Six-month trial of free bus services on Fridays and Saturdays in Cork would cost €8m

A six-month trial offering free bus services on Fridays and Saturdays in Cork city and county would cost in the region of €8m, according to figures supplied to a member of Cork City Council.

The figures, supplied by the National Transport Authority (NTA) to Labour Party councillor for Cork City South East, Peter Horgan, show that - based on 2023 data - the initiative would cost between €7.3m and approximately €8.07m.

The NTA noted that the estimated figure was based on the cost of fares foregone in such a scheme, but did not include the cost of running any additional services that could be required to meet the additional demand that free fares might generate.

Mr Horgan told The Echo that such an outlay of taxpayers’ funds would be “money well spent”, given the likely returns.

“There’s a massive budget surplus that the Government is about to unveil in October and €8m would be a drop in the ocean out of it, and it would do immeasurable good,” Mr Horgan said.

“Footfall is the key driver in supporting our city centre and surrounding areas.”

Mr Horgan said that given the city’s need to encourage footfall, everything should be on the table.

“Yes there are issue with driver shortages but once these are addressed we should look at this incentive.

“We have an offering in our city centre, and in our suburban hubs like Douglas and Ballincollig, that needs footfall to enhance and build,” Mr Horgan said.

“Similarly, we have a congestion crisis and if a trial run shows the usefulness of leaving the car at home to go and meet a friend for a bite to eat or shopping for bits, or anything you want to do in our city and surrounds, why not try it.”

Mr Horgan said a spend of €8 million to show the benefits of public transport spine would be a worthwhile test.