Public bus transport vs. private car in rural areas: what are the pros and cons? Many people living in rural areas rely on their own cars to get around, as public transport options may be limited or inconvenient. However, there are also some benefits to using public bus transport, especially if you are travelling to urban areas or need to access essential services. In this blog post, we will compare the advantages and disadvantages of using public bus transport vs. private car in rural areas, and how TFI Local Link Galway can help you with your travel needs. Some of the benefits of using public bus transport in rural areas are: Cost savings: Public bus transport is usually cheaper than driving your own car, as you do not have to pay for fuel, maintenance, insurance, parking, or tolls. You can also save money by buying a weekly pass, or by using a Leap Card, which offers discounts and convenience for public transport users. According to a study by the National Transport Authority, the average annual cost of using public transport in Ireland is €1,200, compared to €10,600 for owning and operating a car. Environmental benefits: Public bus transport is more environmentally friendly than driving a car, as it reduces greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, noise pollution, and congestion. A single bus can carry up to 50 passengers, which means fewer cars on the road and less carbon footprint. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, transport accounts for 20% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions, and road transport is the main contributor. Social benefits: Public bus transport can also provide social benefits, such as reducing isolation, improving mental health, enhancing community cohesion, and increasing access to education, employment, health care, and other services. Public bus transport can also be safer than driving a car, as it reduces the risk of accidents, road rage, and stress. According to the Road Safety Authority, there were 148 fatalities and 8,170 injuries from road collisions in Ireland in 2020. Some of the drawbacks of using public bus transport in rural areas are: Limited availability: Public bus transport may not be available in some rural areas, or may not operate frequently or reliably. This can make it difficult to plan your trips, especially if you need to travel at night, on weekends, or on public holidays. You may also have to walk long distances to reach the nearest bus stop, or transfer between different modes of transport, which can be inconvenient and time-consuming. Lack of flexibility: Public bus transport may not suit your personal preferences or needs, as you have to follow a fixed schedule and route, and share the space with other passengers. You may not be able to travel when and where you want, or carry large or bulky items, or travel with your pets. You may also have to deal with delays, disruptions, or cancellations due to weather, traffic, or other factors. Comfort and quality: Public bus transport may not offer the same level of comfort and quality as driving your own car, as you may have to face overcrowding, noise, lack of privacy, or poor hygiene. You may also have to cope with different standards of service, accessibility, or safety, depending on the operator, vehicle, or location. How TFI Local Link Galway can help you? TFI Local Link Galway is the local public transport bus service that provides better links between rural transport and national bus and rail services, serving the communities of County Galway. TFI Local Link Galway offers over 60 services a week, including regular rural bus services and door-to-door bus services, covering the County Galway region. TFI Local Link Galway is part of the TFI Public Transport Network, which means you can use your Leap Card to pay for your fares, and benefit from discounts and convenience. TFI Local Link Galway aims to provide a well-functioning, accessible, and integrated public transport system that enhances competitiveness, sustains economic progress, promotes balanced regional development, and contributes to social cohesion. TFI Local Link Galway is your local bus service, and we are here to help you with your travel needs. To find out more about our services, timetables, fares, and routes, please visit our website, or call us at 091 842384. We hope to see you on board soon!

