The National Transport Authority (NTA) has today published its draft new bus network for the Waterford Metropolitan Area. The redesign of the bus network is one of the eight key elements of BusConnects Waterford that aims to transform the area’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.
Under the proposals within the Waterford bus network redesign report, there will be a 100% increase in the level of bus services in Waterford City and its suburbs. More routes will offer high-frequency service. Frequencies will be improved on Sunday and in the early mornings. Public bus services will be extended to new areas, bringing bus services within 400 metres walk of 73% of residents.
Routes
Existing Waterford City network (Source, busconnects.ie)
Draft Bus Network, Waterford City (Source, https://busconnects.ie/)
Four proposed routes would operate every 15 minutes, seven days a week. This includes Route 4, Outer Ring Road to Ferrybank. Areas currently served in only one direction will gain two-way services. New bus services will be introduced in areas such as Kilbarry, Skibbereen, Dunmore Road, and Slieverue.
All routes in the draft new bus network would serve the city centre with the main point of interchange located in and around the vicinity of the Clock Tower. This will facilitate cross-city commuting, as will the introduction of new cross-city routes.
Fares will be simplified in a way that will make interchange seamless. Customers will not have to pay extra to change between bus services within a 90-minute period.
Public information events will take place in the Tower Hotel on Thursday 18th July from 12 noon until 7pm and on Friday 19th July from 9am until 2pm. An online Public Information webinar will take place on Monday 22nd July at 1.30pm. The online consultation process will allow members of the public to provide their feedback on the proposals. The redesign will be finalised in the coming months and the new network will be rolled out from 2026.
The map of the draft new bus network for Waterford can be viewed at: https://waterforddraftnetwork.s3.amazonaws.com/index.html
To take part in the consultation process, visit: https://busconnects.ie/cities/waterford/waterford-area-bus-network-redesign/
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