Back #InTheDrivingSeat with the launch of low-floor accessible buses from Donegal to Sligo

Back #InTheDrivingSeat with the launch of low-floor accessible buses from Donegal to Sligo

Student & commuter Vicky Matthew launch our new accessible Route 480 service with NTA CEO, Anne Graham & Bus Éireann Chief Customer Officer, Allen Parker

Today Bus Éireann, in conjunction with the National Transport Authority (NTA) launched two low-entry accessible vehicles on the Route 480 between Ballyshannon and Sligo service with a further 36 accessible vehicles being deployed on Public Services Obligation (PSO) services in Sligo, Mayo, Galway and Clare by the end of this year.

In addition to these two vehicles, 5 state-of-the-art buses were delivered to Sligo earlier this year to operate on the S1 and S2 routes in Sligo town bringing the overall investment in Sligo to almost €2 million this year.

  • All vehicles are fully accessible, feature Transport for Ireland livery
  • All have the latest Euro VI emissions certification
  • On-board monitor screens display passenger information, including estimated time of arrival at next stop
  • Bright new interior design with comfortable seating that includes priority seats and a dedicated wheelchair space
  • USB sockets, complimentary Wi-Fi and cameras throughout with CCTV security

This investment follows a successful 2018 where customer journeys and customers satisfaction increased by over 6%. In Sligo alone, customer journeys increased by 7.6% in 2018 and this growth has continued in 2019.

The roll-out of Leap Cards commenced on Sligo town services in 2018 and the usage of these cards has grown from 6% to 14% of all trips. Leap cards allow customers to choose adult, student or child Leap fares for better value including savings of up to 30% making it more convenient travelling and no need for cash on-board. Leap Card fares are now available on all PSO routes in the Sligo area with more information available on www.buseireann.ie and www.leapcard.ie.

Bus Éireann continue to strive for equal access to all public transport services for people with disabilities and with the support of the NTA we are currently upgrading bus stops in both Ballyshannon and Sligo Bus station to make them accessible.

Chief Customer Officer Bus Éireann, Allen Parker said: “We are delighted to be the launch customer for this innovative low entry fully accessible coach in conjunction with the National Transport Authority. We will be rolling out this vehicle type across PSO services on the Western Seaboard initially, which is great news for all our customers, including wheelchair users who depend on our services across the West Coast of Ireland”.

Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority, Anne Graham said: “The coach we are launching today highlights NTA’s commitment to improving accessibility across the national bus network so that wheelchair users like Vicky can avail of better public transport services. The coach is a ground-breaking design that was developed by the NTA in conjunction with Bus Éireann and it points the way for future investment in bus fleet.”

Disability campaigner Vicky Matthew said: “I have been pushing for greater wheelchair accessibility on public transport across rural Ireland and I am delighted with the improvement for Sligo on the Route 480 service.”

To find out more about Sligo buses services, visit www.buseireann.ie

Friday, 6th September, 2019