Public transport is an essential service for many people in rural Ireland, especially those who do not have access to a car or other means of transport. However, there are some misconceptions about public transport that may discourage people from using it or supporting it. In this post, we will bust some of these myths and show you why TFI Local Link is a great option for your local travel needs. Myth 1: Public transport is expensive Some people may think that public transport is too costly and that driving is cheaper. However, this is not true when you consider the full cost of owning and operating a car, such as fuel, maintenance, insurance, tax, and depreciation. According to the AA, the average cost of running a car in Ireland in 2020 was €10,590 per year. That is equivalent to €29 per day or €1.21 per kilometre. On the other hand, TFI Local Link offers low-cost and affordable bus services in rural areas, with low fares depending on the distance and the type of service. You can also pay with your TFI Leap Card or TFI Go App on eligible TFI Local Link services and enjoy discounts of up to 31% compared to cash fares. Moreover, if you have a Free Travel Pass, you can use it on all TFI Local Link services without any charge. Myth 2: Public transport is bad for the environment Some people may think that public transport is not eco-friendly and that it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. However, this is not true when you compare the environmental impact of public transport with that of private cars. According to the EPA, transport accounted for 20% of Ireland’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019, and road transport was the main source of these emissions. The average car emits about 120 grams of CO2 per kilometre, while the average bus emits about 80 grams of CO2 per passenger-kilometre. This means that if you travel by bus instead of car, you can reduce your carbon footprint by a third. TFI Local Link is committed to reducing its environmental impact and to supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. TFI Local Link is investing in cleaner and greener buses, such as hybrid and electric vehicles, to lower its emissions and fuel consumption. TFI Local Link is also promoting sustainable travel behaviour, such as walking, cycling, and carpooling, to complement its bus services and to encourage people to leave their cars at home. Myth 3: Public transport is not in demand Some people may think that public transport is not popular or needed in rural areas and that most people prefer to drive. However, this is not true when you look at the statistics and the feedback from the users of TFI Local Link. According to the NTA, TFI Local Link carried over 2.3 million passengers in 2019, an increase of 19% from 2018. TFI Local Link also received a customer satisfaction rating of 98% in 2019, indicating a high level of satisfaction and loyalty among its users. Myth 4: Building more and bigger roads will help reduce congestion Road congestion costs the Irish economy millions a year and affects our quality of life and health. We cannot solve the problem of congestion by building more and bigger roads because of a phenomenon called ‘induced demand’. This means that the more road space we create, the more people drive on it. This ‘extra’ driving means that the expected benefits of a new road in terms of reduced travel time and emissions are often short-lived. Traffic volumes on alternative routes can also increase faster than anticipated due to induced demand, all of which means that the advantages of a new road can disappear very quickly. The only way to reduce congestion is to have fewer cars on the roads. Myth 5: Public transport is only for Dublin Public transport is available and accessible in all regions of Ireland, not just in the capital. TFI Local Link operates in 26 counties, covering over 1,000 routes and serving over 700,000 people. TFI Local Link provides vital and valuable bus services for rural communities, connecting them to local towns and villages, as well as to other public transport networks. TFI Local Link caters to the diverse and changing needs of its users, such as commuters, students, tourists, older people, and people with disabilities. TFI Local Link offers two types of bus services: regular rural bus services and door-to-door bus services. The regular rural bus services operate on fixed routes and timetables, while the door-to-door bus services can divert to pick up and drop off passengers at their homes, if pre-booked. I hope this post helps you to learn more about TFI Local Link and to dispel some of the myths about public transport in rural Ireland. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Thank you for reading and happy travelling! 😊

Please be advised that due to the Macnas Parade 2023 in Galway, the University Road at Galway Cathedral will be closed on Sunday, 29 October 2023. The temporary stop for that day will be at Headford Road Shopping Centre in Galway at 18:20 / 6:20pm heading to Tuam. Click the link below for directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gYbUpxVMqbc7tVrV6 This service disturbance is beyond our control. We apologise for the short notice and any inconvenience caused and thank you for your understanding. Please plan your journey accordingly and check our website for more updates. Stay safe and enjoy the parade! #TFILocalLink #MacnasParade #Galway Please share this post with as many people as possible to help them plan their journey. Thank you for your support!

