If the public transport was good enough, would you use it?

yer man!

Just wondering if Galway people would actually use a decent public transport system if it was actually available and would really encourage people to give up the car.

snubbleste

Galwegians already use public transport, you can actually see them on buses, waiting at bus stops etc.

death1234567

If there was a decent public transport system then of course people would use because of the fact that it is decent. If you build it they will come. If you have a half arsed, overpriced, poor service then people won't bother using it.

biko

Whenever I've lived in major cities like London I've always used the tube or buses.
Just made sense there.

HardyEustace

I think the success of the number 9 bus route is proof of that.

yer man!

snubbleste wrote: »

Galwegians already use public transport, you can actually see them on buses, waiting at bus stops etc.

Yes i know but i'm saying if Galway actually had a really good, on time fast service, would it encourage people not to enter the city in a car at all. At the moment the bus network is crap as most buses simply get caught in traffic, don't go everywhere you'd want them to and aren't reliable. I've seen how effective the park & ride system on the LUAS is in Dublin. In Galway it seems you can use the city bus service to get around the CITY but if you want to go OUTSIDE of that, where most people with cars live then you have to switch services to the inter city buses which are useless and pricey.

snubbleste

Oh you mean decent bus services in county galway?

there isn't the critical mass to justify a service to every little hamlet and ribbon development one-off houses developed as a result of irresponsible planning.

Zapho

Well, it would be really cool if we did get ourselves a Galway Luas - that is something I would definately use. I believe there was talk about it, but it eventually got scrapped, which is no harm really. Galway doesn't have a large enough population to make something like that viable.

But if the emphasis is just on getting cars out of the city centre, why not encourage cycling? The city is small enough - getting around on a bike is quick. I get into work a lot faster by cycling than I do when I drive.

Webbs

snubbleste wrote: »

Oh you mean decent bus services in county galway?

there isn't the critical mass to justify a service to every little hamlet and ribbon development one-off houses developed as a result of irresponsible planning.

What your talking about isn't what the OP meant by a decent bus service! Even the tube or bus service in london, doesnt service every housing development or street.

What is expected is a sensible service going from east to west without having to change buses. The service needs to be at frequent reasonable intervals (especially at rush hour) to incorporate places such as barna, oranmore, clarinbridge, claregalway, athenry and moycullen and going through areas where there are high concentrations of jobs.

I for one would love to get out of my car and use a reliable affordable public transport system, would be less stressful and save a bucket load of money

yer man!

snubbleste wrote: »

Oh you mean decent bus services in county galway?

there isn't the critical mass to justify a service to every little hamlet and ribbon development one-off houses developed as a result of irresponsible planning.

Well not exactly to county Galway. What I'm trying to say is a city transport network should facilitate surrounding suburbs, where most people have cars. Or even proper cheap park & ride systems.

yer man!

Zapho wrote: »

I get into work a lot faster by cycling than I do when I drive.

I plan to do the same if the Oranmore station would get a move on as you'll be allowed bring a bike onto the train.

Diabhal Beag

Buses are ridiculous as soon as you go past Knocknacarra. No buses into town after half 5. If we had a good service I wouldn't need a car.

Cheshire Cat

I would LOVE decent public transport. Lived in Berlin for 10 years and hardly ever used the car there, apart from a big food shop every fortnight and seeing friends in places outside Berlin that weren't reachable by public transport.
I was a lot more relaxed then - having to cope with Galway traffic is not good for my sanity

CC

The Jolly Green Giant

For a bustling city like Galway there really ought to be a more reliable bus service. Sure there are buses, but they're very unreliable.
The people of Galway deserve better! They should have 'nipper' buses through all the major routes to the city that come every 15 mins. There are minor routes in Dublin which are served better than Galway. It's not really fair to all the people who would gladly ditch their cars and hop on a local and reliable bus.

celty

Yer Man!

Your question doesn't really cover people like me, as I cycle to work even though I have a car. I leave it at home unless it is really wet and windy in the mornings, which is surprisingly rare I have found over the past few years.

