Bus curbs would hit passenger services

Bus companies operating services to Galway on a daily basis could be financially affected if new rules are applied relating to where they can pick up passengers – and curbing their stops could also result in a traffic nightmare.

Many rural workers depend on private bus companies to get to work in Galway city but their circumstances could change dramatically.

The licensing of bus routes has passed from the Gardaí to local authorities and there are fears that they will clamp down on where buses can pull in to pick up passengers.

And there is a belief that it could result in more cars travelling to Galway city if passengers have to travel distances to catch a bus.

There are several private bus operators converging on Galway city each morning from several directions. They stop at different locations along the routes to pick up passengers.

But now Cllr. Sean Canney said that the County Council will look at safety issues before issuing the licences to bus operators. This could mean that restrictions may apply to where they will be allowed to stop.

He said that this will also apply to school bus routes and this could result in children having to walk distances before they can be picked up.

“There are a lot of serious implications if buses are prevented from stopping at certain locations to pick up passengers and children. The last thing we need at the moment is to bring more cars on our roads.

“For example, if people have to drive distances to catch a bus, they will be tempted to drive all the way to work. That means that there would be more traffic problems in Galway city,” Cllr. Canney added.

Several buses operate along the main N17 on a daily basis and take hundreds of workers into Galway city. Yet Claregalway is one of the worst bottlenecks in the country.

Cllr. Canney has urged Galway County Council to “tread carefully” as the implications of any decision they make with regard to bus routes could prove very serious. He said that it also could affect the business of private bus operators.