🎃 Happy Halloween from TFI Local Link Galway! 🎃 We hope you have a spooky and safe holiday. If you are planning to travel with us on Monday 30th October 2023, please note the following changes to our services: 🚏Route 432 Carraroe to Clifden 🚏Route 438 Tuam to Galway 🚏Route 546 Castlerea to Ballinasloe These routes are operating as usual on Bank Holiday Monday. 🚏Route 431 Claremorris to Carraroe This route is operating on Sunday / Bank Holiday Timetable on Bank Holiday Monday. 🚏All other services do not operate on Bank Holiday Monday. Please check our website for more details and timetables: https://www.locallinkgalway.ie Thank you for choosing TFI Local Link Galway. We wish you a happy and safe journey. 🚌 #TFILocalLinkGalway #HalloweenTravel #BankHolidayBus #SpookyService #GalwayGetaway

Why Hi Vis Clothing Matters As the days get shorter and darker in autumn and winter, it becomes more important to be visible on the road, especially if you are walking or cycling in rural areas. Wearing reflective armbands, high-visibility belts or vests and other reflective or fluorescent clothing will help you to be seen from a distance, especially at night. This can reduce the risk of being involved in a collision with a vehicle and save your life. According to the Road Safety Authority (RSA), pedestrians and cyclists are among the most vulnerable road users in Ireland. In 2022, there were 41 pedestrians and 9 cyclists killed on Irish roads, accounting for 23% of all road fatalities. In addition, there were 1,029 pedestrians and 1,014 cyclists injured in collisions with vehicles. Many of these collisions could have been prevented if the pedestrians and cyclists were more visible to the drivers. A study by the RSA found that wearing high-visibility clothing can increase the visibility of pedestrians by up to four times and cyclists by up to six times. The study also found that drivers can detect pedestrians wearing high-visibility clothing from a distance of 500 metres, compared to only 150 metres for those wearing dark clothing. Similarly, cyclists wearing high-visibility clothing can be detected from a distance of 400 metres, compared to only 100 metres for those wearing dark clothing. How to Get Free Hi Vis Clothing The good news is that you can get free hi vis clothing from the RSA and other sources in Ireland. The RSA offers a wide range of road safety material that you can order online for your school, third-level institution, business or community group, including leaflets, booklets, posters and high-visibility materials such as vests, belts and armbands. You can use their online ordering portal to request the items you need. Some restrictions apply to the number of road safety items you can order, so make sure to read their Road Safety Materials Distribution Policy 2022 before ordering. You can also get free hi vis clothing from other organisations that promote road safety, such as local authorities, Gardaí, cycling clubs, sports clubs and charities. You can check their websites or social media pages for information on how to avail of their offers. How to Help Our Drivers See You At TFI Local Link Galway, we care about your safety and comfort when you travel with us. Our drivers are trained and responsible for our passengers’ safety, but they also need your help to see you clearly when you walk to the bus stop or hail them on the road. That’s why we highly recommend and appreciate that you wear hi vis clothing when you use our services, especially in rural areas where there may not be street lights or footpaths. By wearing hi vis clothing, you can help our drivers to spot you from a distance and avoid any potential collisions. You can also make sure that they don’t miss you when you want to board or alight from our buses. This way, you can enjoy a safe and pleasant journey with us every time. Conclusion Hi vis clothing is a simple and effective way to be safe and seen on the road, especially during the autumn and winter months when the days are shorter and darker. You can get free hi vis clothing from the RSA and other sources in Ireland, and you can help our drivers at TFI Local Link Galway to see you clearly when you walk or cycle to our bus stops. By wearing hi vis clothing, you can reduce the risk of being involved in a collision with a vehicle and save your life. We hope you found this blog post useful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us through our website or social media channels. Thank you for choosing TFI Local Link Galway as your transport provider. #HiVis #BeSafeBeSeen #TFILocalLinkGalway