I zoom past a host of cars at 9 am and, like a previous poster, it is actually quicker for me than taking the car. And healthier! Plus, i don't have to worry about paying to park my car every day.

I also lived in London and used buses and tubes there. You could just go along to the bus-stop and know there would be one in 5-10 mins. Here, I've sometimes spent 35 mins waiting in the past and just given up in frustration.

So I guess my number one choice is to cycle (I know a lot of you guys don't live within cycling distance) and two is to use the car. I can't get over the numbers of cars in which there is just one person sitting in a traffic jam every morning. I probably would use a bus from time to time, but the service would want to be radically better!

WesternNight

I already use public transport. Would continue to use it if the service was better.

TheCosmicFrog

Zapho wrote: »

But if the emphasis is just on getting cars out of the city centre, why not encourage cycling? The city is small enough - getting around on a bike is quick. I get into work a lot faster by cycling than I do when I drive.

Cycling should (and is to a certain extent) be promoted. However cycling is not ideal. One obvious problem is the weather. It rains quite regularly in Galway, and people don't like cycling when it's raining. Carrying around a set of waterproof pants and a rainjacket also isn't very convenient for most. Another issue is providing public transport for people with disabilities. Automotive public transport in the form of "dipping" buses and trams is likely the only viable option for those in wheelchairs.

Mrs OBumble

Webbs wrote: »

What is expected is a sensible service going from east to west without having to change buses. The service needs to be at frequent reasonable intervals (especially at rush hour) to incorporate places such as barna, oranmore, clarinbridge, claregalway, athenry and moycullen and going through areas where there are high concentrations of jobs.

The question is, which bits of the east do you link with which bits of the west? Some of the current pairings (Rahoon and Ballybane) seem to work quite well. But others don't make much sense (eg Knocknacarra with Renmore), and as you say links to the employment centres would be sooo much smarter (Knocknacarra to Parkmore, perchance?)

Either way, Bus Éireann's plans to improve the services in the city apparently involve scrapping through routes (so everyone has to change in the middle to make a cross-city trip) and reductions to service frequency (because the new single-side-of-the-city routes will be so much better that they can get by with less services). Go figure.

Malice

I think the answer to the poll question is a bit obvious to be honest. Of course people would use public transport if it was available.

McTigs

celty wrote: »

I leave it at home unless it is really wet and windy in the mornings, which is surprisingly rare I have found over the past few years.

This

It really doesn't rain that much and you know the morning you leave whether it's a day for rain gear or not, no need to lug it araound al the time.

I live in lower salthill and work in liosban. 10-15 mins there and 10-15 mins back. When i look at the traffic jams why anyone would choose to drive it baffles me.

To be honest though i think a lot people driving to work just drive out of habit and haven't really investigated alternatives ie. cycle, bus, car share etc and these are the very same people i hear complaining about traffic jams and petrol prices... you make your own choices i guess.

Theres 5 people on the poll who said they'd carry on with the car even with a better service, again their choice, but in this country there is still a huge snobby attitude to taking public transport. or cycling bike for that matter

Webbs

JustMary wrote: »

The question is, which bits of the east do you link with which bits of the west? Some of the current pairings (Rahoon and Ballybane) seem to work quite well. But others don't make much sense (eg Knocknacarra with Renmore), and as you say links to the employment centres would be sooo much smarter (Knocknacarra to Parkmore, perchance?)

Either way, Bus Éireann's plans to improve the services in the city apparently involve scrapping through routes (so everyone has to change in the middle to make a cross-city trip) and reductions to service frequency (because the new single-side-of-the-city routes will be so much better that they can get by with less services). Go figure.

Services that went Athenry, Oranmore, Renmore, and through to town (taking in some of the business parks) up to the university/hospital and on to Barna say via Knocknacarra at rush hour and say from Oranmore or Renmore at other times (with a park and ride facility?).

This sort of service on a 15min interval would be a good start, as would one ticket fits all , in other words a single card that allows you to use all public transport (buses and trains if needed).

