ABOUT US
TFI Local Link fares include single, return, student, 7day and child fares. Cash is accepted and Free Travel Pass holders and children under 5 years travel for free.
From 11th April, fares are reducing on all TFI Local Link by an average of 20%.
‘It is the mission of TFI Local Link DSL to provide and promote community led sustainable, integrated, inclusive, accessible and affordable public transport that links people to services & facilities creating a better quality of life for people and local communities, particularly for those less advantaged, socially excluded or isolated and for vulnerable individuals’
TFI Local Link and the Importance to Rural Communities
Being able to get out and about is a vital way to engage with your community and access local services. Local bus services are a lifeline for many people who do not drive and have no access to a car.
Providing a quality bus service for rural communities is a major priority for Transport for Ireland (TFI). Continued investment in TFI Local Link services has offered numerous benefits to those living in rural
communities, including: tackling social isolation, improving economic and social connectivity for local communities & helping reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by ensuring fewer cars are on the road
TFI Local Link encompasses an ethos of social enterprise, wherencommunity transport is operated and managed more efficiently and cost-effectively at a local level.‘It is the mission of TFI Local Link DSL to provide and promote community led sustainable, integrated, inclusive, accessible and affordable public transport that links people to services & facilities creating a better quality of life for people and local communities, particularly for those less advantaged, socially excluded or isolated and for vulnerable individuals’
Currently there are in excess of 103 bus routes operating all over Donegal, Sligo & Leitrim under the management of TFI Local Link DSL
Please ring TFI Local Link DSL on 074 9741644 for queries on existing bus services or if you can identify the need for a transport service in your area
TFI Local Link DSL work with Communities, Agencies & Local Authorities in identifying unresolved transport needs in all 3 Counties
Background & History
TFI Local Link DSL is an independent company, not for profit, limited by guarantee (CLG) with charitable status and a board of management from the community and voluntary sector and since established in 2002 has proven to be a professionally coordinated & managed transport provision throughout Counties Donegal Sligo & Leitrim. The board and staff of TFI Local Link DLS have been courageous and progressive in their vision, flexible in their approach and steadfast in the belief that transport is fundamental to rural living
Local Link is a development of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which was launched in 2007 to build on the success of its predecessor, the Rural Transport Initiative (RTI). The RTI was established as a pilot project in 2002 to address issues of unmet transport needs from a social inclusion and community-based perspective. The RTI and RTP specifically focused on responding to rural isolation and enhancing the mobility, accessibility and community participation of local people, particularly those at risk of social exclusion. In 2013, 224,158 vehicle trips were provided under the programme while 1.74million passenger journeys were taken.
The RTI and RTP, until April 2013, were managed by Pobal however this responsibility was transferred to the National Transport Authority (NTA). The NTA, established in 2009, has the statutory responsibility to procure public transport passenger services. The placing of the responsibility for integrated local and rural transport with the NTA, including managing the RTP, has had the effect of consolidating the oversight of all State funded local and rural transport services. It enables the development of better links between local and rural transport services and scheduled bus and rail services. It also enables the NTA to identify gaps in service provision and, as funds become available, to fill those gaps gradually in the most effective way.
The RTP was selected for a Value for Money (VfM) review in line with a commitment given at the launch of the Programme in 2007. The Review was carried out by the Department of Transport in the context of the Government evaluation of public expenditure programmes under the ‘Value for Money and Policy Review Initiative’. The Report was published early 2012, following submission to Government.
The NTA has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of the recommendations of the Report and specifically with developing a detailed plan for an organisational restructuring of the RTP to address the findings of the VfM Review. This plan concentrated on the establishment of 18 Local Link Areas of operation which will provide the appropriate critical mass of population and characteristics to sustain the running costs of each Unit
NETWORK MAP & BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
NETWORK MAP
TFI Local Link services are managed by 15 transport coordination units (TCUs) nationwide, who are operating on behalf of Transport for Ireland (TFI). Each TCU office manages the day-to-day requests and delivery of bus services in their local area.
These offices open from 9 AM – 5 PM, Monday to Friday and operate all year round except for Public Holidays.
Transport for Ireland, in conjunction with TFI Local Link offices, will continue to identify any potential gaps in existing services and develop appropriate new routes based on the availability of resources.
Greater integration with existing public transport services between towns/ villages will also continue to be a key focus of the rural transport programme.
BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
The board of directors are comprised from
both the community and voluntary sector across the geographic regions of Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim
Current Directors of the company are:
- Chairperson; Joseph Harley
- Secretary; James McClean
- Treasurers; Mary Coughlan & John McBrearty
- Directors; Ann Walsh & Kathleen McGuinness
- Member; Gerry McGroarty
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT LOCAL LINK
