NTA publishes redesign of Galway City’s bus network

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galway daily news new bus services for galway launched
NTA unveils draft new bus network for Galway. The Deputy CEO of the NTA, Hugh Creegan, was joined by Michelle Poyourow, Principal of Jarrett Walker and Associates, and Brendan McGrath, CEO of Galway City Council at the launch. Photo: Andrew Downes, Xposure

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has published its final new bus network for Galway.

The redesign of the bus network, a part of BusConnects Galway, aims to transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more useful to more people.

The key benefits of the final new network include an approximately 50% increase in the amount of bus services in Galway city, Bearna and Oranmore.

The extension of bus services to new areas means more routes with frequent services and an enhanced weekend timetable.

A new 24-hour bus service, to be known as Route 9, will operate from Knocknacarra through the city centre to Doughiska and Parkmore.

More residents of the city and its suburbs will have access to the public transport network with Upper Ballymoneen Road, the Coast Road between Galway City and Oranmore and Oranhill among the areas to benefit.

More routes running cross-city, and the main point of interchange located at Eyre Square, and simpler fares will make interchange seamless.

The new bus network will enable more people to avail of public transport resulting in increased access to a greater number of schools and workplaces across Galway city, Bearna and Oranmore.

Overall, 67% of residents will live within 400 metres of a high frequency bus route, running every 15 minutes or better.

Following concerns raised during the public consultation process, the NTA will ensure that Route 4 will travel further east into the Merlin Park Hospital site, serving one additional stop on or near Merlin Park Lane, pending HSE approval.

In Newcastle, additional buses will run during the busiest weekday peak times. Route 7 is to be revised to serve Upper Salthill Road, between Kingston Road and old Knocknacarra Road.

The NTA plans to begin services on the new bus network between 2025 and 2026.

The full report, local area maps and frequency tables are now available here.