
The new and enhanced services are proving to be very attractive to a new set of customers in rural Ireland who are choosing TFI Local Link to get to work, education, healthcare, and social activities.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan also acknowledged the milestone and the efforts behind the scenes, stating:
“We have seen a transformation in public transport across rural Ireland and going by the numbers, people really like it. Reaching this milestone of 100,000 passengers a week is incredible but I’d like to think of it as just the beginning. We need to have buses cris-crossing this country and reaching into towns and villages everywhere. This is only the beginning.”
“I want to extend my thanks to the TFI Local Link offices, operators, and passengers who have made this achievement possible. The exponential growth we’re seeing – up four or five fold in just four years in many places – highlights the importance of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in delivering improved access and inclusion for rural Ireland. We are building not just a better-connected Ireland, but a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant one—thanks to the hard work of everyone involved.”
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA), expressed her gratitude for the collective effort:
“This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and hard work by a whole range of people and the continued support from passengers who have embraced the service.
“Reaching 100,000 passengers per week would not have been possible without the incredible commitment of the TCUs and their staff as well as the drivers and the local bus operators, and I’d like to thank everyone who is involved.
“I was always optimistic that Connecting Ireland would prove to be a transformative programme for rural communities, but honestly I’m completely blown away by the success story that it has become across the country. And we’re not finished yet!”
For more information about TFI Local Link services, please visit TFI Local Link – Transport for Ireland or contact your local TCU (Transport Coordination Unit).
There are 15 Local Link Offices around the country providing local transport services, primarily for rural communities. Each provides services across one or more county, and all are funded by NTA.
The partnership between Local Link offices, NTA, and local operators has been key in driving significant improvements in rural connectivity, offering vital transport services to communities across Ireland.
The figures above relate to Regular Rural Services (RRS). These are scheduled services operating along a fixed route according to a published timetable.
Some Local Link offices also operate Demand Responsive Transport (DRT) services where vehicles alter routes for each journey, responding to particular transport demand without using a fixed route or timetabled journeys. These vehicles typically pick-up and drop-off passengers in locations according to passengers particular needs.
Passenger numbers for DRT services are not included in today’s figures.
The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan is a major public transport initiative developed by NTA with the aim of increasing connectivity, particularly for people living outside our major towns and cities. The plan aims to improve mobility in rural areas by providing frequent and affordable transport services that offer freedom to travel and sustainable transport connections. This includes:
These improvements are creating a more effective and integrated system, which brings people in rural areas to where they want to go, when they want to get there.
People now using TFI Local Link services 100,000 a week in Rural Ireland
Five-fold increase in number of customers in Kildare South Dublin since rollout of Connecting Ireland began in January 2022.
It’s a céad míle fáilte every week for TFI Local Link customers.
Journey numbers have reached a record high, with people now using TFI Local Link bus services more than 100,000 times a week across rural Ireland, including 4,900 passengers in Kildare South Dublin.
These bus services are provided for the National Transport Authority (NTA) by 15 Local Link Offices around the country. There were 105,986 passenger journeys on TFI Local Link services in the week ending 13 October 2024. This represents a more-than five-fold increase compared to January 2022, when weekly passenger numbers were at 19,982.
Passenger journey numbers have been increasing consistently for over three years now. The weekly national average was 16,745 in 2021; 36,664 in 2022; and 78,892 in 2023. Now it has surged to 100,000 – a new high.
This dramatic increase in numbers coincides with the rollout of the NTA’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, from January 2022. Since then, over 110 new and enhanced TFI Local Link routes have been introduced under the plan, covering every county.
In Kildare South Dublin alone, passenger numbers have increased more than five-fold, driven by the introduction or enhancement of four key routes. These include:
2024 is the third year of a five-year implementation plan for Connecting Ireland. Some 60 percent of the proposed services are now in place, with the remainder to be introduced in the coming years.
The new and enhanced services are proving to be very attractive to a new set of customers in rural Ireland, who are choosing TFI Local Link services to get to work, education, healthcare, and social activities.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan also acknowledged the milestone and the efforts behind the scenes, stating:
“We have seen a transformation in public transport across rural Ireland and going by the numbers, people really like it. Reaching this milestone of 100,000 passengers a week is incredible but I’d like to think of it as just the beginning. We need to have buses cris-crossing this country and reaching into towns and villages everywhere.”
