Private bus branded as "TFI"

L1011

I noticed today a Bernard Kavanagh coach branded as "TFI 817" n the rear and sides - only Kavanagh logo was near the door.

This appears to be a route to replace the inter-town element of the Bus Eireann services that now use the M9; although I can't find a reference other than the number in an NTA/TFI data dump and the side of the bus itself. I would have assumed it might be a PSO route but its not on the list of such - only the state operators and M&A are.

Is this some random decision by Kavanaghs, or is it some future branding by TFI?

edit: had thought it was 871, its 817 and there is some info online; seems to be a J/V for a PSO route with Bus Eireann. Branding is still unusual to say the least.

LXFlyer

The 817 is a PSO route split between BE and Bernard Kavanagh.

BE operate a Naas-Castlecomer service in the morning and return in the afternoon with a connection at Naas from and to Dublin.

Bernard Kavanagh operates a Kilkenny-Dublin service in the morning and return in the evening.

It is a replacement for Expressway route 7 which previously served Athy and Castlecomer.

The timetables can be found under the "Find a timetable" link on the National Journey Planner website (separate files).

There are several other PSO routes operated by private operators, and rural transport schemes.

L1011

The NTA PSO page only has M&A (other than the state operators) for the main routes; was aware that rural transport isn't listed there though as the few times a week bus back home has never appeared despite operating for years and even appearing on the journey planner if you get the right day - but this would suggest some sloppiness on the NTAs part

Still doesn't explain the rather odd branding. The TFI logos are huge on it.

LXFlyer

Aside from the 871 and a large range of Local Link (Rural Transport Schemes) routes around the country (some of which operate several times daily), there are the following PSO services:

Whartons - Route 975 from Cavan to Longford (via Arva)

M & A - Route 828 from Portlaoise to Cashel

Donnelly's Pioneer Bus - Route 843 from Granard to Longford (via Ballinalee)

The latter route was taken over by the NTA in September when Donnellys announced they were cancelling it due to losses, and the 975 has been run by the NTA since 2014 when it faced similar circumstances.

The 975 was retendered in September:
https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/announcement-route-975-cavan-longford-public-bus-service/

L1011

Still doesn't explain why they decided to brand it as if TFI/NTA were running the service - either off their own bat or the NTA decision. Either one is interesting but the latter one would have a huge impact.

devnull

TFI are subcontracting the service just like they do with Bus Eireann and Dublin Bus.