The National Transport Authority (NTA) will launch a public consultation for the Letterkenny Town Bus Service next week.
The NTA said it proposes to invest in Letterkenny by securing provision for a network of local urban-style bus services to operate for 17 hours a day Monday to Saturday, with a slightly shorter operating day on Sundays.
Under the proposal, buses will operate on two routes every half hour, starting from early morning and running until late at night across the week.
“A trip to the town centre will take about 15 minutes, and over 80% of the population of the town will live within a short walk to a bus stop,” an NTA spokesperson said.
“Both routes will operate on a common section through the town, doubling the flow of buses on that section.”
Route 1 will operate from Mountain View via the town centre to Letterkenny University Hospital, Ballymacool and ATU Letterkenny.
Route 2 will serve Lisnenan via the town centre and Letterkenny University Hospital to An Gleann Rua.
The Letterkenny Town Bus Service public consultation opens at 12 noon on Wednesday 17th of July for four weeks and will close at midnight on Wednesday 14th August. You can submit your views on the NTA’s consultation portal at: https://consult.nationaltransport.ie/en
“With a population of almost 26,000 people and up to 40,000 others visiting Letterkenny each day for work, education and social reasons, a frequent reliable town bus service will give people in the area the choice to travel using a sustainable mode of public transport.”
A standard flat town fare of €2 will apply for adults paying cash and €1.50 when using a Transport for Ireland (TFI) Leap card. Passengers under 26 years of age and children will pay half price. Free Travel Passes will also be honoured.
New fully accessible bus stops will also be provided, each showing diagrammatic timetables and other useful information on how to use the service.
Eamon Ryan, Minister for the Environment, Climate, Communications and Transport said town bus services literally bring a town together.
“I believe that this public consultation by the NTA will provide everyone in Letterkenny and its hinterland with an opportunity to have their say on how to improve public transport services in your own hometown,” he said.
“You know your town best and your needs best, so it’s important that we hear from you, so that you can help design a bus service that’s right for your needs.”
To mark the opening of the NTA’s public consultation, Donegal County Council is hosting a Public Information Event on Wednesday, 17th July, from 3pm to 7pm at the Radisson Hotel, Letterkenny.
Cllr. Gerry Mc Monagle, Mayor of the Letterkenny Milford Municipal District said: “I would encourage the public to take advantage of this opportunity to learn about the range of initiatives and projects which will shape how we move around Letterkenny. Your engagement is invaluable to the success of these efforts”.
Tags:
