Fears of ‘return to chaos’ on Cork bus routes

As four bus routes in Cork City centre returned to their regular timetable, a Cork TD shared concern that this would bring “a return to chaos” with no clarity on whether there are enough drivers.

Bus Éireann in Cork has not confirmed that its driver numbers have increased since five routes were cut at the end of last year due to issues with recruiting and retaining staff, with the bus operator then short 35 drivers.

On four of the five routes, services have returned to their previous schedule, with the final route awaiting a new timetable, but there are fears that driver numbers are still in decline.

Sinn Féin TD for Cork North Central Thomas Gould said he has been asking for updates since mid-December, through emails seen by The Echo. There has been no response and an in-person meeting was cancelled.

He said: “I have been contacting them regularly for six weeks now, seeking information on the return to normal timetables and the current driver deficit.

“People are worried that the return to regular timetables will mean a return to chaos. The bus service has not substantially improved, while timetables were reduced and there is no evidence that it will improve when they are increased again. People need frequent, reliable buses.” 

Mr Gould has written to the minister for transport about “the manner in which Bus Éireann are treating my constituents”.

A Bus Éireann spokesperson told The Echo, in response to a request for a figure for the driver deficit, as well as how many drivers have been hired since the bus-service reductions were implemented: “As a result of ongoing, intensive recruitment efforts, we have developed a strong pipeline joining our driver-training school and are now at a point where we can resume full service on the 202/202A, 205 and 208 routes, from Sunday, February 2.

“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."