Plans to Drop Three Regional Bus Routes ‘Deeply Concerning’

Bus Éireann’s announcement to discontinue three Expressway services from Sunday, May 24, has sparked significant concern among rural communities and transport authorities. The affected routes—Waterford to Dublin Airport (Route 4), Rosslare/Wexford-Waterford (Route 40 Segment) and Ballina-Galway (Route 52)—are set to be withdrawn due to what the operator describes as “significant” financial losses.

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has warned that ending these services would depart a “significant gap” in public transport provision, particularly along the R448 corridor. Towns including Mullinavat, Ballyhale, Thomastown, Gowran, and Leighlinbridge rely on Route 4 for regular connectivity, serving stops in Waterford, Carlow Town, Dublin City, and Dublin Airport.

Local representatives and community groups have criticized the decision, arguing that it fails to meet national transport standards and reduces connectivity without offering any partial service retention. Public meetings have been held in Waterford, Kilkenny, and Carlow, with calls growing for the NTA to consider implementing a Public Service Obligation (PSO) to subsidize and protect the routes.

A PSO, as used by the NTA, involves tendering bus services to operators who agree to run specified routes in exchange for state subsidies. Supporters argue this model could ensure continuity of essential links where commercial viability is insufficient.

Bus Éireann has not indicated plans to retain any segment of the withdrawn services, and the NTA has confirmed it is not currently proposing alternative arrangements to replace the full routes.