Record breaking customer journeys in 2019 on Waterford city services

Waterford City Fleet

Customer growth on Waterford city services up by 72% in 2019

  • One year since the new Waterford city network was introduced
  • Customer journeys up by 72% in 2019
  • Additional 25 new jobs created in Waterford since 2018
  • Over 230 people now employed in Bus Éireann Waterford.

2019 has been a landmark year for Bus Éireann with a massive 72% increase in Customer journeys on the Waterford city network this year, according to preliminary figures released today. The total number of passenger journeys undertaken in Waterford city in the last 12 months has increased following the introduction of a greatly enhanced City network in December 2018. These services are all operated under contract to the National Transport Authority (NTA).

The revised network (Routes W1 – W5) provides for up to 275 trips every day in Waterford city with services now operating between 06:20 and 23.30. Service reliability across the network is continuously monitored by service supervisors in the control office in Waterford to ensure a punctual and reliable service for our customers. The trips are operated across the five city routes and are delivered by a fleet of 17 state-of-the-art buses which feature a bright interior design, 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.

Since 2018, an additional 25 jobs have been created with over 230 people now employed by Bus Éireann in Waterford. These new positions include drivers, supervisors and support staff.

Bus Éireann makes a significant contribution to the local economy every year, via payroll and procurement of goods and services.

It’s exactly one year since the massively enhanced City network was introduced and Bus Éireann’s Services Manager in Waterford Mick Faherty said the company was very proud of the huge uptake in passenger demand since its introduction. He said: “We have worked hard with the National Transport Authority (NTA) to continually improve the service offering for our customers with enhanced timetables, state-of-the-art fleet and bus stop specific information. The fact that customer journeys on the Waterford city network have increased by 72% this year shows we are reaping the rewards of the investment. With customers now guaranteed a reliable, comfortable and value for money service we expect customer demand to continue to grow in 2020.”

Customer usage on other services in Waterford also performed strongly in 2019, aided by Route 360 which is now operated by high capacity double deck buses and an increased frequency during the peak summer months.”

If you are travelling during the festive season, check out our Christmas travel arrangements at www.buseireann.ie.

Tuesday, 10th December, 2019