Bus service for Park & Ride is slashed by almost half

Bus timetables for the struggling Park and Ride from Galway Airport have been slashed by almost half, as the service continues to make huge losses.

In its first six weeks of operation, the service had 50 daily bus (25 each way) – as of this week, that has been cut to just 28, a drop of 44%.

A fortnight ago, our sister newspaper the Galway City Tribune revealed the service – which is part-funded by the City Council – was losing more than €4,000 per week since its launch.

Michael Coyle, Chief Executive of Galway Chamber (the majority shareholder of Galway Airport) said the new ‘summer schedule’ was being introduced following consultation with bus operator Farrell Travel.

“What we are asking people to do here is change the habits of a lifetime. There is no doubt that a Park and Ride service is the way to go to ease city traffic and parking issues in the city. However, it is difficult to get people to change their travel pattern.

“Uptake on the service has been lower than anticipated and because of this we’d like to encourage commuters and shoppers to benefit from the time and cost savings made possible by the service.

“The feedback from users is excellent. The cost of the service is €2 per day bus fare, each way i.e. €4 return fare with family fares and weekly tickets available,” said Mr Coyle.

The revised timetable operates Monday to Friday between 7.40am to 6.30 pm, with a greater frequency prior to 9am and after 4pm. The last service each day will leave the city centre at 6.30pm.

“As a pilot project, the Park and Ride initiative is constantly being monitored and reviewed. We will continue to work with Farrell Travel, the County and City Councils and the NTA to provide the best service in the most cost effective way possible,” said Mr Coyle.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.