Free bus scheme serving areas of Kilkenny celebrates 1,000th passenger
The Barrow Bus is an action research project by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership running this summer and autumn
In just its second month of operation, the Barrow Bus, which serves areas in Kilkenny and Carlow, has hit a significant milestone.
Patrick Connolly of Graignamanagh made the 1,000th passenger journey on the service when he boarded in Goresbridge on Thursday, July 24.
Connolly, who works in Goresbridge three days a week, has enjoyed the benefits of the Barrow Bus adding frequency of service in complement to the Local Link 881 route.
“Until recently I wouldn’t get home until after half past six in the evening,” he explained. “With the Barrow Bus, I’m home at quarter past five. It gives me a chance to get some work done in the garden. All that time really adds up and makes a big difference.”
MEP Cynthia Ní Mhurchú came to mark the milestone and took a journey on the Barrow Bus from Graignamanagh to St Mullins.
“I’ve heard fantastic stories about how the Barrow Bus has made a difference to people’s lives in the short time the project has been running,” she said.
“I’ve heard about a woman taking a bus for the first time in 30 years to go shopping in Bagenalstown, people in Paulstown making a trip to Graignamanagh for the first time in decades now that there’s this link between them, and huge numbers of people exploring the Barrow Way now they can get a free bus home.
“It gives a glimpse into what rural communities need to thrive. Accessible local transport is a basic need and indeed entitlement of our citizens.”
The Barrow Bus is an action research project by Kilkenny LEADER Partnership running this summer and autumn to understand the mobility needs of the communities along the route.
The service is free, running Monday to Saturday between Bagenalstown and Graignamanagh, with some services extending to St Mullins.
Booking ahead is recommended at barrowbus.palisis.com where the full timetable can be found.