Dear passengers, please be aware that on Sunday, 21st April, due to the Connemarathon event, the road between Maam Cross and Maum Village will be closed from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Route 431 service will run on a Sunday Schedule, and the closure will affect all runs. We encourage you to plan your journey according to the schedule provided in the attached timetable. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding as we ensure the safety of our community and event participants. For more details, visit: Connemarathon Residents Info Complaints and Redress: Please note that TFI Local Link Galway does not handle complaints directly. Any concerns should be forwarded in writing to: Dolmen Sports, c/o Chris Deakin, Bookeen Hall, Kiltullagh, Athenry, Co. Galway Dolmen Sports will address and respond to any issues within 10 working days. Thank you for your patience and cooperation. 🚌💨 #TFILocalLinkGalway #Connemarathon2024 #GalwayTravelAlert #RoadClosureUpdate #PlanYourJourney #CommunitySafetyFirst #PublicTransportGalway #SundayBusSchedule #TravelGalway #GalwayEvents

Are you looking for the latest updates, news, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of TFI Local Link Galway? Look no further! 🌟 Follow Us: Facebook: Find us at @tfilocallinkgalway. Like our page to stay informed about upcoming routes, special events, and community initiatives. We’ll keep you posted on everything related to our local transportation in County Galway. Instagram: Follow us on Instagram @tfilocallinkgalway. Our visual stories will take you on a journey through the scenic landscapes, friendly faces, and daily adventures that make Galway special. Why Connect? Stay Updated: By following us on social media, you’ll be the first to know about service changes, holiday schedules, exciting promotions, giveaways, and campaigns. Engage with Us: Have questions or feedback? Drop us a message on Facebook or leave a comment on our Instagram posts. We love hearing from our passengers! Join the Conversation: Connect with TFI Local Link Galway today and be part of our vibrant online community. Let’s keep Galway connected! 🚌📲

TFI Local Link Galway Services 🚌 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐑𝐒 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬: Route 431: Claremorris to Carraroe - Sunday/Bank Holiday schedule Route 432: Carraroe to Clifden - Regular schedule Route 438: Tuam to Galway - Regular schedule Route 546: Castlerea to Ballinasloe - Regular schedule Route 547: Portumna to Ballinasloe - Sunday/Bank Holiday schedule 🚫 𝐍𝐨𝐧-𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐑𝐒 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬: Route 548: Loughrea to Ballinasloe - No service Route 934: Gort to Loughrea - No service 𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞, 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝙇 𝙉𝙊𝙏 𝐛𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒. Our office is closed on Monday 1st April 2024. For all information, please visit www.locallinkgalway.ie We wish all our passengers a safe and happy Easter! 🐰 #TFILocalLinkGalway #Easter2024 #BankHolidaySchedule #GalwayBus #IrelandTravel #EasterMonday #PublicTransport #CommunityFirst #SafeTravel #HolidayService

𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐅𝐈 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐬! In the spirit of 𝐒𝐭. 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐤’𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲, we’re all excited for the upcoming parades! However, to make way for the celebrations, please note some changes to our service schedule: 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝟒𝟑𝟏 (𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐞): Operating on a Public Holiday Schedule. The 13:00 and 14:50 trips will not run. 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝟒𝟑𝟐 (𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐝𝐞𝐧): The 11:10 and 13:30 trips will be cancelled. 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝟒𝟑𝟖 (𝐓𝐮𝐚𝐦 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲): The 12:00 and 13:40 trips will be cancelled. 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝟓𝟒𝟔 (𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐞): The 10:50 and 12:30 trips will be cancelled. 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞 𝟓𝟒𝟕 (𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐦𝐧𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐞): Operating on a Public Holiday Schedule. The 12:30 and 13:50 trips will not run. Please be aware that all other services 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 on Monday, 18th March 2024. *𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐲𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬! We apologise for any inconvenience and wish you a safe and festive St. Patrick’s Day! For more details, please refer to the highlighted sections in our timetables. Thank you for traveling with TFI Local Link Galway!

