‘Clarity needed on new Macroom Leap card’

CLARITY is needed to the use of Leap cards on the Expressway service from Macroom to Cork city.

That is the view of Deputy Aindrias Moynihan (FF) after recent changes to the Leap card scheme which extended its use to Macroom.

He said he has been informed by a Bus Éireann official that, while the card could be used by commuters in Macroom using the Expressway service, they would not be able to avail of the Leap Card discount.

“To my mind, this is very unfair and doesn’t incentivise the use of public transport. Additionally, if this remains the case, it may force more commuters on the regular local bus service and off the Expressway service, adding more pressure to that already crowded bus route,” he said.

He has now sought to raise the issue directly with the Minister for Transport Shane Ross next week in the Dáil. However, while he has concerns over this element of the Leap card, there are, he admitted, “some positives” which will be of benefit to commuters.

“With Macroom now in the Green zone, they can avail of 24-hour, weekly and monthly tickets, for adults, students and children,” he said.

By way of example, he explained that a 10-journey weekly ticket from Macroom to Cork costs €70. An adult Green Zone monthly ticket can now be purchased on a Leap Card for €195. By using the Leap Card, a commuter travelling from Macroom to Cork City can save as much a €85 per month.