TFI Local Link Galway will launch route 546 Castlerea to Ballinasloe, a new seven day a week service, from Monday 5th December. The service will operate three times a day in each direction, covering Castlerea, Williamstown, Glenamaddy, Kilkerrin, Moylough, Mountbellew, Caltra, Ahascragh and Ballinasloe. The new service will also provide commuters with a new peak-time service that interchanges with direct services to Galway from Ballinasloe, and improved connectivity to regional bus and rail services at Castlerea. Route 546 is part of the new Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, a major national public transport initiative developed by the National Transport Authority (NTA), with the aim of increasing connectivity, particularly for people living outside our major cities and towns. This new route is funded by the National Transport Authority as part of the Transport for Ireland Network. Speaking ahead of the launch, Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD said: “The Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility programme connects people and places in rural and urban areas, with accessible and sustainable public transport. “This new seven day a week service will give people frequent, sustainable travel options at peak times that also connect with regional bus and rail services. “This integrated approach to public transport is exactly what we need to help more people to see the benefits of the bus or train to get to their destinations.” Minister of State in the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton TD, said: “This new route will transform the lives of people living in nine towns and villages across Galway. “Public transport services like these are so important for people living in rural Ireland, with frequent bus services allowing them to travel sustainably to work, education or leisure activities and providing an alternative to the car. “This is the latest launch of new routes under the Connecting Ireland programme which aims to vastly improve bus networks across rural parts of the country, connecting people and places.” Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Galway Manager Joe Greally said: “This is a very welcome and exciting addition to the TFI Local link Galway network. “We are very excited to be able to announce this vital service after many months of consultation and planning. We are sure that this new service will enhance the lives of the travelling public and give a viable alternative to private transport within this region.” TFI Local Link rural transport services are an important component of daily life linking people with jobs, education, healthcare, shopping and recreation/tourist facilities. The design of a sustainable transport infrastructure has a fundamental impact on the health and wellbeing of people in the community. It helps address social isolation, improves overall accessibility and provides opportunities for active regular transport and daily physical activity. Route 546 Castlerea to Ballinasloe Timetable Route 546 Castlerea to Ballinasloe Fares

From Wednesday 16th November, TFI Local Link Galway will launch route 432 Carraroe to Clifden, a new seven days a week service. The service will run three return services a day, covering Carraroe, Costelloe, Screebe, Derryrush, Kilkeran, Carna, Leheenagh, Roundstone, Ballyconeely and Clifden, creating a new connection between Roundstone and Costelloe. The new service will also provide commuters with a new peak-time service that interchanges with direct services to Galway, and improved connectivity to regional bus services from Costelloe. This new route is funded by the National Transport Authority as part of the Transport for Ireland Network. Speaking ahead of the launch, Galway based Minister in the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton TD, said “I am delighted to see the launch of the new Route 432 service in Galway, connecting Carraroe and Clifden. As a Galway native, I am very aware of the need to connect people and places, especially in rural areas. High quality, accessible, affordable and safe services for all can play a crucial role in ensuring a modal shift from private to public transport. Public transport is not only an environmentally friendly option but also socially inclusive and economically accessible. This new service is especially timely as we head into winter with rising fuel and other costs.” Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Galway Manager Joe Greally said: This is a very welcome and exciting addition to the Locallink Galway network. We are very excited to be able to announce this after many months of consultation and planning. We are sure that this new service will enhance the lives of the travelling public and give a viable alternative to private transport within this region. TFI Local Link rural transport services are an important component of daily life linking people with jobs, education, healthcare, shopping and recreation/tourist facilities. The design of a sustainable transport infrastructure has a fundamental impact on the health and wellbeing of people in the community. It helps address social isolation, improves overall accessibility and provides opportunities for active regular transport and daily physical activity. For route and timetable information, call (091) 842 384 or visit locallinkgalway.ie Route 432 Timetable Route 432 Fares

In response to the growing demand for this service, we are pleased to inform that from Wednesday 19th October 2022 the Route 431 timetable will change. The bus will be starting in Claremorris from the Train Station at 6:07am heading to Maam Cross. There will be few changes to the bus stops: Hollymount : at KJ Fahey's (previously at Finerty's Pub) Cornamona : at Coláiste Naomh Feichín (previously at Midway Stores) Costelloe : at Casla Chemist (previously at Raidió Gaeltachta Cross) Please like and share to spread the news! Please keep an eye on our website & social media channels for further updates. Our Facebook: @locallinkgalway Most up to date Route 431 Claremorris to Carraroe timetable: Click Here