Are you looking for a way to explore the beautiful countryside of County Galway, meet new people, and have some fun along the way? If so, you might want to check out TFI Local Link Galway, the local public transport bus service that connects rural communities with national bus and rail services. TFI Local Link Galway offers over 60 services a week, including regular rural bus services and door-to-door bus services*. You can book your seat by phone (*door-to-door only), and enjoy a comfortable and affordable ride to your destination. Whether you want to visit a friend, go shopping, attend a medical appointment, or join a social event, TFI Local Link Galway can get you there. But TFI Local Link Galway is more than just a transport service. It is also a great way to socialise and have fun with other people who share your interests. Here are some of the benefits of using TFI Local Link Galway for your social and recreational needs: You can make new friends and chat with fellow passengers on the bus. You might even find someone who lives near you or has a similar hobby. You never know who you might meet on TFI Local Link Galway! You can join one of the many community groups that use TFI Local Link Galway to organise outings and activities. For example, you can join our Galway Services to visit the Galway City Museum, the Eyre Square Shopping Centre, or the Galway Cathedral. Or you can join the Portumna Services to visit the Portumna Castle and Gardens, the Portumna Forest Park, or the Portumna Workhouse Centre. You can discover new places and attractions in County Galway that you might not have visited before. TFI Local Link Galway covers a wide range of destinations, from scenic coastal villages like Carna/Cill Chiaráin and Cleggan/Streamstown, to historic towns like Athenry and Loughrea, to lively city and towns like Galway and Ballinasloe. You can also use TFI Local Link Galway to connect with other transport services, such as Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, or Citylink, and explore even further. You can enjoy the convenience and comfort of travelling by bus, without having to worry about driving, parking, or traffic. You can sit back and relax, enjoy the views, listen to music, read a book, or do whatever you like.. You can also save money on fuel and car maintenance by using TFI Local Link Galway instead of your own car. One of the features of TFI Local Link Galway is the Regular Rural Services, which are bus services that operate on fixed routes and schedules, connecting rural communities with national bus and rail services. These services are ideal for people who want to travel to or from their local town or village for various purposes, such as shopping, education, health, or leisure. As you can see, TFI Local Link Galway is more than just a transport service. It is also a social and recreational service that can help you meet new people and have fun. So why not give it a try? You can find out more about TFI Local Link Galway at www.locallinkgalway.ie , or by calling them at (091) 842 384. You can also follow them on Facebook or Instagram for updates and news. TFI Local Link Galway is your local bus service. It is here for you. So hop on board and enjoy the ride! *Please note! All door-to-door services must be booked at least one day before the trip.

TFI Local Link Galway is a rural public transportation service provider that operates in the Galway region of Ireland. It offers affordable and reliable transportation solutions to the local community, connecting them to other national bus and rail services. Whether you need to travel to or from your local town or village, or explore the scenic beauty of County Galway, TFI Local Link Galway can help you get there. In this blog post, we will show you how to plan your journey with TFI Local Link Galway online, where you can find timetables, fares, and route maps for over 60 services a week. You can also book your door-to-door seat in advance by calling 091 842384, our contact form or email at galway@locallink.ie Step 1: Visit the TFI Local Link Galway website The first step is to visit www.locallinkgalway.ie , where you can find all the information you need about our services. You can also access the website in Irish by clicking on the Irish Flag icon. The website is designed to be simple and user-friendly, both on desktop and mobile devices. You can easily navigate to different sections using the menu bar, or use the search box to find what you are looking for. Step 2: Find your route The next step is to find your route by clicking on the Timetables link on the menu bar. This will take you to a page where you can see all the routes available, sorted by alphabetical order. You can also use the filter option to narrow down your search by entering service type, area, or day of the week. Each route has a name, a service number, and a brief description of the areas it covers. You can click on the route name to see more details, such as the timetable. You can also download or print the timetable as a PDF file for your convenience. Some of the routes are regular rural bus services, which operate on fixed schedules and routes. Others are door-to-door bus services, which are more flexible and can divert their routes if pre-booked by phone for pick-ups where residents have mobility difficulties. Step 3: Check the fare The third step is to check the fare for your journey by clicking on the Fares link on the menu bar. This will take you to a page where you can see the fare structure for different types of services and passengers. The fares for TFI Local Link Galway are affordable and vary depending on the distance travelled and the type of service. There are single, return, student and child fares available. There are also weekly fares available for some routes, which offer unlimited travel within a week. You can pay for your fare in cash on board the bus. You can also use your TFI Leap Card, TFI Go App, or Free Travel Pass if applicable. Step 4: Book your seat The final step is to book your seat for your journey by calling 091 842384, using our contact form, or email at galway@locallink.ie. This is necessary for door-to-door services, as they require pre-booking at least one day in advance. You do not need to book your seat for regular rural bus services, unless you are a wheelchair user, in which case you should always book your seat to ensure accessibility. When you call, you will be greeted by a friendly staff member who will ask you for your name, phone number, pick-up point, destination, date and time of travel, and number of passengers. They will also confirm your fare and let you know when the bus will arrive. You should arrive at your pick-up point at least 10 minutes before your scheduled departure time and board the bus. You should also enjoy the ride and the scenery of County Galway. Conclusion TFI Local Link Galway is a great way to travel around County Galway and beyond. It provides accessible buses across its day and evening services, and connects communities throughout rural Ireland as part of the TFI Public Transport Network. By following these simple steps, you can plan your journey with TFI Local Link Galway online, where you can find timetables, fares, and route maps for over 60 services a week. You can also book your door-to-door or wheelchair accessible seat in advance by calling 091 842384, our contact form or email at galway@locallink.ie I hope this blog post was helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact TFI Local Link Galway directly. Happy travelling!

