BUS ÉIREANN willannounce an €18 million package today to transform public transport in Cork over the next three years.
The company is also planning to test European-style bus trams in the city in the coming months.
The investment package, which is targeting areas of rapid population growth, will see the delivery of dozens of new buses, new services to the suburbs and towns, and increased frequency across services.
The investment is expected to attract up to four million extra customersbetween 2007 and 2009 — displacing one million car journeys a year to 2016.
The plan provides for the delivery of 56 new buses for the fleet — 36 replacement vehicles and 20 extra buses.
Some 32 of these havealready been approved by the Department of Transport under Transport 21 and will be in service within the year. All buses will be wheelchair accessible and bio-fuel compatible.
The fleet will facilitate 138 extra departures and three new routes on city services and 38 extra departures and two new routes on commuter services.
New routes include:
A new 10A service between the city and Mahon Point, via Boreenmanna Road.
A new number 16 service between the city, Rochestown, Mount Oval and Maryborough Hill.
Frequencies will be boosted on:
The number 5 service from CIT to Kent Station via the city centre.
The number 7 service from Ballyvolane to the city and Donnybrook.
The number 8 service from Bishopstown to the city and Mayfield.
The number 14 service from CUH, Togher and the city.
Existing routes will be expanded, including the number 3 service from Ballyphehane to Lehenaghmore.
Frequency will be boosted on the Cork to Glanmire, Carrigaline and Crosshaven, Passage and Monkstown, and Blarney and Towerareas. A new town service (Route 229) is planned for Ballincollig, earmarked for introduction in 2009.
A new Mallow Rail Feeder service via Mitchelstown and Fermoy, and a new Cork to Whitechurch service, are also planned.
The Cork to Macroom and Ballyvourney service will be extended to Kenmare, both morning and evening, and improvements are promised on the Cork to Watergrasshill, Rathcormac and Fermoy service, the Cork to the airport and Kinsale service, and the Cork to Midleton and Ballinacurra service.
Irish Examiner
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