Green TD – Steven Matthews has welcomed a 750% increase in passenger journeys on Wicklow Local Link services over the last two years. The huge uptake in weekly journeys was outlined in statistics published by the National Transport Authority (NTA). Deputy Matthews was speaking at the formal announcement of the newest Local Link Service from Roundwood – Bray that will be operational early next year.
Discussing the figures, Deputy Matthews said:
“To see the level of passenger use of Local Link services increase by 750% in just the last two years is something that I don’t think even the most optimistic of us thought would be possible in such a short space of time.
“The jump in the number of passenger journeys is extraordinary and they have been increasing consistently for over three years now and it absolutely shows that if reliable public transport options are in place, the demand is there.
“The figures speak for themselves and show the huge demand for local link routes in Wicklow. In most cases, these routes either didn’t exist or were underperforming prior to the Greens coming into Government so to see the huge level of demand week on week is extremely positive.
“Ultimately, my vison for Wicklow bus services is ‘every village every hour’ and while I am delighted to have delivered for Roundwood, I have my sights set on Donard and Hollywood next for a Local Link service.
“Many towns and villages in Wicklow are experiencing significant population growth and if we are to be serious about reducing our reliance on cars, this growth needs to be matched with further investment in public transport routes”, concluded Deputy Matthews.
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