LIMERICK is set to host a pilot public transport scheme that would allow passengers to pre-book a spot on a bus which picks them up and drops them off at their homes.
The Local Link bus service is set to be expanded on a trial basis in Rhebogue and the Mill Road in Limerick, as well as areas in Mayo and Kerry, and would see intending passengers use an app to book the bus service and home pick up, similar to taxi apps such as FreeNow.
People will also be able to book their spot on the bus at their closest Local Link office.
The scheme is aimed at those living in rural areas who don’t currently have access to public transport.
The pilot scheme has been welcomed by newly-elected Limerick Labour Conor Sheehan, who said that it has been a long time coming.
“I welcome that the NTA are finally going to trial a demand responsive bus service in Rhebogue and on the Mill Road,” Deputy Sheehan told the Limerick Post.
“This is something I have raised and called for consistently since 2021 since both communities cannot be served by Bus Connects but are in dire need of public transport.”
The scheme, while only a pilot, is set to run for a year, with its future depending on how successful it is.
“I have been engaged with the National Transport Authority on this for some time and I am very keen to see it commence as soon as practically possible and I would call on residents on the Mill Road and Rhebogue to avail of the trial to ensure that it becomes a success,” Deputy Sheehan said.
“It can take residents on the bottom of the Mill Road up to a half hour to walk to the main Corbally Road and similar for people in Rhebogue and these communities have been excluded from the public transport network for far too long.”
Also hoping for the service to be extended in time, the Labour TD said that there are other areas across the city that would benefit from such a bus service.
“I am very keen also to see this service extended in due course to areas such as Flanker Court and Glasgow Park, Greystones and Mayorstone,” Deputy Sheehan added.
