Chapter 4 I Transport and Mobility
4.48 The enhanced BusConnects network will comprise of a significantly increased bus network, bus priority routes and around 220 new double decker vehicles. The BusConnects programme represents an opportunity to overhaul the public bus service across Cork. This process has commenced, and the NTA has commissioned the redesign of the bus network. It will involve improvements on the core corridors and the provision of additional park and ride facilities. In addition to these infrastructural improvements, BusConnects will involve continued operational improvements, such as improvements in relation to ticketing, real-time information and passenger facilities, all of which are designed to improve the reliability and frequency of the service, thereby enhancing the appeal of public transport in the city.
An Taisce’s Green-Schools is co-ordinating the programme, while funding will be made available to local authorities which will play a key part in delivering the infrastructure along access routes and at the school gate. Cork City Council will fully support and engage with the programme by delivering the infrastructure along access routes and at the school gate.
Public Transport
4.45 It is the primary objective of CMATS to significantly increase modal share of public transport from its current level of 9.1% to over 26% by 2040. A combination of major upgrades to the bus transport and rail networks will underpin this increase. 4.46 With an investment in the BusConnects project, improved services and more stations on the suburban rail line and the development of a Light Rail Transit (LRT) system linking Ballincollig to Mahon, via the City centre and Docklands, public transport in Cork will change radically during the lifetime of this Plan and future City Development Plans.
4.49 In total, the network will comprise of over.
• 200 km of cross city routes; • 50 km of orbital routes; and • 150 km of radial routes.
4.50 BusConnects will be interchangeable with the Cork Suburban Rail Network, Light Rail Network and the proposed Park and Ride services located around the Strategic Road Network. Detailed planning is currently being undertaken on the identification and selection of proposed routes which will form the spine of the proposed transport improvements. Additionally, bus services will be subject to regular review and changes may be introduced to reflect evolving development patterns and changing passenger needs within the City. The process of identifying both the location and number of routes has commenced. It is expected that the network will comprise of core routes, supplemented by a supporting radial bus service in outer areas of the City such as Rochestown, Blarney, Tower, Kerry Pike and Glanmire. 4.51 A list and maps of indicative routes is contained on the following pages.
BusConnects
4.47 Over recent years there has been a considerable expansion of both the level of use and the provision of bus services across Cork City. The city was host to the first 24 hour bus service, linking Ballincollig, the City Centre and Carrigaline. In addition, investment has been made to provide real-time data on the bus services, there has been significant expansion of the fleet, there was improved access to people with reduced mobility, revised fare structures and the introduction of the LEAP card. Surveys conducted to inform this development plan, or assess satisfaction with the city, all found that the residents of Cork would prioritise the expansion of bus services across the city. This Development Plan will be amended to reflect recommendations of the Bus Connects plan as they arise.
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Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022-2028 I Volume 1
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