North Longford bus service back on track

The new Wharton’s bus in north Longford was back on the road this morning after an absence of five months.

The service was withdrawn earlier this year after it became economically unviable to keep it operating.

Major efforts by local area representatives and members of the community to have the service reinstated ensued, and the new contract was subsequently awarded to the local bus company last month.

Cllr John Duffy (FG) said it was great to see the Whartons’s bus back on track. “I have worked with the National Transport Authority (NTA) since March, and indeed with Whartons, since they won the tender to get to this day, and am delighted for the passengers who use this service,” he added. “It is great to see that this issue has been resolved satisfactory.”

Meanwhile, Cllr Luie McEntire (FF) pointed to the importance of the service and encouraged everyone in the community to avail of it. “So much effort went into getting this service back on the road and I am delighted to see Wharton’s bus back on the road and indeed, Tommy the driver. The service is there and it is up to everyone now to avail of it.”