Cork City Buses Launch 90-Minute Free Transfers Starting Next Month

UPDATE: Cork City’s bus network is set to roll out a 90-minute free transfer Leap fare starting next month, a significant move aimed at improving public transport accessibility. Passengers will enjoy free transfers between buses for multi-leg journeys, enhancing convenience for daily commuters.

This new fare structure, confirmed by the National Transport Authority (NTA), will be introduced in three phases. Initially, the flat 90-minute Leap card fare will apply only to Cork City bus services. The first phase is expected to begin in November 2023. Following this, the second phase will launch later this year, incorporating a flat fare for both bus and rail services between Kent Station, Little Island, and Glounthane.

However, the introduction of a new ‘tap-on tap-off’ payment system has been delayed due to technical issues, creating uncertainty among passengers who were looking forward to faster boarding processes. The NTA’s fare policy changes are part of the broader BusConnects project, designed to modernize and enhance public transport across Cork.

Green Party Councillor Oliver Moran emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, “They’ll make a real difference to passengers and services here and now.” He added that these fare adjustments are the first tangible steps of the overall BusConnects program, aiming to attract more users to public transport in the coming years.

The third phase, projected for next year, will introduce distance-based commuter bus fares in the new Cork Commuter Zone, which extends 30 km from the city center. This zone will connect additional commuter train stations, including Midleton and Mallow, enhancing access for residents in surrounding areas such as Fermoy, Bandon, and Kinsale.

Despite the delays in the tap-on tap-off system, Councillor Moran believes its eventual implementation will significantly reduce queuing times at busy stops like St Patrick’s Street and Kent Station, ultimately contributing to faster journeys.

The urgency of these changes cannot be overstated as Cork prepares for a more integrated public transport system that aims to encourage higher ridership. As preparations for these fare changes unfold, residents and commuters are urged to stay informed about the latest developments that will directly impact their daily travel.

This transformative approach to public transport is essential as Cork anticipates a shift in commuting patterns, preparing for high-frequency services and further integration of different transport modes over the next decade.

Stay tuned for more updates as the NTA finalizes the launch details of this groundbreaking initiative.