From Monday 3rd October, TFI Local Link Galway will launch route 431 Claremorris to Carraroe, a new seven days a week service. The service will run four times a day, covering Carraroe, Costelloe, Screebe, Maam Cross, Maum, Cornamona, Clonbur, Cong, Neale, Ballinrobe, Hollymount, and Claremorris creating a new connection between Costelloe and Claremorris. The new service will also provide improved connectivity to regional rail services from Claremorris, and regional bus services at both Maam Cross and Costelloe. This new route is funded by the National Transport Authority as part of the Transport for Ireland Network. Speaking ahead of the launch, Galway based Minister in the Department of Transport, Hildegarde Naughton TD, said: “I am delighted to see the launch of the new Route 431 service in Galway, which will be creating a new connection between Costelloe and Claremorris. Critically, the service will also improve connectivity for families and communities to existing regional rail services from Claremorris, and regional bus services at both Maam Cross and Costelloe. These enhanced routes under the Connecting Ireland plans pave the way for improved connectivity to town centres and further support local communities in making the shift to public transport.” Speaking ahead of the launch, TFI Local Link Galway Manager Joe Greally said: "This new service will be a fantastic new travel option to the people living along the route by creating daily links to Claremorris and Galway City via Costello. It is the culmination of many months of planning and consultation, and I am sure that the service will be very well supported." TFI Local Link rural transport services are an important component of daily life linking people with jobs, education, healthcare, shopping and recreation/tourist facilities. The design of a sustainable transport infrastructure has a fundamental impact on the health and wellbeing of people in the community. It helps address social isolation, improves overall accessibility and provides opportunities for active regular transport and daily physical activity. For route and timetable information, call (091) 842 384 or visit Route 431 Claremorris to Carraroe

TFI Leap Card can now be used on TFI Local Link Galway Route 548 Ballinasloe to Loughrea. Leap Fares on TFI Local Link are 25% cheaper than cash single tickets. For Timetable please visit: Route 548 Ballinasloe to Loughrea TFI Leap Cards can be topped up using ticket machines available at selected stations and at Payzone Leap agents around the area. List of agents in the area: And if you’re not near a TFI Leap agent, you can download the Leap Top-up App onto an NFC-enabled Android phone or iPhone 7 and above and top up directly from your phone. Please note: Only Route 547, Route 548 and Route 934 currently accepts TFI Leap Card. Using your TFI Leap Card on TFI Local Link Hold your Leap Card to the target on the driver’s ticket machine The driver will deduct the correct fare from your Travel Credit. You will hear a tone when you have successfully validated your card For more information about the Leap Card please visit: https://about.leapcard.ie/

TFI Leap Card can now be used on TFI Local Link Galway Route 934 Gort to Loughrea. Leap Fares on TFI Local Link are 25% cheaper than cash single tickets. For Timetable please visit: Route 934 Gort to Loughrea TFI Leap Cards can be topped up using ticket machines available at selected stations and at Payzone Leap agents around the area. List of agents in the area: And if you’re not near a TFI Leap agent, you can download the Leap Top-up App onto an NFC-enabled Android phone or iPhone 7 and above and top up directly from your phone. Please note: Only Route 547, Route 548 and Route 934 currently accepts TFI Leap Card. Using your TFI Leap Card on TFI Local Link Hold your Leap Card to the target on the driver’s ticket machine The driver will deduct the correct fare from your Travel Credit. You will hear a tone when you have successfully validated your card For more information about the Leap Card please visit: https://about.leapcard.ie/

TFI Leap Card can now be used on TFI Local Link Galway Route 547 Portumna to Ballinasloe. Leap Fares on TFI Local Link are 25% cheaper than cash single tickets. For Timetable please visit: Route 547 Portumna to Ballinasloe TFI Leap Cards can be topped up using ticket machines available at selected stations and at Payzone Leap agents around the area. List of agents in the area: And if you’re not near a TFI Leap agent, you can download the Leap Top-up App onto an NFC-enabled Android phone or iPhone 7 and above and top up directly from your phone. Please note: Only Route 547, Route 548 and Route 934 currently accepts TFI Leap Card. Using your TFI Leap Card on TFI Local Link Hold your Leap Card to the target on the driver’s ticket machine The driver will deduct the correct fare from your Travel Credit. You will hear a tone when you have successfully validated your card For more information about the Leap Card please visit: https://about.leapcard.ie/

