Local Link Mayo have announced they are one of 15 groups nationally to secure funding for the administrate base to develop rural transport in Mayo.
The funding period is four years from 2019 to December 2022 and the was approved following a recent public procurement process carried out by the National Transport Authority (NTA ).
Local Link Mayo achieved over 137,000 passenger journeys in 2018 and offer over 45 weekly affordable Local Link bus routes throughout Mayo. The services operate door to door pick up where possible and can be booked through the passenger bookings service at Glenpark?House, The Mall,Castlebar.
Local Link are currently working with community groups and individuals to ensure all opportunities are explored so that the necessary infrastructure is established to support a comprehensive public transport network in rural areas ensuring that passengers have access to day and evening bus services under the Transport for Ireland (TFI ) brand.
The team at Local Link Mayo also co-ordinate transport services for a number of agencies. Many services operate semi flexible routes and can deviate up to two miles to pick up passengers at their own doors. Other services include HSE scheduled dialysis appointments to Mayo University and Primary Community and Continuing Care (PCCC ).
In addition, the Department of Culture, Heritage and Gaeltacht fund a ferry service for Inisbiggle Island dwellers to the mainland. This contract includes a bus service linking islanders to the Local Link and public transport services. The department also fund seasonal routes to the National Park and Greenway from Westport to Ballycory.
Speaking at the announcement service manager Sarah Togher said: "Local Link Mayo provides a valuable service to connect people who are isolated by location throughout the county. The securing of funding to manage Mayo services will allow the organisation to grow from strength to strength over the coming years.
Local Link Mayo has commenced a strategic planning process and are seeking views from stakeholders to identify the unmet transport needs in the county. For members of the public, community and voluntary groups or agencies interested in contributing to the strategic plan by participating in upcoming community consultation events contact: Sarah Togher (Manager ), Email: [email protected] or telephone (094 ) 9047571.
For passengers interested in more information about the services, timetables or registering with Local Link Mayo contact Jennifer Corcoran (Dispatcher ), Email: [email protected] or telephone (094 ) 9047571.
