We need a ‘Cork Bus’; Calls for Leeside to get its own version of Dublin Bus company

THE incoming Government has been urged to estabish a dedicated bus company for Cork, similar to Dublin Bus.

Fine Gael Senator Tim Lombard believes Cork needs to have a similar approach to bus transport as Dublin Bus has for the capital.

“We need to have a ‘Cork Bus’ arrangement for Cork as it is the second biggest city in the country,” he said.

“When it comes to making decisions, it would be done in Cork instead of in Dublin. If we want to promote public transport, we need that buy-in”.

He pointed out that the draft Programme for Government puts a 2:1 split in capital spending in favour of public transport over roads, highlighting that public transport is being prioritised in the plan for the next government.

He believes the likelihood of a Cork Taoiseach in Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin makes it imperative that measures such as a special bus service for Cork be developed in the next term of government.

The Programme for Government has outlined a major investment blueprint to beef up Ireland’s public transport offering.

It also promises to review fare structures to ensure public transport is as accessible as possible.

The National Transport Authority will be asked to produce a park and ride implementation plan for each of the five cities to help reduce congestion and journey times.

A sustainable rural mobility plan will also be developed, prioritising public transport projects that enhance regional and rural connectivity.

The incoming government is also promising to prioritise rail projects in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford on existing and unused lines.

The draft programme promises a 10% spend from the total transport capital budget on cycling, while a further 10% will be focused on walking infrastructure.

Cycling will be heavily promoted, with a plan to train children how to cycle in school.