Transforming Transport in Cork
NTA has a sustainable transport strategy designed to make walking, cycling and public transport the preferred choice for everyday journeys across the Cork Metropolitan Area.
Key plans include:
- Bus network and infrastructure improvements
- Major rail expansion
- New light rail (Luas) network
- Improved walking and cycling infrastructure
- Reduced congestion and emissions
TFI 90-Minute Fare Cork
On Monday 20 July 2026, customers travelling on Bus Éireann Cork city services welcomed a simpler way to travel with the introduction of the TFI 90-Minute Fare.
With a valid Leap Card, passengers can:
- Travel on any Cork city bus service
- Transfer between buses as often as needed within 90 minutes
- Pay just one fare of €1.70 for the entire journey
This new fare makes bus travel across Cork more flexible, convenient and affordable.
BusConnects Cork
BusConnects Cork is a major investment in Cork’s sustainable transport system and aims to provide a better, more reliable bus service for everyone.
New Bus Network:
Cork’s new bus network will involve the creation of new bus routes and improved bus frequencies to help transform the public transport network to meet anticipated growth and future demand in the region.
Sustainable Transport Corridors (STC):
BusConnects Cork is progressing on the delivery of the Sustainable Transport Corridors(STCs) element of the BusConnects Cork programme. The Sustainable Transport Corridors will be along key bus routes in the city and will have dedicated bus lanes/bus priority, with improved cycling and pedestrian facilities.
Cork Commuter Rail Programme
The Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) Programme is the largest investment ever made in Cork’s rail network.
The programme will enhance the heavy rail network across the region, ultimately providing a 10-minute frequency on lines connecting Mallow, Cork, Cobh, and Midleton. The programme includes electrification, new trains, upgraded signalling, eight new stations, and Park & Ride facilities — all designed to create a greener, more connected city-region.
Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR)
Luas Cork
Luas Cork is a proposed light rail line running from Ballincollig to Mahon Point, connecting key destinations such as MTU, Cork University Hospital, UCC, Cork city centre, Kent Station, Cork Docklands, Blackrock and Mahon. Luas Cork is a central part of the Cork Metropolitan Area transport Strategy (CMATS).
Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy
The Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy (CMATS) is a long-term framework aiming to create a sustainable, efficient, and integrated transport system for the Cork Metropolitan Area, prioritizing public transport, active travel, and reduced car dependency.
It was developed by NTA in collaboration with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the Southern Regional Assembly, Cork City Council and Cork County Council.
Cork Metropolitan Area Transport Strategy
Walking and Cycling
Cork City Centre and Ballincollig Town Centre have seen many public space improvements, such as pedestrian priority areas, wider footpaths, and better crossings. These have created a good walking environment and increased activity on many streets.
- Every day those who walk, wheel and cycle for non-leisure trips when they could used a car take up to 82,000 cars off the road in the Cork Metropolitan Area. If all of these cars were in a traffic jam it would tail back 394 kilometres.
- Residents walking, wheeling and cycling create an annual economic benefit for individuals and the Cork Metropolitan Area of €9 million.
Cycling is a low cost, sustainable and growing mode of transport in the Cork Metropolitan Area. The NDP 2025-2040 commits to the delivery of walking and cycling networks for all of Ireland’s cities. The Cork Cycling Network Plan for the CMA and surrounding towns is available.
Walking & Cycling – National Transport
Cork Park and Ride
Appropriately located and designed Park & Ride facilities can enables more people to use public transport and thereby enhancing their travel options sustainably.
The Park & Ride Strategic Location Selection: Cork report is currently being finalised. It will sit under CMATS and provide further refinement to the Park & Ride locations recommended for Cork.