“I want to extend my thanks to the Local Link offices, operators, and passengers who have made this achievement possible. The exponential growth we’re seeing – up five fold in just four years in many places – highlights the importance of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in delivering improved access and inclusion for rural Ireland. We are building not just a better-connected Ireland, but a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant one—thanks to the hard work of everyone involved.”
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA), expressed her gratitude for the collective effort:
“This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and hard work by a whole range of people and the continued support from passengers who have embraced the service.
“Reaching 100,000 passengers per week would not have been possible without the incredible commitment of the Local Link Offices and their staff as well as the drivers and the local bus operators, and I’d like to thank everyone who is involved.
“I was always optimistic that Connecting Ireland would prove to be a transformative plan for rural communities, but honestly, I’m completely blown away by the success story that it has become across the country. And we’re not finished yet!”
Speaking on the results, TFI Local Link Kildare South Dublin General Manager Alan Kerry:
‘TFI Local Link Kildare South Dublin are proud to have contributed to the continual growth in passenger usage under the TFI Local Link brand. Residents of both Kildare and South Dublin have benefited from the expansion of the TFI Local Link Network in the region, ensuring people have been provided with a real and tangible alternative to private car dependency. Board, Management, and Staff look forward to continuing this expansion under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan.‘
For more information about TFI Local Link services, please visit Transport for Ireland’s Local Link page or contact the Local Link Kildare South Dublin Office at www.locallinkkildaresouthdublin.ie
PEOPLE NOW USING TFI LOCAL LINK SERVICES 100,000 TIMES A WEEK IN RURAL IRELAND
Six-fold increase in number of customers in Laois Offaly since rollout of Connecting Ireland began in January 2022
It’s a céad míle fáilte every week for TFI Local Link customers
Journey numbers have reached a record high, with people now using TFI Local Link bus services more than 100,000 times a week across rural Ireland, including 7,203 passengers in Laois Offaly.
These bus services are provided for the National Transport Authority (NTA) by 15 Local Link Offices around the country. There were 105,986 passenger journeys on TFI Local Link services in the week ending 13 October 2024. This represents a more-than five-fold increase compared to January 2022, when weekly passenger numbers were at 19,982.
Passenger journey numbers have been increasing consistently for over three years now. The weekly national average was 16,745 in 2021; 36,664 in 2022; and 78,892 in 2023. Now it has surged to 100,000 – a new high.
This dramatic increase in numbers coincides with the rollout of the NTA’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, from January 2022. Since then, over 110 new and enhanced TFI Local Link routes have been introduced under the plan, covering every county.
In Laois Offaly alone, passenger numbers have increased more than six-fold, driven by the introduction or enhancement of six key routes. These include:
2024 is the third year of a five-year implementation plan for Connecting Ireland. Some 60 percent of the proposed services are now in place, with the remainder to be introduced in the coming years.
The new and enhanced services are proving to be very attractive to a new set of customers in rural Ireland, who are choosing TFI Local Link services to get to work, education, healthcare, and social activities.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan also acknowledged the milestone and the efforts behind the scenes, stating
“We have seen a transformation in public transport across rural Ireland and going by the numbers, people really like it. Reaching this milestone of 100,000 passengers a week is incredible but I’d like to think of it as just the beginning. We need to have buses cris-crossing this country and reaching into towns and villages everywhere.”
“I want to extend my thanks to the Local Link offices, operators, and passengers who have made this achievement possible. The exponential growth we’re seeing – up five fold in just four years in many places – highlights the importance of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in delivering improved access and inclusion for rural Ireland. We are building not just a better-connected Ireland, but a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant one—thanks to the hard work of everyone involved.”
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA), expressed her gratitude for the collective effort:
“This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and hard work by a whole range of people and the continued support from passengers who have embraced the service.
“Reaching 100,000 passengers per week would not have been possible without the incredible commitment of the Local Link Offices and their staff as well as the drivers and the local bus operators, and I’d like to thank everyone who is involved.
