The National Transport Authority (NTA) today published the Connecting Ireland Phase 1 Review which assesses the key achievements of bus services launched in 2022.
The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan
The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan is an initiative by the NTA to improve connectivity and mobility in rural areas through the development of new and enhanced public transport services.
In Phase 1, 38 new and enhanced bus services were introduced by Connecting Ireland. Over 110,000 weekly vehicle kilometres were added to the public transport network with 13 brand new services, 16 frequency enhancements and 9 route extensions. Over 50 settlements have improved connectivity due to the expansion of our public transport network.
More than 3/4 Million Passenger Journeys
A total of 760,534 passenger journeys were recorded on Connecting Ireland routes in 2022, of which 342,607 passenger journeys were recorded instantly after services were introduced. Connecting Ireland services continue to see an increase in patronage, up 112% at the end of 2022 compared to the beginning of 2019. Where Connecting Ireland services have been implemented, patronage has increased 128% from the beginning of 2022 to year-end. The Connecting Ireland Phase 1 report is a review of the implementation of bus services launched during 2022. The report summarises the objectives and definitions of the plan, including summary highlights of the new and enhanced services, a review of patronage levels on Connecting Ireland services during and a look ahead to what is planned for Phase 2 in 2023 and future phases.
Video
A specially produced video focuses on the key achievements of Connecting Ireland public transport services launched to date. The video features testimonials from passengers who use the routes regularly and it also looks ahead at the upcoming routes proposed for 2023.
Phase 2
Phase 2 of the Plan was launched on the 17th of February by the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD and CEO of the National Transport Authority Anne Graham in Tullamore, Co. Offaly. In 2023, 67 new routes are planned for implementation across Ireland.
