Green light for city buses to go the ‘wrong way’

DRIVERS gazed in amazement yesterday as they saw buses coming the “wrong way” along what was an established one-way street in Cork city.

However, motorists traversing quays will soon become accustomed to the sight as the bus route is part of a new contraflow system to make it easier for buses to get into the city centre.

Enhancing a green routes initiative within the city, inbound buses from north of the River Lee will travel west-to-east on the northern side of Camden Quay, turning right onto the eastern lane of St Patrick’s Bridge and bypassing likely major delays on Lavitt’s Quay.

Parking on Camden Quay was removed last Wednesday to allow for the creation of a dedicated bus lane. The contra-flow bus lane operation will be in force 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Only buses will be allowed to use the lanes and Cork City Council officials have stressed that taxis, hackneys, bicycles and motorcycles may not use them at any time.

A spokesman for the local authority said: “One of the major elements of Cork City Council’s transportation strategy is the implementation of a green route network to improve public transport in the greater metropolitan Cork area.

“This traffic change will facilitate provision of an improved public transport system on the north side of the River Lee.

“Passengers using the number two and number three bus routes will benefit as a result of time savings,” he added.

Bus Éireann area manager Joe Fitzgerald welcomed the introduction of the latest dedicated bus lanes.

“Ten green routes (bus lanes) were envisaged in the Cork Area Strategic Plan and a number of them are already in place, which will make journeys quicker for bus passengers,” said Mr Fitzgerald.

The first green route was introduced from Grange to the city centre.

“There are also green routes into the city centre from Bishopstown, Mayfield and Cork Airport.

“The green route from Ballincollig into the city centre is under construction and that will be of great benefit when it is up and running.

“We’re also looking at developing a green route in from Carrigaline,” Mr Fitzgerald added.