Cork Buses Get Leap Card Readers As Key Route Returns to 15 Minutes

The 220 bus in Cork will run more often. Buses should come every 15 minutes, and this service should begin by early May. Buses across Cork will get Leap card readers, which will help people get on quickly.

Joe Lynch and Thomas Gould spoke with Bus Éireann and Cork’s management team. The 220 route will go back to normal, and Leap card readers will also be installed.

Management said they fixed the driver shortage, which caused bus cuts in Cork last October. The 220 route was affected by these cuts. Data from July 2024 showed problems; many 220 buses were late.

Bus Éireann said routes would improve in January and that they did a good job hiring drivers. The 220 bus service will be normal in May.

Joe Lynch said they met with management to discuss bus service problems in Cork. The 220 route was a key concern, and the meeting happened at Capwell Depot.

Officials received assurances about several things, including the 220 bus running every 15 minutes, starting in late April or early May.

Bus Éireann plans to make the 220 more reliable by introducing specific measures. Leap card readers will be installed on buses, similar to Dublin buses’ system, to speed up boarding times.

Bus Éireann claims they fixed the driver shortage problem and now have enough drivers. Council members plan to monitor Bus Éireann to ensure the best service for everyone.

Some worry bus drivers might quit routes due to concerns about bad behavior, with some incidents even being violent. Dermot O’Leary, with the NBRU, said Route 203 might see service cuts.

Bad behavior has increased lately; drivers face abuse, threats, and harassment. A small group of young people may be responsible.