The search for change is over! You can now purchase tickets for TFI Local Link Galway scheduled services using the expanded #TFIGoApp. The TFI Go app allows you to buy tickets for public transport services in Ireland directly from your phone. Your ticket is downloaded to the app and can be used to travel straight away. No need for printing, just activate before each journey and show your driver while boarding. From 23rd May 2022, you can buy a Single, 2 Journey, 1 Day or 7 Day ticket for adult and students on our TFI Local Link Galway scheduled services (R431, R432, R546, R547, R548, R934). Key Features 1, 2 journey and Weekly tickets available. Search for a ticket between your origin and destination. Buy and download tickets directly to your phone. Save a payment card for faster purchases. Activate ticket before boarding and just show the driver your ticket. Tickets valid for 28 days after purchase. Check out the video below to see how the TFI GO App works! Download the TFI GO App from the App Store or Google play now.

Public transport fares are being reduced by an average of 20% across all Transport for Ireland services. The reductions will be introduced on a phased basis, commencing in April: Phase 1 involves an average reduction of 20% in the cost of monthly and annual TaxSaver tickets. This is on top of existing tax savings of up to 52%. The reduction applies to Taxsaver tickets valid from the 1st of April. See Taxsaver.ie to see how much you can save on your commute. Phase 2 (commenced in mid-April) involves an average reduction of 20% across Bus Éireann and TFI Local Link services as well as some other TFI services. Discount does not apply to Expressway services. This means from mid-April you can now travel around cities including Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford for only €1.35 (down from €1.68) for adults and €0.65 (down from €0.80) for children using a TFI Leap Card. Iarnród Éireann web fares have also reduced in this phase. In addition, Student Leap Card single fares have reduced by 50% across eligible TFI services in this phase. Bus Éireann Kilkenny City bus Routes 139 Route 197 Route 817 Phase 3, (commencing in early May) involves an average reduction of 20% across the rest of the TFI network, including: Dublin Bus Go-Ahead Ireland Luas DART & Commuter Rail All other Iarnród Éireann services This will mean TFI 90 Minute Fare in the Dublin area will be just €2 from early May, with the short fare reducing to €1.30 on TFI Leap. In addition, the new Young Adult Leap Card is due to be introduced in May. The Young Adult Leap Card will be available to all 19 – 23 year olds (up to their 24th birthday). The Student Leap Card will remain available to all students in full-time education who are 24 years old or more. These cards will see fares reduced by a further average of 50% for cardholders. Existing Student Leap cardholders will also avail of the same discounted rates, without needing to change their card. Source: Fares reduction

Travel during COVID-19 ​ Public transport services are currently running a full schedule of services. Onboard capacity has returned to full capacity. Face coverings must be worn on public transport.* Operators have an enhanced daily cleaning regime on their fleet, including, the sanitising of frequently touched surfaces onboard. It is recommended you travel off-peak if you can, to avoid large crowds. Those who can get to their destination by walking or cycling are encouraged to do so. Please continue to comply with signage onboard vehicles, and to leave windows open where possible. Be mindful of the more vulnerable customer whose need for a seat may be greater than yours. Taxis and hackneys continue to be widely available in all parts of the country and are a very convenient transport mode. Please do not use public transport if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19. ​ *Find more about face coverings on public transport, including reasonable excuses considered for not being able to wear them, on our Face Covering on Public Transport page For the most reliable, up-to-date information on face coverings, please visit HSE advice and Gov.ie face covering guidance.

The706x, operated by Aircoach between Galway and Dublin airport, has been launched recently. The company operates ten services a day, Monday through Sunday, between Galway City and Dublin City / Dublin Airport. 2 coaches each day will stop at Galway Coach Station, GMIT, Athlone and Athlone-IT and Dublin Airport only 2 coaches each day will stop at the same places, plus Dublin city-centre 4 coaches will also stop at Portincula Hospital (Ballinasloe), Maynooth and Dublin city. It is possible to pre-book tickets two hours before a journey. Tickets can be purchased from the driver on a walk-up basis, but this is not recommended as of yet due to Covid-19 restrictions. In effect, this service replaces Bus Éireann Expressway route x20. All arrivals and departures from Galway City will take place from the private Coach Station. Fares start from €15 for an adult single Galway to Dublin city The full timetable is now available on their website.

Connecting Ireland is the National Transport Authority’s (NTA) plan to increase public transport connectivity between cities and towns and their surrounding villages and rural areas. The plan will include increasing the number of services, increasing capacity and making bus transport more valuable to more people in Ireland. Local Link are part of the Transport for Ireland (TFI) network. Read more about the new plans below. Read more: https://www.eolasmagazine.ie/nta-making-a-difference-in-rural-ireland/