Attention passengers! Due to the Maam Cross Big Fair on Tuesday, 31 October 2023, there will be a road closure on Route 431 Claremorris to Carraroe. This will affect our bus service on that day. Our Route 431 Claremorris to Carraroe will be able to do the morning run at 6:07am Claremorris to Maum Village only!, and return evening run at 17:45 from Claremorris to Maam Cross and back at 19:20 from Maam Cross to Claremorris. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by this temporary change. Please plan your journey accordingly and stay safe. Thank you for choosing TFI Local Link Galway! #TFILocalLinkGalway #Route431 #MaamCrossBigFair #RoadClosure #PlanYourJourney

Important Notice for TFI Local Link Galway Customers! Due to the Ballinasloe International October Fair & Festival 2023, some of our services will be affected on certain dates. Please note the following changes: On Sunday 1st October, Monday 2nd October and Saturday 7th October, our services 546 Castlerea to Ballinasloe, 547 Portumna to Ballinasloe and 548 Loughrea to Ballinasloe will go as far as Train Station in Ballinasloe. They will not enter the town centre on these dates. On the other days of the festival, please keep an eye out for updates on our website and social media channels. We will try to provide the best service possible, but there may be some delays or diversions due to traffic and road closures. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these changes and we thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at: Phone: 091 842 384 Email: galway@locallink.ie Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm We hope you enjoy the festival and stay safe!

Public transportation plays a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and mitigating climate change. TFI Local Link, Ireland’s rural transport service, is at the forefront of sustainable transportation initiatives, offering a greener alternative to private vehicles. 1. Reduced Traffic Congestion By encouraging people to use TFI Local Link services, we can significantly reduce traffic congestion on our roads. With fewer cars on the streets, commuting becomes faster and more efficient for everyone. Additionally, reduced congestion leads to shorter travel times and less frustration for passengers. 2. Improved Air Quality Private vehicles are a significant source of air pollution, emitting harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. By opting for TFI Local Link services instead, we can collectively reduce our carbon footprint and improve air quality in our communities. This shift towards sustainable transportation helps create cleaner and healthier environments for everyone. 3. Lower Emissions TFI Local Link services operate with a focus on sustainability, utilizing modern vehicles that adhere to strict emission standards. By choosing public transportation over private cars, individuals can significantly reduce their carbon emissions. This reduction in greenhouse gas emissions contributes to the global effort to combat climate change and protect our planet for future generations. 4. Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles Using TFI Local Link services promotes sustainable lifestyles by encouraging individuals to adopt greener transportation habits. By making public transportation more accessible and convenient, TFI Local Link helps create a culture of sustainability within communities. This shift towards sustainable transportation not only benefits the environment but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. 5. Supporting Rural Development TFI Local Link services play a vital role in connecting rural communities, ensuring that residents have access to essential services and amenities. By supporting these services, individuals contribute to the economic development of rural areas while reducing their reliance on private vehicles. This support helps create vibrant and sustainable rural communities that thrive in harmony with their natural surroundings. 6. Introducing Fully Electric Buses TFI Local Link is proud to announce the introduction of its first fully electric buses! These state-of-the-art vehicles are powered by clean energy sources and produce zero tailpipe emissions. By incorporating electric buses into the fleet, TFI Local Link further reduces its environmental impact and sets an example for other transportation providers. By choosing TFI Local Link services, individuals can actively participate in building a more sustainable future. Together, we can reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and protect our environment for generations to come. Join the movement towards sustainable transportation with TFI Local Link! References: TFI Local Link - Transport for Ireland Please note that the information provided in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice.

