Calls for free bus service to be trialed across Cork

Figures show that such a service could cost at least €8m

There are calls for a free bus service to be trialed across Cork after figures showed it could cost at least €8m to run. Picture: Chani Anderson

There are calls for a free bus service to be trialed across Cork after figures showed it could cost at least €8m to run.

Despite a chronic shortage of bus drivers in Cork city and complaints about the reliability of the existing bus service, there have been several calls in recent months for a free bus service to be introduced in the city, but the cost of it has never been established.

Now, for the first time, figures from the National Transport Authority (NTA) show that a free six-month trial of free buses on Friday and Saturdays across Cork city and county could cost at least €8m.

“€8m in terms of showing the benefits of the public transport spine we have is worthwhile to test,” Labour Cllr Peter Horgan said.

“If it were proposed in Dublin, no one would bat an eyelid. Let Cork be the test hub for new public transport ideas that can work.”

The figures were provided in response to a parliamentary question which was submitted to the Transport Minister Eamon Ryan last February by Labour TD Sean Sherlock on Mr Horgan’s behalf.

The question was referred to the NTA which has responsibility for the day-to-day operations of public transport, and for the regulation of fares.

In her answer, NTA chief executive Anne Graham said the estimated cost of a six-month free bus trial on Fridays and Saturdays only in the city and county, based on 2023 data, would be in the region of €7.3m to €8.07m based on the fare foregone.

“It does not include the cost of running any additional services that may be required to meet the additional demand that free fares might generate,” she said.

Despite the high cost, and the existing operational challenges facing Bus Eireann, Mr Horgan said the idea should be pursued.

“Footfall is the key driver in supporting our city centre and surrounding areas,” he said.

“We’ve seen in London with the fall off of people working in offices and coming into central London that the mayor reduced tube fares.

“We need to re-encourage footfall and everything should be on the table.” 

He said a pilot free bus scheme could be tested initially for certain hours on Fridays and Saturdays, perhaps in the traditionally quiet post-Christmas period over several weekends across January, February and March, to encourage and incentivise people to visit take the bus to the city or to suburban towns.

“We trialed the country's first 24-hour bus service on the 220 route, and that has been a success so let’s at least start the discussion or debate about the free bus service,” he said.

“We have a congestion crisis and if a trial run shows the usefulness of leaving the car at home to go and meet a friend for a bite to eat or shopping, or anything you want to do in our city and surrounds, then why not try it.” 

Last month, the Irish Examiner reported how a shortage of bus drivers has been impacting on the reliability of the city’s bus services, with recruitment campaigns underway.