The Bus Eireann plan sounds like typical nonsense from that company

celty

On a day like today, it was so nice to cycle in to work ... and to zoom past all the cars stuck in the daily traffic jam. (Mind you, it was a bit lighter than usual due to the schools being on hols!).

celty

I agree completely with McTigs that there is a 'snobby attitude' in Galway to taking public transport or cycling. I'm amazed by all the people who work in the city centre, live in Rahoon, Salthill, or Knocknacarra, and drive to work each day.

They always drone on about the traffic and the need for the bypass, when they don't see themselves as part of the solution . . . THEY DON'T NEED A CAR TO TRAVEL TEN MINUTES TO AN OFFICE FROM 9 TO FIVE, and the walk, cycle, or even walk to the bus, might just do them a bit of good in these times of obesity!

c_man

I'm learning to drive right now after having to rely on the complete shoddiness of the public transport system for the past two years.

antoobrien

celty wrote: »

I agree completely with McTigs that there is a 'snobby attitude' in Galway to taking public transport or cycling. I'm amazed by all the people who work in the city centre, live in Rahoon, Salthill, or Knocknacarra, and drive to work each day.

The snobby attitude isn't just in Galway, you'd want to hear some of the people that work with me in Dublin - you'd swear it's possible to become a skanger if you use PT the way they go on. However for the examples you have given a lot of the bus services in those areas are poor.

celty wrote: »

They always drone on about the traffic and the need for the bypass, when they don't see themselves as part of the solution . . . THEY DON'T NEED A CAR TO TRAVEL TEN MINUTES TO AN OFFICE FROM 9 TO FIVE, and the walk, cycle, or even walk to the bus, might just do them a bit of good in these times of obesity!

The need for a bypass isn't caused by traffic originating within the city, it's the (still) considerable amount of cars that come in from the county (and south Mayo & north Clare). After the 2006 census there was a traffic usage study (attached) published which deals exclusively with those living in the city.

There were only 18,000 cars being used to get to and from work in town. To put that in context over 20,000 vehicles use Claregalway every day, the traffic using the motorway (over 16,000 @ Glennascaul) and the Headford, Monivea, & Old Dublin Roads, for which there are no (publicly) available figures but there is a significant volume of traffic that use these roads daily.

When you start looking at where the traffic comes from, and where it is going to the need for the bypass becomes blatantly obvious.

For the record, when I'm in Galway I use the #9 bus going into town, when it suits (which is maybe 20% of the time, despite it being available every 15 minutes for most of the week).

antoobrien

TheCosmicFrog wrote: »

One obvious problem is the weather. It rains quite regularly in Galway, and people don't like cycling when it's raining. Carrying around a set of waterproof pants and a rainjacket also isn't very convenient for most.

I have to disagree with you there: I cycled to the university from the east of the city (about 6 miles each way- 20-25 mins) for 5 years (and still do cycle to work in Dublin) - it doesn't rain nearly as often as people think. All it takes is a little planning and if you are cycling regularly you'll usually have a bag to carry stuff with you (notes, laptop, lunch, change of clothes, a sense of dignity for those unfortunates that shouldn't really be wearing lycra in public, and of course makeup for the ladies) - so rain gear, especially the packable products that are available now, isn't exactly a massive inconvenience.

What would put me off cycling is seeing some big hairy dude cycling along in lycra :eek:

celty

Anto,

Can't say I disagree with you, as people in Tuam or North Mayo have no options. In the west side of the city where I live though, people are just lazy and would rather sit in their car, pay a fortune for parking, than get a bus or, better still, cycle to work each day.

When I'm stuck at a red light on my bicycle, I sometimes count the number of cars going by which have just one person in them. It's pretty incredible.

