As Covid-19 restrictions on public transport are gradually eased, from Monday 19th July the capacity on our buses trams and trains will increase from 50% to 75%. This means that a bus that pre-Covid could carry say 80 people seated and standing, and which has been carrying 40 this week, will now be able to accommodate 60. From Monday there will be 20 more people allowed on that bus, and some seats that have been blocked off will be opened up to customers. There may be a few more people standing too. Full article: https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/tfi-customer-notice-passenger-capacity-on-public-transport-to-increase-to-75

Under new public health measures announced by the Government on April 29th, restrictions on the use of public transport are to be eased. All operators are now providing a full timetable and from Monday May 10th, sitting and standing capacity on public transport is to increase from 25% of normal capacity to 50%. NTA advice is to: Avoid travelling at peaks and avoid crowded services Continue to work from home if you can Mask up on public transport Anne Graham, NTA Chief Executive Officer said: “The easing of restrictions will enable us to carry more passengers and we believe that looking beyond the Covid pandemic, public transport has a crucial role to play in the recovery of our society and economy. For now, the increase of capacity to 50% is welcome, and means that as the economy opens up and as greater numbers return to the workplace and start moving around, public transport will be an option for more people. But we will continue to be realistic and to exercise caution. It’s more important than ever that people continue to follow the public health advice as we gradually re-open our economy and roll out the vaccine programme. From Monday our buses, trains and trams are likely to be busier than at any time since the beginning of the pandemic. We’re asking customers, before they set out, to consider whether their journey is necessary, to ensure that there’s space for those who need it most. This is particularly the case at peak times when students are travelling to and from school. Our advice is to travel off-peak if at all possible. Plan your trip and leave yourself additional time so you can avoid crowds. As demand for public transport increases, full social distancing will not always be possible, which is why passengers’ continued co-operation in wearing a face covering on board public transport is more important than ever. We’re asking customers to comply with signage on board vehicles, and to leave windows open where possible. And if you’re on a busy service, 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 very often the best way of getting from one place to another.” Let’s travel together safely.” Remember: Those who can work from home should work from home. Walk or cycle where possible. Operators have an enhanced daily cleaning regime on their fleet in order to contain the potential spread of Coronavirus (COVID‐19). This includes the sanitising of frequently touched surfaces on board and extending cleaning regimes to include inter-peak cleaning at depots and stations. Use the hand sanitiser provided by transport operators. Use a Leap Card where possible. Link to TFI page: https://www.transportforireland.ie/news/travel-off-peak-where-possible-nta-advises-customers/

Level 5 restrictions set to be extended until March 5th 2021 At Level 5, the public health risk means that you will be asked to stay at home, except for travel for work, education or other essential purposes, or to take exercise within 5km of home. There will be no gatherings other than small numbers at funerals and weddings. Face coverings must be worn. Walk or cycle where possible. Avoid public transport - except for essential workers and essential purposes only. Public transport capacity will be restricted to 25%. All measures in Level 5 will run until at least March 5 2021. The message is to 'stay home, hold firm and stick to the basics.'

Due to road maintenance between Eyrecourt and Laurencetown beginning 2nd November and continuing until the 14th November, passengers may experience delays on this service. We will try to minimise any disruptions and continue to make scheduled connections at Ballinasloe and Portumna.

From midnight on Wednesday 21st October, Ireland will move to Level 5 of the Government’s Living with Covid plan until December 1st. Public transport will operate at 25% capacity for the purposes of allowing those providing essential services to get to work. Face coverings must be worn on public transport. We strongly encourage that anyone who can get to their destination by walking or cycling to please do so. We ask that passengers continue to respect priority seating areas for those who need them and use your TFI Leap Card where possible. Do not use public transport if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of COVID-19. For reliable, up-to-date, information and guidance visit TFI face covering information, Gov.ie Guidance on safe use of face coverings and HSE.ie face covering advice.

Local Link Galway is delighted to announce the introduction of a new service – Route 547 Portumna to Ballinasloe. Starts Monday 27th July. Calling at Portumna, Eyrecourt and Ballinasloe, and with connections at Ballinasloe Train Station to Athlone, Dublin, and Galway, this service operates 7 days a week, operating four services per day in each direction Monday to Saturday, with reduced service Sunday. Stops at Hogan’s Tractor Garage in Eyrecourt. See timetable: Portumna to Ballinasloe Route 547 For more details on your local service, contact TFI Local Link Galway on 091 842 384

Many thanks to our friends in the Irish Farmers Journal for spending the day with us to highlight the good work being carried out throughout Co Galway. They were very impressed with the varied services run by Galway Local Link. Also special thanks to our friends in the Irish Workhouse Centre, Portumna Castle and Gardens, Portumna and Emerald Star Cruise Lines, Portumna as well as Connemara Boxing Club for hosting us so well and demonstrating the great work being done locally for the youth of the area. Local Link provide an invaluable service to the people of rural Co Galway and we were delighted that Mairead and her team from the Irish Farmers Journal chose us.