Claregalway QBC facilitates improved bus frequency

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From this week's Tuam Herald (link will only work for this week).

Tuam Herald wrote:

BUS services between Galway Tuam are set to become more frequent than ever following the opening of phase two of the Quality Bus Corridor at Claregalway which was hailed this week as a success by commuters and bus companies alike.

The litmus test for the new section of the corridor, on the Tuam side of Claregalway, was on Monday when all the school traffic returned after the Easter break and the buses were still able to shorten the journey time between North Galway and the city.

“It means on average a saving of at least 20 minutes in the morning for commuters travelling to Galway on the N17 from Tuam and North Galway using local bus services,” says Pat Burke of Burkes Coaches.

He added that if additional services on the route, which his company have applied for, are granted, the corridor will be the catalyst for hourly services between Tuam and the city.

“We already have services at 15 to 20 minute intervals during peak time and the aim now is for hourly services during off-peak times.

“We are more than half-way towards achieving this and the completion of this section of the bus corridor is a big help,” he added

Pat Burke has complimented Galway County Council for investing in this important piece of infrastructure at Claregalway. He says he hopes it is the first of many such initiatives to provide better access for public transport.

“Burkes Coaches would like to thank all the local representatives for their support and in particular wish to acknowledge the efforts of Cllr Sean Canney who promoted the Quality Bus Corridor project and ensured that all stages were progressed during his term as mayor of the county.

In a separate statement Cllr Canny also welcomed the opening of the bus corridor. “It is a fine example of how Galway County Council can get works completed when they are given the necessary financial resources,” says Cllr Canney.

He added that the next issue to be tackled is the traffic on the N17 approaching Tuam.

“There is traffic congestion each evening and even the proper sequencing of the lights in Tuam would improve the situation.”

He also says that getting the by-pass constructed is the proper solution for Tuam’s traffic problems.

Pat Burke has also called for something to be done about the sequencing of traffic lights in Tuam.

“Five months ago town manager Frank Gilmore admitted that the traffic lights on the N17 in Tuam were not performing as effectively or as efficiently as they should be.

“He announced that the signals would be linked to make them more effective but nothing has happened to date,” says Pat
Burke.

He added that public transport companies have lost a considerable number of passengers over the years due to the traffic gridlock in Claregalway and they now hope to recover lost ground.

“However the benefit of the bus lane is negated by what is happening both in Tuam and Galway city where delays of between 30 and 40 minutes are common on a daily basis.

“The City Council should make innovative use of the existing cross-section width to provide better access for public transport on roads leading into and out of the city,” he added

Pat Burke says that Government policy is to promote public transport thus reducing CO2 emissions. He says everyone agrees that the provision of dedicated bus lanes is one of the most important measures in achieving a modal shift from the car to public transport.

This would reduce the level of traffic on the roads, reduce emission levels and dependence on fossil fuels.

Anticipating the opening of the bus lanes his company applied over six months ago to the Department of Transport to put on additional services.

“All our services are operated on a commercial basis as will the additional ones if we get permission.

“These services are operated at no cost to the taxpayer as we receive no state subsidy. Neither are our vehicles supplied free under Transport 21,” he added.

Burkes Coaches have adequate capacity to cope with the increased demand and he says the additional services if granted, will further enhance the attractiveness of using a regular, reliable service at an affordable price.

The Burke family and staff have provided the people of Tuam and surrounding areas with bus services for over 30 years.

Pat Burke added that another bonus for commuters is the Park and Ride facility available at Tuam Cathedral at €2 per day.

“We have a brilliant ready made park and ride facility available in the town at an affordable price. In these harsh economic times it’s great that there is no need to spend money building such a facility,” he concluded.