TFI Local Link Galway is launching a new bus route which will improve connectivity between Tuam and Galway from 22nd of May 2023.
This new route is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland Network.
Route 438 will operate 3 return services a day, 7 days a week. The route will be serviced by an electric fully accessible vehicle which will deliver a cleaner, quieter and more comfortable journey for passengers.
The route from Galway to Tuam will offer enhanced connectivity to villages and areas such as Belclare, Caherlistrane, Headford, Aucloggeen, Cor an Dola, Eanach Dhúin, Cluain Bú, Baile an Dúlaigh and Mionlach.
It will also provide a new connection between Tuam and Headford, a new link from Cor an Dola into Galway City passing by Lough Corrib and will offer a peak-time service for commuters. The route will also improve connectivity to University Hospital Galway, the University of Galway (NUIG) and Galway Cathedral.
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan said: “Route 438 will connect several communities in East Galway with health, education and social services in Galway City. It is one of several routes in Galway being rolled out this year under the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which aims to significantly increase transport connectivity for people living in rural Ireland.
Nationally, we are delivering a new or enhanced bus route every week. This is the greatest investment in rural transport we have seen in decades, providing people with new, more frequent bus choices, and connecting communities to key services as well as onward national rail and bus transport.”
Anne Graham, CEO of the NTA said: “This is the second of five phases under the Connecting Ireland programme and it’s already proving a huge success. Last year 38 new and enhanced bus services were launched by Connecting Ireland, with 67 new and enhanced routes planned for 2023, which will offer greater connectivity between towns and villages across the country.
The new 438 service from Tuam to Galway will have a significant positive impact on the local community as it will improve access to essential hospital services, the University and other local amenities. The NTA is committed to further enhancing Connecting Ireland bus services across the country.”
Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Galway Manager, Joe Greally said: “This is a welcome addition to the TFI Local Link Galway network. We are very excited to be able to announce this vital service after many months of consultation and planning.
We are sure that this new service will enhance the lives of the travelling public and give a viable alternative to private transport within this region. TFI Local Link public transport services are an important component of daily life linking people with jobs, education, healthcare, shopping and recreation/tourist facilities. The design of a sustainable transport infrastructure has a fundamental impact on the health and wellbeing of people in the community.”
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For route information, call (091) 842 384 or visit www.locallinkgalway.ie
To learn more about the five year Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan visit: www.nationaltransport.ie/connecting-ireland/