New bus network launched
The National Transport Authority (NTA) has launched its new design for the Cork Metropolitan Bus Network.
The design, part of BusConnects Cork, is intended to transform the city’s the public transport network and will involve the creation of new bus routes and improved bus frequencies to meet anticipated growth and future demand.
The key benefits of the new network include an overall increase of 53% in bus services in Cork, 2 24-hour bus services, and 7 all-day high frequency bus routes running every 15 minutes during peak periods.
It will also include the provision of bus services to previously unserved areas such as upper Glanmire, Waterfall, and Kerry Pike, while promising shorter waiting times and more direct routes for many people.
The new network aims to allow more people to avail of public transport resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplaces.
Overall, the number of people and jobs within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route is set to increase by 39% and 19% respectively.
The network will be delivered on a phased approach during 2023 and 2024 and will be supported by a public information campaign for bus users as the services are implemented.
Commenting on the launch, Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan TD said the new design signals an important milestone in the Government’s ambition to enable greater numbers of people to avail of the public bus network in the region.
He said: “This will help to transform the existing bus network in the Cork Metropolitan Area into a more efficient, sustainable one to meet current and future needs in the area.
“The expansion of the system into the night hours will also greatly benefit Cork’s night time economy.”
Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer of NTA, added: “Revising the bus network was a key component of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, (CMATS), published in 2020, and the announcement represents a major milestone in the implementation of that Strategy.”
Ms Graham said the new network will put Cork firmly on track to meet the CMATS ambition of increasing the number of people using public transport in Cork fourfold by 2040.
A full report and local area maps, frequency tables and an interactive mapper tool are all now available at nationaltransport.ie.
The NTA plans to publish further details of proposals for investment in 12 sustainable transport corridors in Cork.