Cork’s bus service is worse than expected. Routes are unreliable, buses vanish, and data reveals service cuts worsen delays.
The number 201 bus had many problems. This route serves Cork University Hospital. Thousands of staff use it to get to work. It was late most often. The 213 bus was like a ghost.
It often didn’t show up at all. Nearly half of Cork’s buses ran late. One in five buses vanished near Christmas. A politician, Thomas Gould, shared new data.
Bus Eireann cut services. This was supposed to help. One in ten buses still didn’t appear. In the last weeks of 2024, things worsened.
Shops needed Christmas shoppers. One in five buses just skipped their routes. Gould met with Bus Eireann leaders. They said things had improved.
He didn’t think so. His data showed the opposite was true. The politician said Cork is getting bad buses. He feels staff morale is low.
He thinks leaders treat people badly. Drivers have hard jobs with no support. He wants the Transport Minister to help now. They tried cutting the schedule.
The bus mess only worsened. He wants timetables fixed and better pay for drivers. He thinks Bus Eireann folks don’t get it. Buses impact real lives. People miss doctor visits or lose money.
Bus Eireann said they have staff shortages. They also blamed traffic. They said cars block lanes and stops. Parking badly makes things worse.