“I was always optimistic that Connecting Ireland would prove to be a transformative plan for rural communities, but honestly, I’m completely blown away by the success story that it has become across the country. And we’re not finished yet!”
Speaking on the results, TFI Local Link Laois Offaly Manager, Frances Byrne said: ‘Without our great staff, drivers and regular passengers, the achievement of reaching 100,000 passengers a day wouldn’t happen. The roll out of Connecting Ireland, with routes like the 840 Banagher to Tullamore, 823 Birr to Portlaoise, 822 Mountrath to Carlow, 834 Portlaoise to Roscrea, 858 Portlaoise to Thurles, 850 Athlone to Roscrea and more to come, increasing public transport in connecting our rural communities.’
For more information about TFI Local Link services, please visit Transport for Ireland’s Local Link page or contact the Local Link Laois Offaly Office at www.locallinklaoisoffaly.ie
PEOPLE NOW USING TFI LOCAL LINK SERVICES 100,000 TIMES A WEEK IN RURAL IRELAND
Number of customers in Limerick Clare triple since rollout of Connecting Ireland began in January 2022
It’s a céad míle fáilte every week for TFI Local Link customers
Journey numbers have reached a record high, with people now using TFI Local Link bus services more than 100,000 times a week across rural Ireland, including 5,125 passengers in Limerick Clare.
These bus services are provided for the National Transport Authority (NTA) by 15 Local Link Offices around the country. There were 105,986 passenger journeys on TFI Local Link services in the week ending 13 October 2024. This represents a more-than five-fold increase compared to January 2022, when weekly passenger numbers were at 19,982.
Passenger journey numbers have been increasing consistently for over three years now. The weekly national average was 16,745 in 2021; 36,664 in 2022; and 78,892 in 2023. Now it has surged to 100,000 – a new high.
This dramatic increase in numbers coincides with the rollout of the NTA’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, from January 2022. Since then, over 110 new and enhanced TFI Local Link routes have been introduced under the plan, covering every county.
In Limerick Clare alone, passenger numbers have more than tripled, driven by the introduction or enhancement of seven key routes. These include:
2024 is the third year of a five-year implementation plan for Connecting Ireland. Some 60 percent of the proposed services are now in place, with the remainder to be introduced in the coming years.
The new and enhanced services are proving to be very attractive to a new set of customers in rural Ireland, who are choosing TFI Local Link services to get to work, education, healthcare, and social activities.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan also acknowledged the milestone and the efforts behind the scenes, stating:
“We have seen a transformation in public transport across rural Ireland and going by the numbers, people really like it. Reaching this milestone of 100,000 passengers a week is incredible but I’d like to think of it as just the beginning. We need to have buses cris-crossing this country and reaching into towns and villages everywhere.”
“I want to extend my thanks to the Local Link offices, operators, and passengers who have made this achievement possible. The exponential growth we’re seeing – up five fold in just four years in many places – highlights the importance of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in delivering improved access and inclusion for rural Ireland. We are building not just a better-connected Ireland, but a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant one—thanks to the hard work of everyone involved.”
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA), expressed her gratitude for the collective effort:
“This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and hard work by a whole range of people and the continued support from passengers who have embraced the service.
“Reaching 100,000 passengers per week would not have been possible without the incredible commitment of the Local Link Offices and their staff as well as the drivers and the local bus operators, and I’d like to thank everyone who is involved.
“I was always optimistic that Connecting Ireland would prove to be a transformative plan for rural communities, but honestly, I’m completely blown away by the success story that it has become across the country. And we’re not finished yet!”
Speaking on the results, Anne Gaughan, General Manager of TFI Local Link Limerick Clare said:
‘We are delighted with the announcement that daily passenger numbers have now surpassed 100,000. TFI Local Link Limerick Clare transport services have experienced exceptional growth over the past four years with eight new Regular Rural services in Clare, five in Limerick, evening services and ongoing connectivity from demand responsive services.
This success is due to Connecting Ireland and the dedication of TFI Local Link drivers, operators, employees and board. Our commitment to connecting communities and expanding accessible, reliable public transport has transformed how people navigate their daily lives in the region. We look forward to continued growth into 2025 and beyond.’