Ireland is a beautiful country with a rich history, culture, and nature. Whether you want to visit the ancient castles, the scenic coastlines, or the lively cities, there is something for everyone in this green island. 🍀 But how do you get around this country without breaking the bank? How do you find the best routes, fares, and schedules for your travel needs? How do you enjoy the convenience and comfort of public transport while supporting the local communities and businesses? The answer is simple: use the TFI Local Link Services! What are the TFI Local Link Services? The TFI Local Link Services are a network of low-cost, reliable, and accessible bus services that connect rural areas and smaller towns with larger urban centres across the Republic of Ireland. They are operated by the National Transport Authority (NTA), under the Transport for Ireland (TFI) brand, in partnership with local operators and drivers. The TFI Local Link Services aim to provide social inclusion, economic development, and environmental sustainability for the rural communities and regions of Ireland. They offer a range of services, such as: Regular Rural Services: These are fixed-routes and fixed-schedule services that operate daily or weekly, depending on the demand and the area. They are ideal for commuters, students, shoppers, and tourists who want to travel between towns and villages on a regular basis. Regular services have a scheduled timetable, just like any other public transport bus service. They are also designed to maximise connectivity with Bus Éireann, commercial bus services and Iarnród Éireann networks to facilitate passengers who may need to connect to the national Transport For Ireland network. Demand responsive services (Door-to-Door): These are flexible and door-to-door services that operate on request, usually by phone or online booking. They are designed to cater for the specific needs of the passengers. They are also useful for occasional or one-off trips, such as social events, or leisure activities. Demand responsive services are route based services with the added benefit, where possible, of collecting and dropping off passengers at their homes. These services require pre-booking with your Local Link office, ideally at least the day before travelling. Demand responsive services operate a timetable that is subject to change. Timetables frequency for demand responsive services can vary from daily to once a week, or fortnightly. Why use the TFI Local Link Services? There are many benefits and advantages of using the TFI Local Link Services, such as: Cost-effectiveness: The TFI Local Link Services offer some of the lowest fares in the country, starting from as little as €2 for a single journey. You can also save more money by using the Leap Card option, which gives you discounts and rewards for using public transport. You can also use the Free Travel Pass, if you are eligible, to travel for free on all the TFI Local Link Services. Convenience: The TFI Local Link Services are easy to use and access. You can find the nearest stop, route, and timetable for your destination on the TFI website or the TFI Journey Planner app. You can also call or email the TFI Local Link office for any queries or assistance. You can find the contact details of the local office for your area on the TFI Local Link Network website. Comfort: The TFI Local Link Services are modern, safe, and comfortable. They are equipped with air conditioning, and CCTV. They are also wheelchair accessible. The drivers and staff are friendly, helpful, and professional. They will make sure you have a pleasant and enjoyable journey. Community: The TFI Local Link Services are more than just transport services. They are also community services that connect people and places, foster social interaction and inclusion, and support local economy and environment. By using the TFI Local Link Services, you are not only travelling, but also contributing to the well-being and development of the rural Ireland. How to explore Ireland with the TFI Local Link Services? With the TFI Local Link Services, you can explore Ireland in a fun, affordable, and sustainable way. You can discover the hidden gems and the local attractions of the country, while meeting new people and learning new things along the way. You can travel 1000 miles and more through Ireland with the TFI Local Link Services. You can visit the four provinces of Ireland: Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster. You can see the five cities of Ireland: Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, and Waterford. You can experience the diverse landscapes of Ireland: the mountains, the lakes, the rivers. You can also create your own customised itinerary based on your interests, preferences, and budget. You can choose from a variety of themes and activities, such as: History and heritage: Learn about the ancient and modern history of Ireland, from the prehistoric monuments to the medieval castles, from the famine memorials to the independence museums, from the literary legends to the musical icons. Culture and arts: Enjoy the rich and vibrant culture and arts of Ireland, from the traditional music and dance to the contemporary theatre and cinema, from the folk festivals and parades to the art galleries and museums, from the local crafts and cuisine to the global fashion and design. Nature and wildlife: Appreciate the stunning and diverse nature and wildlife of Ireland, from the rare and endangered species to the abundant and colourful flora and fauna, from the national parks and reserves to the gardens and farms, from the eco-tours and trails to the adventure sports and activities. Health and wellness: Relax and rejuvenate your body and mind in Ireland, from the natural and holistic therapies to the modern and luxurious spas, from the yoga and meditation retreats to the hiking and cycling tours, from the organic and vegan food to the craft and herbal drinks. The possibilities are endless with the TFI Local Link Services. You can explore Ireland at your own pace and style, while enjoying the benefits and advantages of the public transport system. How to get started with the TFI Local Link Services? If you are interested in exploring Ireland with the TFI Local Link Services, here are some steps and tips to get you started: Step 1: Plan your trip. Decide where you want to go, what you want to see, and how long you want to stay. You can use the TFI website or the TFI Journey Planner app to find the best routes, timetables, and fares for your destination. Step 2: Depending on the service you choose, you may have to book your seat in advance. Our Door-to-Door services require a booking at least one day prior to your trip. If you are a wheelchair user, it is mandatory to notify us 2 to 3 days before your trip. You can do this by phone, or by email. You can find the contact details of the local office for your area on the TFI website. Step 3: Enjoy your journey. On the day of your trip, make sure you arrive at the stop or the pick-up point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Have your ticket, Leap Card, Free Travel Pass, or cash ready. Board the bus and greet the driver. Find a seat and relax. You can read a book, listen to music, or chat with other passengers. You can also admire the scenery and the landmarks along the way. When you reach your destination, thank the driver and exit the bus. Have fun exploring the place and meeting the locals. We hope this blog post has given you some useful information and inspiration for your next trip to Ireland with the TFI Local Link Services. If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, please feel free to contact me or leave a comment below. Thank you for reading and happy travelling! 🚍 #TFILocalLink #IrelandByBus #RuralIreland #GreenAndGold #ExploreIreland #IrelandOnABudget #TFITravel #IrelandAdventure #TFILocalLinkNetwork #IrelandCulture

