Big Leap for city transport as cards hit Cork
Integrated ticketing — similar to the Oyster card system in London — has been in place in Dublin for about 18 months.
Now, commuters who regularly take buses in Cork city and its outskirts, can purchase Leap smart cards at a variety of outlets and top them up when required.
However, the system isn’t yet open to students or children and it will be the end of the year before it expands to include commuter rail services from Mallow, Cobh and Midleton.
A €5 refundable deposit is charged when you first buy an empty adult Leap Card. You must then top it up with a ticket fare or a minimum of €5 in travel credit.
The preliminary Cork scheme was launched yesterday. It will cover Bus Éireann’s Red and Green zones, which encompass the city centre, suburbs and commuter belt. The Red Zone covers Cork city’s routes 201 to 219, while the Green Zone covers suburban areas of Cork as far as Carrigtwohill to the east, Ballincollig to the west, Crosshaven to the south, and Cloghroe to the north.
Minister with special responsibility for public and commuter transport, Alan Kelly, said: “The Leap card will offer people cheaper and easier access to public transport and remove the search for small change. The Leap card will become a daily habit for many people in Cork. I look forward to launching it on rail services, and additional products to the Cork Leap cards, in time,” said Mr Kelly.
National Transport Authority (NTA) Leap Card marketing manager John O’Flynn and Bus Éireann regional manger Martin Walsh launched the new system in Cork yesterday.
The Dublin Leap card system is now handling over €1m worth of journeys weekly and continues to grow. Up to 400,000 cards have been issued.
Leap cards are now available for adults, with users able to avail of 24-hour and seven-day products.