For more information about TFI Local Link services, please visit Transport for Ireland’s Local Link page or contact the Local Link Limerick Clare Office at www.locallinklc.ie
PEOPLE NOW USING TFI LOCAL LINK SERVICES 100,000 TIMES A WEEK IN RURAL IRELAND
Number of customers in Longford Westmeath Roscommon double since rollout of Connecting Ireland began in January 2022
It’s a céad míle fáilte every week for TFI Local Link customers
Journey numbers have reached a record high, with people now using TFI Local Link bus services more than 100,000 times a week across rural Ireland, including 4,075 passengers in Longford Westmeath Roscommon.
These bus services are provided for the National Transport Authority (NTA) by 15 Local Link Offices around the country. There were 105,986 passenger journeys on TFI Local Link services in the week ending 13 October 2024. This represents a more-than five-fold increase compared to January 2022, when weekly passenger numbers were at 19,982.
Passenger journey numbers have been increasing consistently for over three years now. The weekly national average was 16,745 in 2021; 36,664 in 2022; and 78,892 in 2023. Now it has surged to 100,000 – a new high.
This dramatic increase in numbers coincides with the rollout of the NTA’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, from January 2022. Since then, over 110 new and enhanced TFI Local Link routes have been introduced under the plan, covering every county.
In Longford Westmeath Roscommon alone, passenger numbers have more than doubled, driven by the introduction of two key services:
2024 is the third year of a five-year implementation plan for Connecting Ireland. Some 60 percent of the proposed services are now in place, with the remainder to be introduced in the coming years.
The new and enhanced services are proving to be very attractive to a new set of customers in rural Ireland, who are choosing TFI Local Link services to get to work, education, healthcare, and social activities.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan also acknowledged the milestone and the efforts behind the scenes, stating:
“We have seen a transformation in public transport across rural Ireland and going by the numbers, people really like it. Reaching this milestone of 100,000 passengers a week is incredible but I’d like to think of it as just the beginning. We need to have buses cris-crossing this country and reaching into towns and villages everywhere.”
“I want to extend my thanks to the Local Link offices, operators, and passengers who have made this achievement possible. The exponential growth we’re seeing – up five fold in just four years in many places – highlights the importance of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in delivering improved access and inclusion for rural Ireland. We are building not just a better-connected Ireland, but a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant one—thanks to the hard work of everyone involved.”
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA), expressed her gratitude for the collective effort:
“This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and hard work by a whole range of people and the continued support from passengers who have embraced the service.
“Reaching 100,000 passengers per week would not have been possible without the incredible commitment of the Local Link Offices and their staff as well as the drivers and the local bus operators, and I’d like to thank everyone who is involved.
“I was always optimistic that Connecting Ireland would prove to be a transformative plan for rural communities, but honestly, I’m completely blown away by the success story that it has become across the country. And we’re not finished yet!”
Speaking on the results, TFI Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon General Manager, Damien O’Neill said:
“TFI Local Link Longford Westmeath Roscommon is dedicated to providing reliable and accessible transport services that enhance connectivity, making it easier for residents to travel within their communities and beyond.
The success of the ‘Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan,’ including services like the 426 Longford to Roscommon and 819 Athlone to Mullingar, along with other regular routes such as the LR24 Ballymahon to Longford, 570 Boyle to Roscommon, 571 Arigna via Drumshanbo to Boyle, 865 Granard to Longford, and 1794 Castlerea, has significantly improved public transport.
These services enable people to access college, local employment, leisure activities, and more through sustainable, affordable, and accessible modes of transport. Additionally, our traditional demand-responsive services, which can collect passengers at their door (subject to service restrictions), have contributed to TFI Local Link reaching 100,000 passenger journeys per week.”
For more information about TFI Local Link services, please visit Transport for Ireland’s Local Link page or contact the Local Link Longford Westmeath Rosscommon Office at www.locallinklwr.ie.
PEOPLE NOW USING TFI LOCAL LINK SERVICES 100,000 TIMES A WEEK IN RURAL IRELAND
Five-fold increase in number of customers in Tipperary since rollout of Connecting Ireland began in January 2022
It’s a céad míle fáilte every week for TFI Local Link customers
Journey numbers have reached a record high, with people now using TFI Local Link bus services more than 100,000 times a week across rural Ireland, including 8,838 passengers in Tipperary.
