Huge surge in trips on city bus services

The number of commuter trips on city bus routes increased by a massive 1.1 million between 2012-14, according to new figures from the National Transport Association.

There was overall growth of 29% on the city’s public (Bus Éireann) and private (City Direct) routes to the end of 2014.

Since changes were made to routes in March 2012 to the end of 2014, Bus Éireann passenger numbers were up 31% and City Direct up 16% – an overall increase of 1.18m trips.

According to the NTA, changes to the network drove the huge increase in usage, while outlying areas such as Bearna, Moycullen, Claregalway and Oranmore will be looked at for increasing services.

Anne Graham, Chief Executive of the NTA said: “The success can be attributed to a combination of revisions to the network that have improved connectivity between key residential areas, the city centre and employment areas such as Ballybane, Ballybrit and Parkmore.

“A key route in the city is Route 405, which operates from the western suburbs to workplaces in Ballybane-Ballybrit Industrial Estate via the city centre.

“The NTA considered that the optimal and most cost-effective routing from west to east for this service was via Eyre Square, given the proportion of total patronage seeking access to city centre destinations.

“It is noteworthy that the NTA granted a licence to City Direct to introduce a new service from the western suburbs to Ballybane via Quincentenary Bridge, which the operator did not act upon, citing likely delays caused by traffic congestion on the approaches to the bridge, as the reason for not introducing the new service,” said Ms Graham.

Fine Gael TD for Galway West, Seán Kyne said the introduction of a service across Quincentenary Bridge is essential.

“Traffic congestion which is unfortunately a feature of Galway life is again a growing challenge due to the strengthening economy. While a bypass for the City plays an integral part in improving transport so too does public transport.

“While the improvements that have been introduced are clearly showing their value there are several outstanding issues which need to be addressed. The primary issue is the failure to introduce a bus service from the west of the city to the east via the Quincentenary Bridge.

“A frequent, reliable service from Knocknacarra, Salthill and Rahoon to the business parks on the east of the city would reduce congestion by providing commuters with a viable alternative,” said Deputy Kyne.

At the end of this year, an Integrated Transport Management Plan will go on display for public consultation, and will be published in early 2016.

“The NTA, working with the city and county councils, will identify existing and forecast deficits in the supply of public transport and to identify measures to alleviate problems caused by traffic congestion in the greater Galway area,” said Ms Graham.