Bus Éireann lifts service reductions on four Cork city routes from today

Four Cork city bus routes will be operating more frequently from today, as they return to their regular timetables following four months of reductions.

Following the introduction of reduced frequency timetables on a number of routes in in October 2024 due to driver recruitment challenges, Bus Éireann begun a resumption of full timetabled scheduled services for Routes 202/202A, 205 and 208 from today.

This means 698 more buses a day in Cork, exactly 15 weeks since the changes were implemented, despite a commitment to unions that the service reductions would be lifted in 12 weeks.

The 202/202A has returned to running every 20 minutes from every 30, the 205 will be operating every 15 minutes instead of every 20 and the 208 will run every ten minutes again rather than every 15.

The 220, the fifth bus service to be reduced, will be operating under its reduced timetable for a further two to three months, with several TDs and councillors in the area having criticised this decision.

A Bus Éireann spokesperson explained: “The 220 service is currently undergoing a timetable review which will address the punctuality and reliability issues on this key route and this route will remain operating as per the current timetable. It is anticipated a new 220 service timetable will be in place by late April 2025.” 

The spokesperson added: “Traffic congestion still remains an operational challenge with just 2% our service kilometres delivered through bus lanes in Cork City.

“Bus Éireann is committed to growing and improving public transport for the people of Cork and will continue to work with all stakeholders to secure additional bus prioritisation measures which are essential to support the delivery of reliable and punctual public transport services.

“Bus Éireann is also working closely with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to facilitate the rollout of BusConnects Cork.

“Again, we would like to apologise to our customers for any inconvenience caused over the last number of months and we look forward to delivering further improved levels of service to our customers in Cork in 2025.”