These bus services are provided for the National Transport Authority (NTA) by 15 Local Link Offices around the country. There were 105,986 passenger journeys on TFI Local Link services in the week ending 13 October 2024. This represents a more-than five-fold increase compared to January 2022, when weekly passenger numbers were at 19,982.
Passenger journey numbers have been increasing consistently for over three years now. The weekly national average was 16,745 in 2021; 36,664 in 2022; and 78,892 in 2023. Now it has surged to 100,000 – a new high.
This dramatic increase in numbers coincides with the rollout of the NTA’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, from January 2022. Since then, over 110 new and enhanced TFI Local Link routes have been introduced under the plan, covering every county.
In Tipperary alone, passenger numbers have increased by more than five-fold, driven by the introduction of a new service, the 322, between Portumna and Nenagh.
2024 is the third year of a five-year implementation plan for Connecting Ireland. Some 60 percent of the proposed services are now in place, with the remainder to be introduced in the coming years.
The new and enhanced services are proving to be very attractive to a new set of customers in rural Ireland, who are choosing TFI Local Link services to get to work, education, healthcare, and social activities.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan also acknowledged the milestone and the efforts behind the scenes, stating:
“We have seen a transformation in public transport across rural Ireland and going by the numbers, people really like it. Reaching this milestone of 100,000 passengers a week is incredible but I’d like to think of it as just the beginning. We need to have buses cris-crossing this country and reaching into towns and villages everywhere.”
“I want to extend my thanks to the Local Link offices, operators, and passengers who have made this achievement possible. The exponential growth we’re seeing – up five fold in just four years in many places – highlights the importance of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in delivering improved access and inclusion for rural Ireland. We are building not just a better-connected Ireland, but a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant one—thanks to the hard work of everyone involved.”
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA), expressed her gratitude for the collective effort:
“This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and hard work by a whole range of people and the continued support from passengers who have embraced the service.
“Reaching 100,000 passengers per week would not have been possible without the incredible commitment of the Local Link Offices and their staff as well as the drivers and the local bus operators, and I’d like to thank everyone who is involved.
“I was always optimistic that Connecting Ireland would prove to be a transformative plan for rural communities, but honestly, I’m completely blown away by the success story that it has become across the country. And we’re not finished yet!”
Speaking on the results, Anthony Moroney, TFI Local Link Tipperary General Manager said:
“Fantastic to see TFI Local Link break the 100,000 passenger per week mark. It just goes to prove if we build the services, people, particularly from local and rural areas in Tipperary and Ireland, will use it! We just need more money to build more services!”
For more information about TFI Local Link services, please visit Transport for Ireland’s Local Link page or contact the Local Link Tipperary Office at www.locallinktipperary.ie
PEOPLE NOW USING TFI LOCAL LINK SERVICES 100,000 TIMES A WEEK IN RURAL IRELAND
Number of customers in Wexford triple since rollout of Connecting Ireland began in January 2022.
It’s a céad míle fáilte every week for TFI Local Link customers
Journey numbers have reached a record high, with people now using TFI Local Link bus services more than 100,000 times a week across rural Ireland, including 6,534 passengers in Wexford.
These bus services are provided for the National Transport Authority (NTA) by 15 Local Link Offices around the country. There were 105,986 passenger journeys on TFI Local Link services in the week ending 13 October 2024. This represents a more-than five-fold increase compared to January 2022, when weekly passenger numbers were at 19,982.
Passenger journey numbers have been increasing consistently for over three years now. The weekly national average was 16,745 in 2021; 36,664 in 2022; and 78,892 in 2023. Now it has surged to 100,000 – a new high.
This dramatic increase in numbers coincides with the rollout of the NTA’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, from January 2022. Since then, over 110 new and enhanced TFI Local Link routes have been introduced under the plan, covering every county.
In Longford Westmeath Roscommon alone, passenger numbers have more than tripled, driven by the introduction or enhancement of eight routes. These include:
2024 is the third year of a five-year implementation plan for Connecting Ireland. Some 60 percent of the proposed services are now in place, with the remainder to be introduced in the coming years.
