Department from the Department of Transport show that the numbers taking Local Links bus services shot up by over 360 per cent between 2020 and 2023.
By Dionne Meehan
JIMMY Logue hasn’t been able to drive since a serious road accident four years ago.
But thanks to TFI’s Local Link bus service he still manages to get around.
“It has been my life saver,” the well-known man said.
On September 19, 2020, the rear of Jimmy’s car was struck as he pulled in to take a call while travelling between Carrigart and Downings.
Recalling the day of his accident, Jimmy said despite being “lucky enough” to escape without injury, his confidence on the road took a hit.
“Luckily I had a seatbelt on but only for that I could have been killed,” he said.
Left with no car and no confidence, Jimmy had to find another way to commute.
Noticing the Local Link passing his door a number of times a day, Jimmy decided to give it a go.
Now availing of the service at least three times a week, he hasn’t looked back since.
But Jimmy isn’t the only person living in rural Ireland availing of this “great service”.
Last week, figures released by the Department of Transport showed that the numbers taking Local Links in rural areas shot up by over 360 per cent between 2020 and 2023.
With affordable fares and a multitude of timetables and routes, this service has opened up access to food, healthcare, educational opportunities and employment to many.
“Not having a car in a rural area was once seen as a huge disadvantage, but not anymore,” Jimmy concluded.
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