The National Transport Authority (NTA ) last week published its final new bus network for Galway. The redesign of the bus network is one of the nine key elements of BusConnects Galway that aims to fundamentally transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.
Last year, the NTA carried out an extensive review of the bus network in Galway, in collaboration with Galway City Council, Galway County Council, local bus operators, and with the specialised expertise of transport designers Jarrett Walker and Associates.
In April 2023, a draft new network was published, and the feedback and submissions received have informed the final new bus network published today.
The key benefits of the final new network include:
An approximately 50% increase in the amount of bus services in Galway city, Bearna and Oranmore.
The extension of bus services to new areas with more routes with frequent services and an enhanced weekend timetable.
A new 24-hour bus service, to be known as Route 9, would operate from Knocknacarra through the city centre to Doughiska and Parkmore.
More residents of the city and its suburbs having access to the public transport network with Upper Ballymoneen Road, the Coast Road between Galway City and Oranmore and Oranhill among the areas to benefit.
More routes running cross-city, and the main point of interchange located at Eyre Square.
Simpler fares that will make interchange seamless.
The new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplaces across Galway city, Bearna and Oranmore. Overall, 67% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route (running every 15 minutes or better ).
Following concerns raised during the public consultation process, the NTA will ensure that Route 4 will travel further east into the Merlin Park Hospital site, serving one additional stop on or near Merlin Park Lane, pending HSE approval. In Newcastle, additional buses will run during the busiest weekday peak times. Route 7 is to be revised to serve Upper Salthill Road, between Kingston Road and old Knocknacarra Road.
The NTA plans to commence implementation of the new bus network between 2025 and 2026. As the network is implemented and the new routes are put in place, there may be slight modifications made to ensure efficient service delivery.
The rollout of the new network will be supported by a comprehensive public information campaign for bus users as the services are implemented. As the network is implemented and the new routes are put in place, there may be slight modifications made to ensure efficient service delivery.
Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA said: “As Galway grows, it’s important that the city has a public transport network that connects people in the city and surrounding areas and supports the journey to net-zero emissions.
“That’s why we’ve unveiled the final new bus network for Galway. A key element of BusConnects Galway, the new network will see the introduction of a new 24-hour bus route and a large increase in bus services in the city as well as Bearna and Oranmore. With longer operating hours and greater connectivity, we hope to encourage more people to take sustainable transport modes.
“The NTA will work closely with Galway City Council, Galway County Council and local bus operators to prepare for the introduction of the new network from 2025 onwards.”
The full report, local area maps and frequency tables are all now available on our website to view and download. To find out more visit: https://busconnects.ie/cities/galway/galway-bus-network-redesign/
