Bus services in Waterford to double under new plan
The draft plan of the proposed bus network which would see services increase by 100%.
A public consultation has been launched for the people of Waterford to express their opinions to the National Transport Authority (NTA) as a draft of the new bus network for the Metropolitan Area has been published, which will see a 100% increase in bus services.
Under the proposals within the Waterford bus network redesign report, there will be a 100% increase in the level of bus services in Waterford city and its suburbs. More routes will offer high-frequency service. Frequencies will be improved on Sunday and in the early mornings. Public bus services will be extended to new areas, bringing bus services within 400 metres' walk of 73% of residents.
Four proposed routes will operate every 15 minutes, seven days a week. This includes Route 4, Outer Ring Road to Ferrybank. Areas currently served in only one direction will gain two-way services.
New bus services will be introduced in areas, such as Kilbarry, Skibbereen, Dunmore Road and Slieverue.
All routes in the draft new bus network will serve the city centre, with the main point of interchange located in and around the vicinity of the Clock Tower. This will facilitate cross-city commuting.
Fares will be simplified in a way that will make interchange seamless, with customers not having to pay extra to change between bus services within a 90-minute period.
Consultation on the draft network will run for six weeks, as public information events take place in the Tower Hotel on Thursday, July 18 from 12 noon until 7pm and on Friday, July 19 from 9am until 2pm. An online Public Information webinar will take place on Monday, July 22, at 1.30pm.
The online consultation process will allow members of the public to provide their feedback on the proposals. The redesign will be finalised in the coming months and the new network will be rolled out from 2026.
