Development of Provincial Bus Services

On 28 September 2006, the Minister for Transport announced, that the Government will be investing up to €50 million in Bus Éireann, for the purchase of 160 new buses to enhance existing non-commercial services and provide additional city and commuter services throughout the country.

Funding of €23 million has also been approved for the purchase in 2008 by Bus Éireann of 79 replacement buses. This will bring the total number of new buses to 239.

All 239 new buses and coaches, including double deck coaches, purchased under Transport 21 have entered into service nationwide including in the cities of Cork, Galway, Waterford and Limerick.

The introduction of these new buses has enabled the expansion of existing services and the introduction of new routes.

New buses introduced into the Bus Éireann fleet under Transport 21 funding include low floor city buses, single deck commuter coaches and double deck commuter coaches. These enhancements mean that 100 per cent of Bus Éireann’s city fleet is wheelchair accessible and over 40 per cent of all of its vehicles adhere to the highest EU engine emissions standards, which has led to a major reduction in the company’s carbon emissions. 
 

This Investment has been grant aided as part of Bus Éireann's Public Service Obligation (PSO) compensation for the provision of a PSO network of services.

 

In 2010, Bus Éireann also introduced its real-time information system, which uses GPS technology to enable customers to know exactly when buses will arrive and depart at stops across the county via the Web or text. Real-time information tells customers exactly when the next bus is due to arrive, as distinct from the scheduled time of arrival, which can be distorted due to congestion, road works, diversions and adverse weather conditions.

Bus Éireann is also currently working with Dublin City Council, Cork City Council and other Councils around the country on the introduction of real time passenger information displays at appropriate bus stops/shelters.

The real-time system, which is the first in Europe of this scale, was funded under the NDP, Transport 21 and the company’s own resources.