Éirígí Activists Campaign Against Cancellation Of 20/X20 Bus Route
Éirígí activists in Galway, Loughrea, Athlone, Moate and Kilbeggan have recently erected posters opposing the cancellation by Bus Éireann of the 20/X20 bus route. The long-standing service, which ran from Galway City to Dublin Airport and City Centre, was axed at the end of July. Speaking in relation to the cancelation of the 20/X20 Éirígí’s Galway representative, Ian Ó Dálaigh said,
“Bus Éireann’s decision to cancel the 20/X20 route has already had a negative impact on the people who relied on it to attend work, college and other vital services.
The route didn’t just link Galway City to Dublin Airport and Dublin City. It also linked an entire chain of towns and villages to each other as well as to the two cities — towns and villages which include Oranmore, Craughwell, Loughrea, Aughrim, Ballinasloe, Athlone, Moate, Kilbeggan, Kinnegad, Enfield and Maynooth
One of the posters that have been erected by Éirígí in several towns along the route of the cancelled 20/X20 route
Despite the claims of government politicians, the new privately-operated Aircoach route is not a direct replacement for the 20/X20, as it does not service many of these towns and villages. And while Citylink do operate a similar route, the cancellation of the X20 service has resulted in eight fewer buses passing through these towns each day.
Bus Éireann stated that the decision to cancel this service was based on significant losses in 2020. It was ridiculous to judge losses based on a year that was largely shaped by Covid restrictions which dramatically reduced people’s movements.
The cancellation of the 20/X20 has once again highlighted the state’s lack of commitment to public transport generally and public transport outside the big cities in particular.
For decades, successive governments have underfunded and undermined the publicly-owned transport system. More recently they have turned to profit-driven private companies to deliver what is an essential public service.
Outside Athlone bus station
The damage caused by the cancellation of the 20/X20 will extend beyond the damage caused to the communities along its route. Its cancellation will also inevitably lead to more people using cars to make journeys that were previously made by bus.
Forcing people out of buses and into cars flies in the face of the government’s stated desire to dramatically reduce carbon emissions by 2030.
Éirígí is calling for the immediate restoration of the 20/X20 as part of a wider demand for increased public investment in public transport.
We want to see the creation of an integrated public transport system that will offer citizens in village, towns and cities a viable, cost-effective alternative to the private car - a new transport system incorporating buses, trams and trains that run on renewable forms of energy - a new transport system that will give those living in rural Ireland easy access to jobs, education, healthcare and other vital services.”
