Cork

New Bus Network for Cork Metropolitan Area

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has launched its new design for the Cork Metropolitan Bus Network. The new network, part of BusConnects Cork, is intended to transform the public transport network across the Cork Metropolitan Area. The new network will involve the creation of new bus routes and improved bus frequencies to help transform the public transport network to meet anticipated growth and future demand in the region.

To view the Cork New Network use the online map at the link below.
Cork New Network Map

The key benefits of the new network include:

  • An overall increase of 53% in bus services in Cork;
  • Two 24-hour bus services –
    • Route 1 running east-west: Ovens/Ballincollig to City Centre to Mahon;
    • Route 3A running north-south: Carrigaline to City Centre to Hollyhill;
  • Seven all-day high frequency bus routes (services running every 15 minutes or better) more during peak periods;
  • Provision of bus services to previously unserved areas such as Upper Glanmire, Waterfall, Kerry Pike;
  • Shorter waits and more direct routes for many people;
  • A simpler network and schedules; and
  • Additional services at weekends.

The New Bus Network report, local area maps, summary report, frequency table and public input appendix are all available to download below.

 

Sustainable Transport Corridors Report April 2022

The BusConnects Cork – Sustainable Transport Corridors Report 2022, was published in April 2022 and is available to download below, marked the beginning of the NTA’s engagement on the necessary infrastructure to support the BusConnects objectives in Cork. There are 12 sustainable transport corridors proposed, each designed with the aim of making the bus system operate more efficiently and to encourage more people to cycle by enhancing infrastructure.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) unveiled a €600m investment in BusConnects Cork which will include the creation of new Sustainable Transport Corridors (STC) to help meet the needs of a growing city while accelerating the journey to a net-zero future.

The new investment comes as the NTA published the BusConnects Cork Sustainable Transport Corridors Report. The report sets out the NTA’s principles and initial thinking on how the Sustainable Transport Corridors (STC) will significantly improve bus journey times and increase the number of people walking and cycling into the city.

The proposals, if implemented, will feature:

  • 54kms of new cycling and walking infrastructure as well as 75kms of new dedicated bus lanes across twelve sustainable transport corridors to the north, south and west of Cork city.
  • Bus journey time will be cut in half across most of the twelve proposed corridors.

The Sustainable Transport Corridors initiative is one of the nine key elements of BusConnects Cork that will transform the city’s bus system, making public transport more accessible to more people. These include redesigning the network of bus routes in the city, transitioning to a zero-emissions bus fleet, rolling out a new bus livery and implementing a new modern ticketing system.

The proposed sustainable transport corridors are fundamental to realising the ambition of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy, developed in connection with Cork City Council and Cork County Council, to increase the number of people using public transport in Cork four fold by 2040 and expand the numbers cycling and walking by 33%.

A more detailed set of proposals will be published for an initial public consultation during June 2022. This will included extensive public engagement and allow people to provide their feedback, insights and local knowledge regarding the proposals. A series of Community Forums will be established to fully engage people and groups at a local level for each corridor and surrounding areas, as plans for the project are developed, designed and progressed. Further details regarding the Community Forums will be announced in June 2022.

The 12 proposed Sustainable Transport Corridors

The 12 proposed corridors in the STC system are shown in the map below: A. Dunkettle to City; B. Mayfield to City; C. Blackpool to City; D. Hollyhill to City; E. Ballincollig to City; F. Bishopstown to City; G. Togher to City; H. Airport Road to City; I. Maryborough Hill to City; J. Mahon to City; K. Kinsale Road to Douglas and L. Sunday’s Well to Hollyhill.

Public Consultation on the Draft New Bus Network November & December 2021

BusConnects Cork is the National Transport Authority’s plan to improve Bus Services throughout the city and suburbs. An initial consultation was held in July 2021 and responses helped shape the Draft New Network for the Metropolitan Area, part of the Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS).

A second public consultation on the Draft New Network then took place from the 2nd of November to the 17th of December 2021. BusConnects welcomed feedback from the public on the Draft New Network via an online feedback form and email submissions. An analysis of this feedback is now underway and this will inform the publication of a Final New Bus Network later this year.

The New Network will include benefits like; an increase of over one third in bus services in Cork; a new frequent network that paves the way for Luas; shorter waits and more direct routes and additional services at weekends.

The local area booklets from the Draft New Network Consultation and the interactive network map below, provide details of the proposed bus routes in your area and where they will connect to. Also available to download is the full Draft Network Report.

Reports:

Local Area Booklets:

Maps:

Map of Cork split into 7 local areas
View interactive Network Map of draft network

Bus Network Redesign Choices Report – Public Consultation July 2021

An initial round of public consultation for the Cork Bus Network Redesign took place in July 2021.  This initial consultation was on a “Choices Report” (which can be downloaded below), seeking feedback from the public on certain choices about the future Cork bus network.

Documents from the Consultation:

Videos from the Consultation – why the draft new network is so very different:

The full Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy unveiled in early 2020 is available at this link