THE call has gone out from Limerick Council for the National Transport Authority (NTA), Transport For Ireland (TFI), and Bus Éireann to expand the TFI 90-minute fare system to Limerick.
Speaking at this month’s Metropolitan District meeting, Independent councillor Elena Secas, who called on the Council to push for the new move, believes it would be of great benefit given the length of bus routes and the number of passengers changing in the city.
She pointed out to the Council executive that the city district is constantly debating and raising traffic congestion issues in the Merchant’s Quay chamber.
“Expanding the TFI 90-minutes fare system to Limerick would be a most straightforward and immediate solution that could be implemented. Allowing passengers to transfer between busses within a 90-minute window without paying an extra fare would be very beneficial,” the City East representative opined.
“This system is up and running in Dublin and, after it was introduced, the usage on passenger journeys has significantly improved. We’re not talking only about convenience here. Making bus travel in Limerick simpler and more affordable will also accelerate the shift away from private cars, will reduce congestion, will lower emissions and will make everyday journeys easier for more families, workers, students, etc.”
Supporting Cllr Secas’ motion, Social Democrats councillor Shane Hickey-O’Mara pointed out that he had brought forward a similar motion over a year ago.
“Nothing has changed, and this is such an easy win. This is so straightforward. I have no understanding of why it hasn’t been rolled out in Limerick,” Cllr Hickey-O’Mara confessed.
Independent councillor Ursula Gavan, who supported the Social Democrat councillor’s motion at the time, again showed support, saying that “anything that will increase the usage of busses and make them more attractive has to be commended and, actually, just brought in”.
“I suppose, now that we’re in a cost of fuel crisis again, like we had in 2022, I think it could be expedited as well. I think something needs to be done quickly.”
Independent councillor Maria Donoghue deemed it a “really sensible motion”.
“We have a lot of young people who don’t drive, who would love to take the bus if they could rely on it. Instead we are forcing families to take trips all around the city, to go to schools, universities, and work. I think this is a very sensible and simple measure to introduce. I don’t understand why TFI don’t introduce it. I think it should be standard,” Cllr Donoghue insisted.
Fine Gael councillor Peter Doyle also felt the proposal was a great idea, but added: “I find dealing with Bus Éireann in Limerick a small bit frustrating. Last week the 304A, which is the main bus from Castletroy into town, never turned up at 7.50am two mornings in a row, and people had to go and get taxis to go into town.”
Labour councillor Padraigh Reale felt Cllr Secas’ motion was a “no-brainer”.
– Local Democracy Reporting Scheme