A motion supporting Galway Commuter Coalition’s proposal to create a bus corridor on the Salmon Weir Bridge was passed unanimously by the Project Development Strategic Policy Committee (SPC ) of Galway City Council, following a presentation made by two members of the Coalition.
The Coalition is grateful for the opportunity to present to the SPC and welcomes the ambition and commitment to public transport shown by the councillors, community and business representatives, and the Council Executive in supporting the proposal. A shared understanding was developed during the meeting that a trial of the Salmon Weir Bus proposal presents a real solution to Galway’s traffic woes, could present useful findings for future projects, and is in the interest of all Galway City inhabitants.
The proposal will now be brought to the Corporate Policy Group (CPG ) of the Council, which consists of the Mayor and the Chairs of each of the other SPCs, before being brought to a full council vote. The Coalition looks forwards to presenting once again, and appreciates the insights gained from today’s meeting from the political, business and social leaders who voiced their support for the transformative results a Salmon Weir Bus Corridor could provide.
The proposal to use the Salmon Weir Bridge as a bus-only corridor between the hours of 7am-7pm is intended to offer a short-term measure that could improve bus priority and journey reliability in the city centre while being a stepping stone in the implementation of Bus Connects Galway Cross-City Link.
The economic and developmental benefits of the proposal were noted throughout the proposal, as the plan also synchronises with the Galway City Development plan. The need for accessible public transport was a key feature of the meeting, with a motion also being passed by the SPC opposing the recent fare hike of 26-30% facing Galway bus users.
