Ireland's Bus Eireann reduces the frequency of routes in Cork

DUBLIN, Ireland: Bus Eireann is set to reduce the frequency of four routes in Cork for 12 weeks starting October 20 due to an ongoing shortage of drivers.

Despite efforts to fill vacant positions, the company has faced difficulties recruiting enough drivers to maintain regular service.

The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) has highlighted the broader challenges contributing to the issue, particularly Cork's traffic congestion and lack of bus lanes. Dermot O'Leary, General Secretary of the NBRU, stressed the urgent need for traffic management improvements, suggesting the introduction of a contra flow system to ease the movement of buses during peak times.

Speaking to Newstalk, O'Leary noted, "Cork is a growing city, and the expansion along the docks has been significant. A contra flow system for buses would be a practical solution."

Bus Eireann has acknowledged the operational difficulties in Cork, including congestion, illegal use of bus stops, and insufficient enforcement of existing bus priority routes. The company is addressing these challenges while working to resolve the driver shortage.

Pending the rollout of BusConnects Cork, which includes 11 major strategic transport corridors, Bus Eireann has proposed several interim measures to improve bus services.

One key suggestion is the expansion of the Patrick's Street bus priority system, which currently limits access to public transport, taxis, cyclists, and emergency vehicles between 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. daily. However, this "Pana ban" is frequently violated by other motorists, hampering the smooth operation of buses.

Bus Eireann and transport officials are calling for stronger enforcement of the existing measures to ensure buses can operate efficiently and reduce the impact of traffic congestion on public transport services.