DUBLIN (Azat TV) – Bus Éireann has confirmed it will withdraw three major Expressway routes from its national network effective May 24, 2026. The decision follows a review of the company’s commercial operations, with officials citing persistent financial losses as the primary driver for the service reductions.
Impacted Expressway Routes and Locations
The affected services include the Ballina to Galway route (Route 52), which serves several communities including Foxford, Castlebar, Claremorris, and Tuam. Additionally, the company is pulling services from the South East, specifically the Waterford to Dublin and Dublin Airport route (Route 4), and the segment connecting Rosslare and Wexford to Waterford (Route 40).
Financial Sustainability and Network Consolidation
Bus Éireann stated that these routes operate under the Expressway brand as commercial services, meaning they receive no state subvention. According to the company, the decision to withdraw these specific lines is a strategic move intended to protect the viability of the broader Expressway network. Management confirmed that the National Transport Authority has been notified of the changes.
Customer Refunds and Employment Status
The company has assured passengers that any individuals with pre-booked travel on the impacted routes will be contacted directly to receive a full refund. Regarding personnel, Bus Éireann stated that the scale of the service reduction will not result in job losses, as the company is currently focused on fulfilling its existing recruitment requirements.
The decision to terminate these routes highlights the growing tension between maintaining essential regional connectivity and the fiscal realities of unsubsidized commercial transit models in Ireland.