Achill, Co. Mayo – Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary, today joined the National Transport Authority (NTA) to officially launch Ireland’s first-ever Smart Demand-Responsive Transport (DRT) pilot service. The pilot, which begins operation on 15 July 2025, will serve the Achill region and marks a major milestone in rural mobility innovation.
This pilot is a flagship initiative under the NTA’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan, designed to revolutionise how rural communities access public transport. The service introduces a flexible, app-based transport model tailored to local needs, offering greater convenience, accessibility, and frequency.
How It Works – the TFI Anseo App
Using the TFI Anseo app, passengers will be able to book on-demand rides with ease—bringing the convenience of modern rideshare together with the reliability and affordability of public transport.
Unlike traditional fixed-route services, this Smart DRT model allows passengers to request pick-ups and drop-offs anywhere within the region, offering greater flexibility and accessibility.
Technology-Driven and Community-Focused
The pilot is powered by a fully integrated DRT transport management system, including:
- Passenger app and booking website
- Driver app and operator dashboards
- Smart routing and transport simulations
- Contact centre support
- End-to-end SaaS (Software as a Service) and advisory services
The service will be operated by TFI Local Link Mayo using clearly branded TFI Anseo vehicles. It will run seven days a week, year-round, providing a vital transport link for residents in areas with limited transport options and increasing service frequency for greater convenience.
Affordable, Sustainable, and Inclusive
Fares will be distance-based, with most trips costing €3 or less, ensuring affordability. The pilot also supports:
- Climate action goals by reducing car dependency
- First and last mile connectivity to wider transport networks
- Social equity by reducing rural isolation and supporting community-led services
Transformative for rural communities
Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary said:
“It is important that we recognise the distinct and unique needs of people living in rural Ireland and this is a bespoke response to that… Smart DRT is potentially transformative for rural communities, particularly those in more isolated areas.
The Government is committed to making progress in connecting rural Ireland, through its Rural Mobility Plan, and I want to commend my colleague, Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien, for the work that he has been doing, in conjunction with the NTA on this. The piloting of this ride-sharing platform, which will improve rural connectivity, is yet another example of this.
“Smart DRT is potentially transformative for rural communities, particularly those in more isolated areas, and I look forward to giving this project every possible support as it’s rolled out in Mayo and further afield.”
TFI Anseo App -making public transport more inclusive, accessible and tailored
Dominic Hannigan, NTA Head of Transport Regulation, added: “This pilot marks a significant milestone in delivering on the goals of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. By introducing smart, app-based demand-responsive services, we are making public transport more inclusive, accessible and tailored to the needs of rural communities.
“This innovative approach, the first of its kind in Ireland, aims to bridge the rural mobility gap, reduce reliance on private cars and promote more sustainable travel choices in Achill and beyond”.
TFI Local Link Mayo General Manager Sarah Togher said: “We are delighted to partner with the National Transport Authority on the TFI Anseo pilot initiative, which reflects our ongoing commitment to tackling rural social exclusion through innovative and accessible transport solutions. Being chosen as the first rural area to pilot this technology-driven service is a proud milestone for TFI Local Link Mayo, and we’re confident it will make a real and lasting difference to mobility and connectivity for the people of Achill.”
“Via is pleased to support NTA as the tech provider to deliver Ireland’s first Smart DRT pilot, helping to improve everyday connectivity for the Achill community,” said Sam Griffiths, Head of European Partnerships at Via, the transport tech company powering TFI Anseo. “By enabling more accessible and flexible public transport, this service represents an important step toward strengthening rural mobility in Ireland — ensuring residents are better connected to the local opportunities that matter most.”
Pilot Duration and Next Steps
The Achill pilot will run for an initial 12-month period. The NTA encourages local residents to try the service and provide feedback to help shape the future of rural mobility in Ireland.
Learn More
For more information and to download the TFI Anseo app, see TFI Anseo App – Transport for Ireland
This pilot is funded under the Government’s Climate Action Fund, supporting innovative transport solutions that contribute to Ireland’s climate goals. Additional pilot areas are planned for rollout as part of the continued expansion of the Smart DRT programme.
