Transport Minister Shane Ross has announced temporary funding to support some licensed bus operators struggling to deal with a fall in passenger numbers and revenue as a result of COVID-19.

The minister said the measures, which are in accordance with EU and national legislation, are aimed at operators of essential bus services in areas that are not covered by existing public service obligation (PSO) bus or rail services.

Hardship

“In the absence of direct intervention, the extreme financial hardship facing operators could result in the loss of their services to the travelling public across the country,” said Minister Ross.

“If this was to occur, many passengers would be left with no alternative public transport option available.”

He was speaking after the Government approved the emergency package which covers a period of six months and will be restricted to operators “where a clear public interest justification supports such intervention”.

“We simply cannot allow these key public transport services to fail,” the minister said.