Even my own work-mates tell me 'it's a lovely day for cycling' but they'd never dream of leaving the car at home themselves. People outside the city have a really good excuse, because the public transport is so crap, those of us in the city with short journeys don't.

antoobrien

celty

In fairness there is a perceived safety element to it as well. My sister works in Knocknacara and when I asked her about cycling, apart from the distance (I think it's something like 8 miles for her) her main gripe was: "You'd want to have a death wish to cycle along some of those roads, on the rest you merely need to be insane."

McTigs

antoobrien wrote: »

celty

In fairness there is a perceived safety element to it as well. My sister works in Knocknacara and when I asked her about cycling, apart from the distance (I think it's something like 8 miles for her) her main gripe was: "You'd want to have a death wish to cycle along some of those roads, on the rest you merely need to be insane."

I only ever hear how dangerous cycling is from people who don't cycle.

I grew up in barna and from 12 i was cycling in and out to the jes. After that i was cycling to and from the GMIT. I've more or less since been living in town and cycling to work, albeit a shorter distances but about 2 miles through town each morning and evening.

I reckon i've cycled over 30,000 miles of these "death wish" roads and i've only ever had one accident.... which was entirely my own fault.

WesternNight

You guys must be hanging with the wrong crowds...I don't think I've ever experienced snobby attitudes towards public transport, not in Galway at least.

snubbleste

WesternNight wrote: »

You guys must be hanging with the wrong crowds...I don't think I've ever experienced snobby attitudes towards public transport, not in Galway at least.

Are you hearing/visually impaired?..

WesternNight

snubbleste wrote: »

Are you hearing/visually impaired?..

Nope. But thanks for asking.

snubbleste

WesternNight wrote: »

Nope. But thanks for asking.

I care
I know people who would'nt even consider a bus even though they live on a bus route and it brings them close to work..They 'need' to navigate in their single-occupied car. I'll make a note to ask them the cost of a bus ticket next time to see if they know.

celty

Back in the 1980s a band from Cork called Microdisney had a song called 'Only Losers Take the Bus'.

Sums up the snobbery towards public transport in Ireland!

Caliden

If the park and ride operated all year round and had a bus going in to the college I would definitely consider it depending on the frequency of the buses.

Madame Razz

Judging by the traffic(or lack thereof) the past few days, they really should look at making all school children bus/cycle/walk to school. It would really alleviate congestion in the city.

As regards myself and PT, I'd have no issue using it, if it was a reliable service. Sadly the service on the two routes available to me is farcical so I have up trying a long time ago. Now I either walk or taxi/drive it. Unfortunately it isn't possible for me to cycle, for reasons I won't post on the Internet, but I say fair play to those who do.

philbo

I live less than 100 yards on the outskirts from the sign for Galway City. I'd have to walk a good half hour to get anywhere near a bus service, let alone have it be regular!

I tend to cycle most places, though I find the biggest issue is lack of safe places to leave a bike in town. While there's plenty of rails provided, the amount of times I've seen people deciding to jump up and down on a bike locked on the street "for the craic" while pissed is shocking.

You'd think with the amount of buildings laying empty around town someone would think of opening it up as a bike park. Would be as simple as a 1 euro a day, come and go often as you like payment, where you're sure of a dry, safe place to leave the bike, and I reckon the numbers of folks cycling would improve drastically.

doubleglaze

I'd only use it if I were travelling light, which I don't often do.

I wouldn't use it in the lashing rain either!

bubbaloo

I am a Dub, living in Galway. I didn't learn to drive until I was 27 because I never had to!
I live out towards Loughrea and work in the city. I often think I would use the train to/from Athenry or Craughwell if the timetable was better.
If someone misses the 6pm train to Athenry the next one is not until 10pm !!!
And don't start me on missing the Craughwell train at 5.25pm and getting the 6pm to Athenry - but my car is at the station in Craughwell!!
Whoever came up with this scenario in Irish Rail needs a lesson in logistics!
My husband often sees the Craughwell train, which only started last year, and says there is never anyone on it!

Iwannahurl

Public transport in this country is not great, but I use it anyway.

If it was better, I would use it more.

