LAST UPDATE | 24 Apr 2023

BUS SERVICES IN Galway are to increase by nearly 50% under a draft new bus network published today by the National Transport Authority (NTA). 

The redesign of the bus network is one of nine key elements of BusConnects Galway that aims to transform the city’s bus system. 

Under the proposals within the Galway bus network redesign report, the level of bus services in Galway city, Bearna and Oranmore will increase by nearly 50%.

More routes, higher frequency and a weekend timetable with a new 24-hour route are all part of the expansion, which is set to be rolled out in 2025.

The draft proposal, which will now undergo public consultation, aims to “fundamentally transform the city’s bus system”.

The new 24-hour bus service, to be known as Route 9, would operate from Knocknacarra through the city centre to Doughiska and Parkmore. Three proposed routes would operate every 15 minutes or better.

Three other proposed routes would operate every 15 minutes “or better”, the NTA said, while some routes will begin running earlier in the mornings and go on for later in the evenings.

The network would serve the city centre, with the main point of interchange located at Eyre Square. 

Cross-city commuters will not pay extra to change between urban bus services within a 90-minute period, and fares are to be simplified “in a way that will make interchange seamless”.

The routes in the draft new bus network would serve the city centre with more routes running cross-city, and the main point of interchange located at Eyre Square. This will facilitate cross-city commuting, the NTA has said. 

Consultation on the draft new network launched today and will run for six weeks. 

Public information events will take place from 16 to 18 May, while an online consultation process will allow members of the public to provide their feedback on the proposals. 

The redesign is expected to be finalised in the coming months and the new network will be rolled out from 2025. 

“Through BusConnects Galway, we want to make it easier for people to get around by reducing congestion, and to make the city more attractive for people who live, work, invest in or visit Galway,” NTA deputy CEO Hugh Creegan said. 

“By giving the people of Galway a viable alternative to the car, we can encourage the shift towards more sustainable transport modes.”

If the plans are implemented, a third of residents would be close to a high-frequency bus line, up from 19 per cent today.

Some 67 per cent of residents on Upper Ballymoneen Road, the Coast Road between Galway City and Oranmore, and Oranhill would be living within 400 metres walking distance of a bus stop. This figure is currently at 62 per cent.

Brendan McGrath, CEO of Galway City Council, said in a press release that he hopes the expansion will encourage people to “make the move from car to public transport”.

The new network report published today was developed collaboratively by the NTA, Galway City and County Councils and local bus operators.

Consultation on the proposal will run for the next six weeks and will include public information events as well as online feedback.

The redesign will be finalised in the coming months, the NTA says, with implementation aimed for 2025.