Demand exceeding capacity on some local bus routes

Passengers are being turned away from some Bus Éireann routes in New Ross and Wexford town as the national public transport provider experiences increasing demand for its services.

More than ten per cent of services on the number 4/X4 (New Ross/Dublin via Waterford, Ballyhale, Gowran, Carlow) and the number 40 (via Killarney, Macroom, Cork, Midleton, Youghal, Dungarvan, Waterford, Wexford) have been reported as full since the end of June.

In line with Covid-19 restrictions, Bus Éireann is operating with decreased seating on all its services, causing some coaches to reach maximum capacity at peak times. And passengers are being advised to undertake only necessary journeys and to avoid, where possible, peak travel times on Expressway routes.

‘We very much regret that, despite all of our available coaches and drivers being deployed, at the moment some people are not able to board Expressway services when they wish to travel,’ said Eleanor Farrell, Chief Commercial Officer, Bus Éireann.

‘Public health and safety is our absolute priority and there can be no flexibility on overloading coaches. We realise this is disappointing, and also that it can be challenging for our drivers. No-one wants to leave people without transport.’

Currently the capacity on Bus Éireann services is limited to 50 per cent of its total, furthermore, 64 per cent of licenced coach and bus services are not operational at the moment.

To counter this, Ms Farrell asked customers to try to travel outside of peak demand where possible.

‘At the moment, the busiest times are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 to 7 p.m. There is more demand at weekends, especially Friday afternoons and Sundays,’ she said.

‘We very much appreciate the understanding and cooperation of customers and our staff as we manage demand through these unprecedented times and look forward to keeping people connected around the country.’