As 2023 comes to an end, we want to take a moment to reflect on the past year and thank you for choosing TFI Local Link Galway as your transport provider. 🙏 It was a good but very busy year for us. We have launched new and enhanced existing services to meet the needs of our rural and urban communities. We have also added an electric bus to our fleet, making our service more sustainable, eco-friendly, and efficient. 🚌 We are proud to say that throughout 2023, 166K passengers travelled with us on both Regular Rural Services and Door-to-Door Services. That’s a lot of journeys, stories, and smiles! 😊 We are grateful for your trust and support throughout the year. We hope we have made your travel experience comfortable, safe, and enjoyable. We also appreciate your feedback and suggestions, which help us improve our service quality and customer satisfaction. 💯 We also want to acknowledge our great operators, who are making sure that all buses are up to the highest standards and that everything is working as it should be. These operators ensure that a reliable service is delivered. They are the backbone of our company. 💪 We can’t forget about our dedicated drivers, who are working hard to make sure our passengers feel that they are in good hands while using our services. They are the ones who drive you to your destinations, greet you with a smile, and help you with any queries or issues. They are the heart and soul of our company. ❤ We wish you all a Happy New Year and hope to see you again in 2024. May the new year bring you health, happiness, and prosperity. 🎉 From all of us at TFI Local Link Galway, thank you and Happy New Year! 🥂 Our New Year’s Schedule Here: https://www.locallinkgalway.ie/post/tfi-local-link-galway-christmas-schedule #TFILocalLinkGalway #HappyNewYear #ThankYou #RuralTransport #ElectricBus #NewYearNewService Image generated by AI

