Public Consultation July 2024
The National Transport Authority (NTA) published its draft new bus network for Waterford in July 2024. Consultation on the draft network ran for 6 weeks and closed on the 16 August 2024. An online consultation process allowed members of the public to provide their feedback on the proposals. A number of information events took place to explain the proposed network in more detail along with a webinar. Information booklets were delivered to up to 40,000 residents and businesses along the proposed draft new bus network. To view the documents from the public consultation on the draft bus network for Waterford click on the links below.
Draft new bus network for Waterford Metropolitan Area
Under the proposals within the Waterford bus network redesign report, there will be a 100% increase in the level of bus services in Waterford city and its suburbs. More routes will offer high-frequency service. Frequencies will be improved on Sunday and in the early mornings. Public bus services will be extended to new areas, bringing bus services within 400 metres walk of 73% of residents.
Four proposed routes would operate every 15 minutes, seven days a week. This includes Route 4, Outer Ring Road to Ferrybank. Areas currently served in only one direction will gain two-way services. New bus services will be introduced in areas such as Kilbarry, Skibbereen, Dunmore Road and Slieverue.
All routes in the draft new bus network serve the city centre with the main point of interchange located in and around the vicinity of the Clock Tower. This will facilitate cross-city commuting, as will the introduction of new cross-city routes. Fares will be simplified in a way that will make interchange seamless. Customers will not have to pay extra to change between bus services within a 90-minute period. The new network report was prepared by Jarrett Walker & Associates, a US based firm which specialises in designing metropolitan public transport systems, in collaboration with the NTA, Waterford City and County Council and Bus Éireann.
What Happens Next?
With the public consultation complete, all submissions will now be reviewed by the NTA design team. Public feedback will help shape the Final New Network with the redesign being finalised in the coming months. The new network will then be rolled out from 2026.
To view the online map of the Draft New Network click on the link below.
Waterford draft New Network Map
The draft new Bus Network report, summary report, frequency table and maps are all available to download below.