A PLAN to merge existing public transport systems in rural areas to save money has been presented to the Government by the Rural Transport Network.
The plan suggests pooling schemes including the free travel pass, the school transport scheme, non-ambulance transport from the Health Service Executive and other CIÉ systems with the rural network.
Alan Kerry, a spokesman for the network, said the proposed changes to the present schemes would take place over three years.
A report detailing the plan has been submitted to Minister of State for Transport Alan Kelly.
“We expect acknowledgment from the Minister that this is a plan which would be for practical future implementation,” he said.
The group represents 36 networks around the country, many of which serve areas where there are no other public transport options.
A significant portion of the plan refers to the savings that could be made by merging the services.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Transport confirmed yesterday the report has been received by the department and is under consideration.