Are you a student or a young adult who wants to travel more and spend less? If so, you might be interested in the TFI Student and Young Adult Leap Card, a smart card that gives you up to 50% off fares on public transport services across Ireland. Whether you need to get to college, work, or just have some fun, this card can help you save money and time. What is the TFI Student and Young Adult Leap Card? The TFI Student and Young Adult Leap Card is a special type of Leap Card that is designed for students and young adults aged 16 to 24. It allows you to pay for your public transport journeys using a prepaid balance or a travel credit that you can top up online or at any Leap Card agent. You can use it on buses operated by TFI Local Link, and trains, trams, and ferries operated by other TFI service providers. What are the benefits of the TFI Student and Young Adult Leap Card? The main benefit of the TFI Student and Young Adult Leap Card is that it offers you discounted fares on public transport services. Depending on the service and the distance, you can get up to 50% off the regular adult fare. For example, a single bus journey in Galway city costs €2.40 with cash, but only €1.68 with the TFI Student and Young Adult Leap Card. That’s a saving of €0.72 per trip! Another benefit of the TFI Student and Young Adult Leap Card is that it is convenient and secure. You don’t have to worry about carrying cash or exact change, or buying tickets every time you travel. You just need to touch your card on the validator when you board and exit the vehicle, and the correct fare will be deducted from your balance. If you lose your card, you can report it online or by phone and get a replacement card with your remaining balance. How to get your TFI Student and Young Adult Leap Card? Getting your TFI Student and Young Adult Leap Card is easy and fast. You just need to follow these steps: Apply online at https://student.leapcard.ie/New-Card# You will need to upload a photo of your passport or driving licence to prove your age. Your card will be posted to your nominated home address. Once your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email with a collection code. If you are a third level student (16-18 or 24+), you will need to show your student ID at the nearest Student Leap Card agent to collect your card. To collect your TFI Student Leap Card, visit one of our Student Leap Card agents. Visit: https://about.leapcard.ie/about/where-to-buy Please remember to bring your student card and one other valid form of ID with you when collecting your card. Top up your card online or at any Leap Card agent with the amount you want to spend on public transport. Enjoy travelling cheaper and smarter with the TFI Student and Young Adult Leap Card! Don’t miss this opportunity! If you are a student or a young adult who wants to make the most of your time and money in Ireland, don’t miss this opportunity to get your TFI Student and Young Adult Leap Card today! It’s a great way to travel around the country, explore new places, and have fun with your friends. For more information about TFI Local Link Galway, visit www.locallinkgalway.ie or contact us at 091 842 384. We’re always happy to help! 😊

TFI Local Link Galway, the rural transport service provider, would like to inform the users of Route 432 Carraroe to Clifden that there will be two changes affecting the service starting from Monday, 28th August 2023. The first change is in Costelloe, where the bus stop will be moved from the current location at Raidió na Gaeltachta Cross to the new location at Casla Chemist. The change is due to the safety of the passengers and staff, as the current location poses a traffic hazard and a visibility issue. The second change is in Rosmuc, Kilkieran and Carna, where the schedule of the service will have some minor adjustments to improve the efficiency and reliability of the service. The updated timetable will be found on the TFI Local Link Galway website at: https://www.locallinkgalway.ie/dynamic-timetables/route-432---carraroe-to-clifden TFI Local Link Galway apologises for any difficulties these changes may cause to the regular users of the service and asks for their understanding and cooperation. For any questions or feedback about the changes, you can contact them by phone at 091 842384 or by email at galway@locallink.ie