🎄Christmas season🎄 is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a time of stress and hassle. If you are planning to travel around County Galway this festive period, you might be wondering whether to drive your own car or take the rural public bus service. In this blog post, we will show you why choosing TFI Local Link Galway is the best option for your convenience, comfort, and safety. 🙌 Convenience 🚌 Driving your own car might seem like the easiest way to get around, but it comes with many drawbacks. You have to deal with traffic, parking, fuel costs, and maintenance. You also have to worry about the weather, road conditions, and potential accidents. Not to mention, you have to stay sober and alert at all times, which can limit your enjoyment of the festive spirit. 😩 On the other hand, taking the rural public bus service is a hassle-free way to travel. You don’t have to worry about any of the above-mentioned issues. You just have to be at the designated stop for RRS services (Regular Rural Services) or call our office to book the seat on one of our Door-to-Door services. You can relax and enjoy the scenery, chat with your fellow passengers, or catch up on some work or entertainment. Comfort 🛋️ Driving your own car might seem like the most comfortable way to travel, but it can also be tiring and stressful. You have to sit in the same position for long hours, deal with noise and pollution, and cope with the pressure of driving safely and efficiently. You also have to deal with the boredom and frustration of being stuck in traffic or finding a parking spot. 😠 On the other hand, taking the rural public bus service is a comfortable and enjoyable way to travel. You can sit back and relax in our spacious and cozy seats, with plenty of legroom and headroom. You can admire the beauty of the rural Galway areas while listening to your favourite Christmas Carols. Our experienced drivers will always take care of you even on the Christmas season on some of our services. 🎶🎧 Safety 🛡️ Driving your own car might seem like the safest way to travel, but it can also be risky and dangerous. You have to deal with the possibility of mechanical failures, flat tires, breakdowns, or collisions. You also have to deal with the uncertainty of the weather, road conditions, and other drivers. You also have to be aware of the legal and ethical implications of driving responsibly and respectfully. 😨 On the other hand, taking the rural public bus service is a safe and secure way to travel. You can trust our professional and experienced drivers, who are trained and certified to handle any situation. You can rely on our modern and well-maintained buses, which are equipped with seat belts, airbags, GPS, and some with CCTV. 🎦 🙏 Appreciation 💕 We would also like to take this opportunity to express our gratitude and appreciation to our dedicated drivers, who work hard to provide you with the best service possible throughout the Christmas season. They are the backbone of our company and the face of our community. They are always ready to greet you with a smile, a friendly word, and a helping hand. They are also committed to ensuring your safety, comfort, and satisfaction. They deserve our respect and recognition for their invaluable contribution to our company and our society. 👏 Conclusion 🎁 As you can see, there are many benefits of choosing TFI Local Link, the rural public bus transport over driving this Christmas season. You can save time, money, and energy, while enjoying a convenient, comfortable, and safe journey. You can also contribute to the environment and the community, by reducing your carbon footprint and supporting local businesses. 🌍 So, what are you waiting for? Call our office today and book your seats in advance to join us for a festive and fun-filled ride with TFI Local Link Galway. We look forward to seeing you soon and wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! 🎅 Our Christmas Schedule: https://www.locallinkgalway.ie/post/tfi-local-link-galway-christmas-schedule #TFILocalLinkGalway #RuralPublicBusTransport #ChristmasTravel #FestiveFun #SustainableTransport #SupportLocal

