Transport assistance service has helped over 1,700 Bus Éireann passengers in Cork

More than 1,700 assisted Bus Éireann journeys have been completed in Cork since the launch of the Independent Travel Support (ITS) service in 2022.

Supported by the National Transport Authority (NTA), the service has now completed almost 3,000 assisted journeys nationwide, directly supporting up to 300 individual service users.

Launched as the Travel Assistance Scheme in Cork in 2022 and rebranded in 2024, the ITS service offers free one-to-one guidance for anyone who feels unsure about travelling alone, from young people leaving school to older adults, and people with disabilities.

The service helps passengers build skills and confidence in order to use public transport on their own, whether it’s planning a route, navigating a busy station, or confidently boarding a bus.

Following the initial success of the scheme in Cork, the ITS Service has expanded into Limerick, Waterford, and Galway, with a dedicated team of nine members.

Across the four counties, Bus Éireann has held more than 250 meet-and-greet sessions and 132 information talks, mor than half of these in Cork.

Christian Clarke, accessibility manager at Bus Éireann, said that the programme “is about much more than transport”.

“We are proud to have completed nearly 3,000 assisted journeys through the ITS service, directly supporting almost 300 people so far,” said Mr Clarke.

“The real impact is far greater — extending to their families, friends, and communities.

“The programme is about much more than transport — it’s about skills, confidence, and independence.

“Seeing the ripple effect of this support, especially for young people and those new to independent travel, is hugely rewarding."

For more information on the scheme, visit: https://www.buseireann.ie/independent-travel-support.