The National Transport Authority (NTA) today issued its Waterford Bridge Transport Shuttle Feasibility Report to Waterford City and County Council.

The study examines whether a public bus service could connect the North Quays to the South Quay Plaza via the sustainable transport bridge. It assesses operational, regulatory, infrastructural and financial factors linked to a publicly funded shuttle.

The report acknowledges strong interest in a bridge bus connection. However, planners originally included the shuttle in the SDZ Planning Scheme as a privately funded project.

The NTA states that the North Quays development now differs significantly from the earlier retail-led proposal. It also notes that planners drafted the original shuttle concept before they developed the current BusConnects plans.

The report estimates that the service would require an annual subsidy of between €1.85 million and €2.16 million. It also outlines operational constraints, vehicle suitability issues and pedestrian safety concerns.

Waterford City and County Council welcomed the detailed assessment. The Council said the report considers a wide range of critical factors.

Although the report questions the viability of a publicly funded shuttle, the Council welcomed planned improvements under BusConnects. The programme will double bus services to the city centre. Buses will travel from the relocated transport hub to the South Quays via Rice Bridge.

The Council said the expanded service will increase passenger capacity and deliver journey times similar to a shuttle operating at 10 km/h.

The Council also noted that autonomous transport technology continues to develop. It welcomed the NTA’s commitment to engage further if the Council explores alternative funding options or an innovation-led autonomous vehicle trial.