Bus Éireann was pleased to introduce the enhanced Athlone town service network earlier this year.
The services link the growing Monksland area via the town centre to Athlone Institute of Technology on a regular frequency, seven days a week.
Since these enhancements were introduced four months ago there has been a double digit growth in usage.
Route A1: Bealnamulla - Monksland - Bus/Rail Station - Golden Island - Retreat Road - AIT - Creggan Court.
Route A2: Bealnamulla - Monksland - Bus/Rail Station - Golden Island - Ballymahon Road - AIT - Creggan Court.
The routes travel from Connaught to Leinster via the historic heart of Athlone before terminating at Athlone Institute of Technology, which allows locals and international visitors to enjoy the various tourist attractions including Athlone Castle and the River Shannon.
It also links the residential areas of Athlone to the new primary care centre, the Regional Sports Centre, the IDA Business Park and the wider public transport network at the bus/train station.
The main enhancements include: increased weekday frequency with 108 daily services linking Monksland to AIT via the town centre; later evening services until 8pm, seven days a week; the full service now operates 364 days a year; there are more bus stops on both routes to serve a greater part of the town; both services operate on Sunday’s and Bank Holidays; and there is free Wi-Fi on all low floor accessible buses.
Brian Connolly, regional manager with Bus Éireann, said: “We are delighted with the customer reaction to date with the introduction of the enhanced town service, which caters for local commuters, students and visitors to the town. We anticipate further growth on these services over the summer and when the colleges return.”
