Waterford’s International Rose of Tralee 2018 Kirsten Mate Maher launches €1 Leap Card Fare

  • Over 35% Growth in Customer Journeys on new improved bus network for Waterford City
  • Further improvements planned for the Waterford city bus network in 2019

Waterford’s International Rose of Tralee 2018 Kirsten Mate Maher launches €1 Leap Card Fare for Bus Éireann’s Waterford City ServicesWaterford Rose of Tralee and winner of the 2018 International Rose of Tralee, Kirsten Mate Maher, today launched a €1 Leap Card promotional single fare on Bus Éireann’s Waterford city services and Route 360 (Waterford-Tramore), commencing Sunday, 27 January until Saturday, 2 March 2019. All cash fares will remain the same. Bus Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA), recently introduced an enhanced Waterford city network which has, so far, resulted in an increase of customer numbers by over 35%.

Further improvements are also planned in Waterford for the first half of 2019, including:

  • The rollout of bus stop infrastructure (stop specific timetable information at all stops) 
  • Later night services to Tramore - Improved bus stop locations

There are 17 new state-of-the-art city buses on the city network, which are fully accessible and feature Transport for Ireland livery. The single-deck buses operate the five W1-W5 city routes and feature a bright, new interior design. The new buses also have comfortable seating, a dedicated wheelchair space, a separate designated child buggy space, priority seats, USB sockets, complimentary Wi-Fi, CCTV security cameras throughout, as well as journey information screens.

From 27 January, customers can travel on any of the five city routes and the Route 360 between Tramore and Waterford for only €1 on a single fare when using a Leap Card. Customers are guaranteed savings of up to 30% on cash fares by using their Leap Card throughout the year. For timetable information and service improvements see www.buseireann.ie/Waterford.

The 2018 International Rose of Tralee, Kirsten Mate Maher, said: “I’m delighted to be working with Bus Éireann on the promotion of their extended and enhanced Waterford city services. In my current role I’m on the move a lot and I travel with Bus Éireann a lot. Using public transport saves me time and energy, and it’s also better for the environment! It’s great to see that so many people are availing of the new services and I recommend anyone who hasn’t to check them out!.”The 2018 International Rose of Tralee, Kirsten Mate Maher, said: “I’m delighted to be working with Bus Éireann on the promotion of their extended and enhanced Waterford city services. In my current role I’m on the move a lot and I travel with Bus Éireann a lot. Using public transport saves me time and energy, and it’s also better for the environment! It’s great to see that so many people are availing of the new services and I recommend anyone who hasn’t to check them out!.”

Anne Graham, Chief Executive Officer, National Transport Authority (NTA) said: “The dramatic increase in passenger numbers that we have already seen in Waterford is an indication that when customers are presented with a service that is reliable and good value, they will shift to public transport.
“This is good news for the city and county of Waterford and for the environment, particularly at a time when the issue of climate change is in sharp focus.”

Speaking about the improved network and fleet changes, Michael Faherty, Bus Éireann Services Manager in Waterford said: “This major network enhancement in Waterford city has been a great success and we have seen a significant increase in passenger usage.
The promotional fare of €1 will be of great benefit to the people of Waterford city.”

All service enhancements on Routes W1 to W5 have been approved by the NTA. If you have any feedback in relation to the revised service offering, please forward your comments to customercare@buseireann.ie

Monday, 21st January, 2019