The new and enhanced services are proving to be very attractive to a new set of customers in rural Ireland, who are choosing TFI Local Link services to get to work, education, healthcare, and social activities.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan also acknowledged the milestone and the efforts behind the scenes, stating:
“We have seen a transformation in public transport across rural Ireland and going by the numbers, people really like it. Reaching this milestone of 100,000 passengers a week is incredible but I’d like to think of it as just the beginning. We need to have buses cris-crossing this country and reaching into towns and villages everywhere.”
“I want to extend my thanks to the Local Link offices, operators, and passengers who have made this achievement possible. The exponential growth we’re seeing – up five fold in just four years in many places – highlights the importance of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in delivering improved access and inclusion for rural Ireland. We are building not just a better-connected Ireland, but a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant one—thanks to the hard work of everyone involved.”
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA), expressed her gratitude for the collective effort:
“This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and hard work by a whole range of people and the continued support from passengers who have embraced the service.
“Reaching 100,000 passengers per week would not have been possible without the incredible commitment of the Local Link Offices and their staff as well as the drivers and the local bus operators, and I’d like to thank everyone who is involved.
“I was always optimistic that Connecting Ireland would prove to be a transformative plan for rural communities, but honestly, I’m completely blown away by the success story that it has become across the country. And we’re not finished yet!”
Speaking on the results, TFI Local Link Wexford General Manager Mary B O’ Leary said:
“TFI Local Link Wexford are proud to be part of the 100,000 passenger journeys a week.
Since we began as TFI Local Link Wexford in 2015 our county has seen phenomenal growth in provision of rural public transport; carrying 56k passengers in 2015 and increasing to over 309,000 by September 2024 that’s a huge increase. We currently have nine regular rural services that operate 364 days of the year and 60 door-to-door services in county Wexford with further plans to continue to grow these services and meet the needs of our rural communities.”
For more information about TFI Local Link services, please visit Transport for Ireland’s Local Link page or contact the Local Link Wexford Office at www.locallinkwexford.ie.
PEOPLE NOW USING TFI LOCAL LINK SERVICES 100,000 TIMES A WEEK IN RURAL IRELAND
Seven-fold increase in number of customers in Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow since rollout of Connecting Ireland began in January 2022
It’s a céad míle fáilte every week for TFI Local Link customers
Journey numbers have reached a record high, with people now using TFI Local Link bus services more than 100,000 times a week across rural Ireland, including 5,150 passengers in Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow.
These bus services are provided for the National Transport Authority (NTA) by 15 Local Link Offices around the country. There were 105,986 passenger journeys on TFI Local Link services in the week ending 13 October 2024. This represents a more-than five-fold increase compared to January 2022, when weekly passenger numbers were at 19,982.
Passenger journey numbers have been increasing consistently for over three years now. The weekly national average was 16,745 in 2021; 36,664 in 2022; and 78,892 in 2023. Now it has surged to 100,000 – a new high.
This dramatic increase in numbers coincides with the rollout of the NTA’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, from January 2022. Since then, over 110 new and enhanced TFI Local Link routes have been introduced under the plan, covering every county.
In Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow alone, passenger numbers have increased more than seven-fold, driven by the introduction or enhancement of five key routes. These include:
2024 is the third year of a five-year implementation plan for Connecting Ireland. Some 60 percent of the proposed services are now in place, with the remainder to be introduced in the coming years.
The new and enhanced services are proving to be very attractive to a new set of customers in rural Ireland, who are choosing TFI Local Link services to get to work, education, healthcare, and social activities.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan also acknowledged the milestone and the efforts behind the scenes, stating
“We have seen a transformation in public transport across rural Ireland and going by the numbers, people really like it. Reaching this milestone of 100,000 passengers a week is incredible but I’d like to think of it as just the beginning. We need to have buses cris-crossing this country and reaching into towns and villages everywhere.”
“I want to extend my thanks to the Local Link offices, operators, and passengers who have made this achievement possible. The exponential growth we’re seeing – up five fold in just four years in many places – highlights the importance of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in delivering improved access and inclusion for rural Ireland. We are building not just a better-connected Ireland, but a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant one—thanks to the hard work of everyone involved.”