Whether you're a daily commuter or an occasional traveler, navigating the country's public transportation network has never been easier, thanks to a suite of innovative apps and websites provided by Transport for Ireland (TFI). In this guide, we'll take you through some of the best tools to plan your trips and make your travels smoother than ever before. TFI Live App: Your Live Companion for Transport Embark on your journey with the recently released TFI Live App, a gem from the National Transport Authority. This app is your one-stop solution for planning routes, accessing real-time departure information, checking timetables, and even setting up your favorite journeys for quick access on the go. It's the perfect companion for navigating Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go Ahead Ireland, Luas, and Iarnród Éireann services. Download here: TFI Leap Card Top-Up App: A Leap into Convenience Take a leap into convenience with the TFI Leap Card Top-Up App. This app simplifies the top-up process, allowing you to check your balance, purchase tickets, and top-up your Leap Card instantly. The NFC-enabled feature makes transactions a breeze—just hold your Leap Card to the back of your Android smartphone. With features like transaction history, proximity to capping values, and receipt emails, managing your Leap Card has never been more seamless. Note: The Leap Top-up app is only available on NFC-enabled Android devices running Android 6.0 or later. Download here: TFI Go App: Ticketing Made Simple Streamline your ticketing experience with the TFI Go App. This app enables you to purchase and download tickets directly to your phone, eliminating the need for paper tickets. Whether it's a single journey, two journeys, or a ten-journey ticket, the TFI Go App has you covered. Activate your ticket before each journey, show it to the driver, and you're ready to roll. Note: To avail of discounted Young Adult and Student fares a valid TFI Young Adult or Student Leap Card must be shown to the driver when boarding. Download here: TFI Driver Check App: Ensuring Safe Travels Prioritise safety with the TFI Driver Check App. This app from the National Transport Authority allows users to verify the licensing and authenticity of taxis, hackneys, limos, and WAVs across Ireland. Simply enter the vehicle or driver details, and if discrepancies are found, report them easily. It's a tool designed to ensure that your journey is not only comfortable but also secure. Download here: Journey Planner: Your Roadmap to Adventure For a comprehensive overview of your journey options, visit the Journey Planner at www.transportforireland.ie/plan-a-journey. This web tool offers detailed information on routes, schedules, and transportation options, helping you plan your trips with ease. Leap into up to 30% Savings with Leap Card Explore leapcard.ie to discover various TFI Leap Card options tailored to your needs, from Adult and Child cards to Student and Visitor cards. Convenient and cost-effective, Leap Cards are your key to hassle-free travel across Ireland. Local Link Network: Connecting Communities Managed by 15 Transport Coordination Units nationwide, the Local Link Network ensures that even the most remote areas are connected. From Carlow to Waterford, each unit oversees the day-to-day bus services in its local area, contributing to the accessibility and inclusivity of Ireland's public transportation system. To find the Local Link Network office in your area, visit locallinknetwork.ie. Your Irish Adventure Awaits As you embark on your Irish adventure, let these apps and websites be your companions in navigating the charming landscapes of Ireland. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the tools provided by Transport for Ireland ensure that your travels are not just efficient but also enjoyable. So, plan your route, top up your Leap Card, and set out on a journey filled with the warmth and beauty that define the Emerald Isle. Safe travels!

Merry Christmas from TFI Local Link Galway! We are looking forward to the holiday season with you. Please note our Christmas schedule for our services: Route 431 Claremorris to Carraroe, 432 Carraroe to Clifden & 546 Castlerea to Ballinasloe DO NOT operate on Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day. Route 438 Tuam to Galway and Route 547 Portumna to Ballinasloe will not operate on Christmas Day. On St Stephen’s Day (26th December 2023), these routes will skip the first morning return trip and Route 547 will follow the Bank Holiday schedule on the 26th December 2023 and 1st January 2024. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these changes. All other services DO NOT operate on 25th, 26th December & 1st January 2024 We apologise for any inconvenience caused and we appreciate your understanding. We look forward to serving you again in the new year. Stay safe and enjoy the festive season! #TFILocalLinkGalway #ChristmasSchedule #HappyHolidays

Are you looking for a convenient and affordable way to travel from the rural west of Galway to the city or other destinations? If so, we have some exciting news for you! 🎉 TFI Local Link Galway is launching two new Door-to-Door services that will connect you to the existing services like Bus Éireann 419 and TFI Local Link Galway 431 Claremorris to Carraroe and 432 Carraroe to Clifden. 🚌 The first new service is from Kylemore Abbey to Maam Cross, starting from Tuesday the 12th December 2023. This service will allow you to enjoy the scenic views of Connemara and access the Bus Éireann 419 and TFI Local Link Galway 431 services at Maam Cross to Galway City. For timetable, please visit [this link]. The second new service is from Ballyconneely to Recess, starting from Wednesday 13th December 2023. This service will run every Wednesday and connect you to the Bus Éireann 419 and TFI Local Link Galway 432 services. This means you can enjoy a hassle-free journey to the city, whether it’s for shopping, or leisure. For timetable, please visit [this link]. This new services also matches with the Route 432 Carraroe to Clifden on the Ballyconneely to Toombeola stretch, giving you more options and flexibility to travel within the region. 🙌 We are delighted to offer these new services to our customers, and we hope you will take advantage of them. Please note that these services need to be booked at least one day before the trip. You can book your seat by phone, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (*except Public Holidays). To book your seat, please call us on 091 842 384. 📞 Don’t miss this opportunity to travel with us and discover the beauty of Galway. Please share this post with your friends and family and let them know about this great opportunity to travel with TFI Local Link Galway. 🙏 Thank you for choosing us as your transport provider, and we look forward to seeing you on board soon. 😊 #TFILocalLinkGalway #DoorToDoor #KylemoreAbbey #MaamCross #Ballyconneely #Recess #Connemara #Galway

