LOCAL Link is a great success story and has become a permanent part of Ireland’s public transport system.
Last year over one million passenger journeys were taken through Local Link in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim.
All services have continued as normal through the Covid-19 pandemic and at the moment the public transport service is operating at fifty per cent capacity.
Ms Fidelma Ní Dhochartaigh is Operations Manager with Local Link Donegal Sligo Leitrim. Speaking to the Donegal News from her office in Killybegs this week she said that the majority of services were working near capacity.
The Local Link public service vehicles vary from 25 to 52 seats so with the Covid 19 restriction in place they are catering for 13 – 26 passengers per vehicle to allow for social distancing.
“We haven’t experienced a drop in passenger numbers despite Government warnings to avoid public transport if possible. Indeed, we’re looking at bringing in additional capacity on some routes. It’s something that we’re closely monitoring,” she said.
“Our busiest services would be Route 293, Glen to Donegal Town, and all morning services into Letterkenny Town from places like Fanad, Moville, Burtonport and Carrigans.
“When the Glen to Donegal Town route started it was one day a week, a Thursday. Then it moved to twice a week, then five and now seven days. It now runs three times a day every day and it’s very popular with locals and tourists alike. Times seem to suit the locals who are availing of local services and the tourists can connect with Bus Éireann.
“Similarly, there’s a wide range of people using all morning services in to Letterkenny town – workers, shoppers, people connecting to other services, hospital appointments etcetera.
“In the summer months tourists avail of these services to connect to Glenveagh National Park, Errigal, Donegal Airport, Fanad Lighthouse and Inishowen,” she said.
“The majority of passengers are complying with national guidelines and are wearing their face masks. Hand sanitisers are provided on all services,” she added.
Local passenger numbers increase significantly in the autumn when college term kicks in, with students taking advantage of the services. Timetables are designed to suit commuters with the majority of services in Letterkenny before 9am and the evening return services at 5.45pm. This allows time for workers and students alike to avail of the services.
“LYIT are coming back a little later than usual this year due to Covid 19 and they are having a mixed semester between online and on site so we are unsure how this will impact our services at this stage.
“Our service from Ballybofey to Derry caters to students attending NWRC and Magee, again we are unsure how this service will be impacted. We also have Brexit looming which may have a negative affect on the service,” Ms Ní Dhochartaigh said.
All services will continue as normal throughout the winter and Local Link will continue to review areas that may need new services.
“We’ve introduced low-floor buses which are wheelchair assessable while they’re also great for older people with mobility issues. While the majority of our services are going well one or two of the newer routes are taking time to settle down. We find that it takes between eighteen months to two years for people to get used to a new service, especially older people who may have been used to taking a lift into town with a neighbour or using a taxi. Once they’re confident that the service is there to stay they’ll start using it more,” she said.
In addition to Local Link services, they also cover HSE day services transport in the three counties., LUH and SUH Renal Dialysis services while they also coordinate and manage all discharges and non emergency transfers for Letterkenny University Hospital (private ambulances)
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