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA), expressed her gratitude for the collective effort:
“This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and hard work by a whole range of people and the continued support from passengers who have embraced the service.
“Reaching 100,000 passengers per week would not have been possible without the incredible commitment of the Local Link Offices and their staff as well as the drivers and the local bus operators, and I’d like to thank everyone who is involved.
“I was always optimistic that Connecting Ireland would prove to be a transformative plan for rural communities, but honestly, I’m completely blown away by the success story that it has become across the country. And we’re not finished yet!”
Speaking on the results, TFI Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow Manager, Jackie Meally:
“It’s fantastic to see so many people using the Local Link RRS services now, 100,000 passengers every week is making a very positive impact on the lives of rural people, from young to elderly people and all in between, connecting to school, college, work and leisure activities. This is also contributing to the reduction in carbon emissions and a better environment for the future”
For more information about TFI Local Link services, please visit Transport for Ireland’s Local Link page or contact the Local Link Carlow Kilkenny Wicklow Office at www.locallinkckw.ie
PEOPLE NOW USING TFI LOCAL LINK SERVICES 100,000 TIMES A WEEK IN RURAL IRELAND
Number of customers in Cavan Monaghan double since rollout of Connecting Ireland began in January 2022.
It’s a céad míle fáilte every week for TFI Local Link customers
Journey numbers have reached a record high, with people now using TFI Local Link bus services more than 100,000 times a week across rural Ireland, including 9,179 passengers in Cavan Monaghan.
These bus services are provided for the National Transport Authority (NTA) by 15 Local Link Offices around the country. There were 105,986 passenger journeys on TFI Local Link services in the week ending 13 October 2024. This represents a more-than five-fold increase compared to January 2022, when weekly passenger numbers were at 19,982.
Passenger journey numbers have been increasing consistently for over three years now. The weekly national average was 16,745 in 2021; 36,664 in 2022; and 78,892 in 2023. Now it has surged to 100,000 – a new high.
This dramatic increase in numbers coincides with the rollout of the NTA’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, from January 2022. Since then, over 110 new and enhanced TFI Local Link routes have been introduced under the plan, covering every county.
In Cavan Monaghan alone, passenger numbers have more than doubled, driven by the introduction or enhancement of ten key routes. These include:
2024 is the third year of a five-year implementation plan for Connecting Ireland. Some 60 percent of the proposed services are now in place, with the remainder to be introduced in the coming years.
The new and enhanced services are proving to be very attractive to a new set of customers in rural Ireland, who are choosing TFI Local Link services to get to work, education, healthcare, and social activities.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan also acknowledged the milestone and the efforts behind the scenes, stating:
“We have seen a transformation in public transport across rural Ireland and going by the numbers, people really like it. Reaching this milestone of 100,000 passengers a week is incredible but I’d like to think of it as just the beginning. We need to have buses cris-crossing this country and reaching into towns and villages everywhere.”
“I want to extend my thanks to the Local Link offices, operators, and passengers who have made this achievement possible. The exponential growth we’re seeing – up five fold in just four years in many places – highlights the importance of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in delivering improved access and inclusion for rural Ireland. We are building not just a better-connected Ireland, but a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant one—thanks to the hard work of everyone involved.”
Anne Graham, CEO of the National Transport Authority (NTA), expressed her gratitude for the collective effort:
“This achievement is a direct result of the dedication and hard work by a whole range of people and the continued support from passengers who have embraced the service.
“Reaching 100,000 passengers per week would not have been possible without the incredible commitment of the Local Link Offices and their staff as well as the drivers and the local bus operators, and I’d like to thank everyone who is involved.
“I was always optimistic that Connecting Ireland would prove to be a transformative plan for rural communities, but honestly, I’m completely blown away by the success story that it has become across the country. And we’re not finished yet!”
For more information about TFI Local Link services, please visit Transport for Ireland’s Local Link page or contact the Local Link Cavan Monaghan Office at www.locallinkcm.ie
PEOPLE NOW USING TFI LOCAL LINK SERVICES 100,000 TIMES A WEEK IN RURAL IRELAND
Journey numbers have reached a record high, with people now using TFI Local Link bus services more than 100,000 times a week across rural Ireland,