As TFI Local Link Galway continues to innovate and provide sustainable transport solutions, we are proud of the integration of electric buses into our fleet. With one electric bus already operational and plans to expand, we are at the forefront of eco-friendly travel in Galway. However, as with any new technology, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider. Pros of Electric Buses Reduced Carbon Footprint: Electric buses offer a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional diesel buses. This is a crucial step towards achieving Ireland’s sustainability goals and reducing the transport sector’s impact on the environment. Lower Operating Costs: Electric buses have fewer moving parts than diesel buses, resulting in lower maintenance costs. Additionally, electricity is generally cheaper than diesel, leading to long-term savings. Quiet Operation: Electric buses operate much more quietly than their diesel counterparts, contributing to noise pollution reduction and a more pleasant experience for passengers and residents alike. Incentives and Support: The Irish government provides multiple incentives to promote electric vehicles, including free domestic charging points and toll reductions, making the transition to electric buses more feasible. Cons of Electric Buses Charging Infrastructure: The development of charging infrastructure is still in its infancy. While fast-charging technologies are improving, they require significant investment and planning to ensure they meet the demands of a growing electric bus fleet. Charging Time and Scheduling: Charging times for electric buses can impact schedules. Fast-charging technologies are advancing, but they still require careful coordination to ensure buses have adequate energy to complete their routes without delays. Initial Investment: The upfront cost of electric buses and charging stations is higher than traditional buses. This initial investment can be a barrier for many transport providers. Battery Life and Replacement: Batteries in electric buses have a limited lifespan and will eventually need replacement, which can be costly and impact the long-term sustainability of the fleet. TFI Local Link Galway’s Approach At TFI Local Link Galway, we are actively working to mitigate the cons while maximising the pros of electric buses. Our current electric bus has been a valuable addition, and as we plan to add more, we are considering the impact of charging times on our schedules. Research suggests that cooperative optimisation of bus service and charging schedules can reduce charging costs by up to 53.35% compared to existing strategies. By adopting smart scheduling and management frameworks, we aim to charge our buses during periods of high renewable energy production, thus minimising our reliance on non-clean energy sources. We are committed to providing a reliable and sustainable service to our passengers. As we navigate the challenges and embrace the benefits of electric buses, we invite our community to join us on this journey towards a greener future. Stay tuned for more updates on our progress and the exciting developments in our electric bus fleet! Together, let’s drive change for a better tomorrow. 🚌💚

TFI Local Link Galway is enhancing bus services from Portumna to Ballinasloe from Monday the 4th of December. This enhancement is part of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan which is a major national public transport initiative developed and funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) as part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) Network. Route 547 will now operate five daily return services Monday to Saturday as well as three daily return services on Sunday. The route will offer enhanced connectivity to Portumna, Eyrecourt, Laurencetown, Ballinasloe and Ballinasloe Train Station. It will provide improved connectivity to and from Ballinasloe Train Station as well as peak-time and evening services for commuters and will continue to provide connectivity to Portiuncula Hospital and regional bus services. Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Galway General Manger Joe Greally said: “This enhancement, a much-needed upgrade, will provide a morning service from Ballinasloe Train Station and improved connectivity to regional bus and rail services. “We believe this will be welcomed by our existing and new customers alike, offering them more time and flexibility. In partnership with the NTA, we are committed to continually improving and expanding our services to meet the needs of our customers. We understand that every journey matters, and with these enhancements, we hope to make those journeys even better.” For route and timetable information call (091) 842 384 or visit www.locallinkgalway.ie To learn more about the five year Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan visit: www.nationaltransport.ie/connecting-ireland/