Mrs OBumble

celty wrote: »

Back in the 1980s a band from Cork called Microdisney had a song called 'Only Losers Take the Bus'.

Sums up the snobbery towards public transport in Ireland!

It's not only Ireland: apparently there's a quote from Margaret Thatcher along the lines of "if you're still taking the bus when you're 30, it's a clear sign that you haven't made it in life". And another similar from Lisa Simpson. (No, I don't have refs for either, and can't be bothered googling them).

But I have met a higher-than-average proportion of people here who think I'm strange (at best) or totally made (worst) because I don't own a car.

Personally, I think it's only sensible. I never have to worry about parking, and many trips are quick because of the bus lanes. When there's well paying work around, I rent a car every 2nd or 3rd weekend, when there's not, I don't. No insurance, depreciation, NCT or tax worries either.

Iwannahurl

Or shock at the price of petrol.

I couldn't believe the €1.55/litre I was expected to pay today. No option but to cough up in the circumstances, but it reminded me that unnecessary use of the car is a fool's game these days.

what_traffic

I cant vote in this poll, but would stay cycling regardless of the public transport provision in the city. Cycling would still be faster, cheaper and will always be far more reliable to judge time it will take to arrive @ destinations.

Iwannahurl

That's a good point about cycling being very reliable in terms of commuting time.

I wonder whether this advantage would make a good selling point for the purposes of marketing cycle commuting in Galway?

snubbleste

Iwannahurl wrote: »

That's a good point about cycling being very reliable in terms of commuting time.
I wonder whether this advantage would make a good selling point for the purposes of marketing cycle commuting in Galway?

There are visible council signs up already at junctions throughout Galway for a few years now. 'It takes 15 minutes to get to Liosbán from here by bicycle' also the cycling group(s) have erected signs targeted at those more endowed to 'Burn fat not oil'

celty

In the last six weeks of cycling to work, I've got wet twice ... the second time was on the way home yesterday when they got the forecast well wrong!

My point is that it really doesn't seem to rain as much in Galway as we all believe, or else we've just been lucky to avoid constant drizzle for the last few months.

As raingear, I carry a mini-rucksack with a reflector thingy for the winter nights and waterproof pull-up pants, which I only use on the very wet days.

It's a lot better than sitting in traffic, burning expensive petrol, or waiting for a bus that may or may not arrive on time.

what_traffic

snubbleste wrote: »

There are visible council signs up already at junctions throughout Galway for a few years now.

They are NOT "council signs" - those signs have been put in place by the Galway Cycling Campaign with permission from the city council. The traffic signs are public property. The funding for the signs themselves came from Western Health Board/HSE.

snubbleste

what_traffic wrote: »

They are NOT "council signs" - those signs have been put in place by the Galway Cycling Campaign with permission from the city council. The traffic signs are public property. The funding for the signs themselves came from Western Health Board/HSE.

I stand corrected. They are erected because the Council not only endorse the signs being placed at junctions but also what message the signs portray.

what_traffic

celty wrote: »

In the last six weeks of cycling to work, I've got wet twice ... the second time was on the way home yesterday when they got the forecast well wrong!

Excellent point and not everybody who cycled to work yesterday would even have got caught in that shower. I managed to avoid it as I was working late. A useful tool to try and predict rainfall for your commute is www.met.ie -> rainfall radar (however its not easy to predict thundershower rainfall - compared to the usual rainfall we get from the south-west that we normally get in Galway). I work flexi time and can leave early or else stay an extra hour or two to avoid the heavy showers. I know that wont suit most - but it does make the cycling commuting a lot easier.

buzz55

If they put more cycle lanes in around the city, I would be a lot more likely to cycle. I've seen quite a few bicycle accidents around the city over the last few years and it puts me off getting out the bike.
Then again, maybe I'm just chicken

Mrs OBumble

celty wrote: »

or else we've just been lucky to avoid constant drizzle for the last few months.

It's only my 4th spring/summer here, but compared to the last three this one does seem extremely dry.

I wonder if we'll have water shortages in the height of summer.