Covid Effect: Bus Éireann to stop multiple intercity bus routes

Bus Éireann has decided to cancel multiple intercity bus routes across the country following the Covid crisis.

The company will no longer operate expressway bus services on the Dublin-Cork, Dublin-Galway, Dublin-Limerick and Dublin-Belfast routes from early next year.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Bus Éireann Board on Monday, which assessed the situation over the past few months in the context of Covid.

“This measure is being taken in response to significant medium-term challenges posed by Covid19 in order to safeguard Expressway’s remaining 14 national routes and meet the demand required on other city and commuter services.” –Bus Éireann said in a statement.

But Bus Éireann’s decision to cut short their services could seriously affect many people in Ireland.

It is feared that the suspension of bus services, will seriously affect the lives of the people because it is the only means of transportation for people from rural areas.

It has not been decided exactly when the services will end. However, the decision is expected to take effect early next year, when the current commercial bus operator’s emergency support for Cork, Limerick and Galway routes ends.

The X51 service from Galway to Limerick and the X1 service from Dublin to Belfast have not yet received emergency funding in the wake of the Covid crisis.

As a result, the company may terminate services on these routes in the next few months.

Stephen Kent, CEO of Bus Éireann, said that they would be able to increase bus services in Cork, Galway and Limerick, as well as other services to Lot and Meath, through stimulus measures for public transport.

This extension requires the integration of the expressway network and may also require he services of more than a hundred drivers.

He said that while some routes would be cut, there would be losses but the current demand could be addressed and job losses could be avoided.

Eleanor Farrell, chief commercial officer, said she would communicate with customers about the changes and work with the National Transportation Authority if necessary.