WATCH: New local bus routes in Carlow previewed

A 'long overdue' new public transport measure in Carlow town will encourage people to rethink how they get around the town, according to a local TD.

"From next month, 94% of Carlow town’s population will be within 800m of a bus stop, and 68% will be within 400m - that’s easy access to affordable, reliable public transport, delivered by the Green Party in government. It's hard to overstate how transformative that will be," Deputy Malcom Noonan said. 

"Today in Carlow I attended a trial run of CW1 - one of two new Carlow Town bus routes coming into operation next month. These new services are going to provide unprecedented connectivity for the town, and an affordable, sustainable transport option for people to get to, across and around the town of Carlow.

There's already huge local interest in the routes (as we waited to depart today the driver was actually approached by a would-be passenger. She was thrilled to hear the bus will be a transport option from next month!) so I asked the #NTA's John Nott to give us all the details. pic.twitter.com/vXFsouHbcJ

— Malcolm Noonan T.D. (@noonan_malcolm) June 9, 2023

"This is such a long overdue transport measure for Carlow, and it’s one I’m proud to say the Green Party has really been working hard to deliver - not just for Carlow but for every rural and regional town where public transport is desperately needed if we are to encourage people to rethink how they get around their local areas and have better, safer, more live-able towns and cities," Deputy Noonan. 

The two new Carlow town bus routes, CW1 and CW2, will be operational seven days a week, with buses every 30 minutes.

There are early morning services to link people to those first interurban rail and bus services, and the last bus will run around midnight.

Fares will be extremely affordable, at 55c for a child, student or anyone with a Young Adult LEAP card, and the adult fare will be just €1.10, and that single fare will allow you to interchange between the two route. Free travel cards will also be accepted.