Late-Night Bus Service Launch in Rural Ireland

0:00It's April 20th, I'm Cory with the story, and this is Europe News Today. News from Europe powered by AI. Three northwest towns, Sligo, Bunkrana, and Longford are launching a new late-night bus service called The One at One. Culture Minister Patrick O'Donovan kicked it off as a pilot to help folks get home safely after a night out in these rural spots. The buses roll out at 1 a.m. on Keybank Holiday Weekends in May, June, August, and October, as Culture Night on Friday, September 18th. The service runs specific routes from Bunkrana to Green Castle, Sligo's Markeyevich Road, to Rockfield, and Longford Center to Granord. It's all about filling the gap in after hours transport so people can enjoy local nightlife without driving. Local link operates the buses, and it's a team up with county councils and the National Transport Authority. Minister O'Donovan highlighted how rural areas struggle more with late transport than cities, and this pilot tests real demand to shape bigger.

1:01Changes Council leaders called it a smart fix for a top local issue, boosting confidence to hit the town without relying on cars. Staycolders say it will grow the nighttime economy by making outings safer and easier. Meanwhile, tap payments are coming to Galway local link buses by late June, with nationwide rollout by year's end, making fairs quicker via card or phone. This push shows transport upgrades hitting rural Ireland hard, setting the stage for more reliable rides when the fun runs late.