Category: Transport

Iarnród Éireann launches HVO fuel pilot on Cork commuter fleet

Iarnród Éireann has launched a new renewable fuel pilot on its commuter fleet, as part of its ongoing programme to reduce carbon emissions across the national rail network.

The trial will use Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) – a renewable diesel alternative produced from vegetable oils and waste fats – to power two formerly diesel-fuelled trains on the Cork commuter network. HVO can cut emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional diesel, serving as a drop-in replacement without the need for significant engine modifications.

The trial, which and will run until June, is expected to use approximately 100,000 litres of ethically sourced HVO. Each of the trains currently consumes between 3,000 and 4,000 litres of diesel per week; at a similar burn rate on HVO, the pilot period is projected to cover 12 to 16 weeks of operation.

Performance and reliability during the trial will be closely monitored to assess the potential for wider deployment of HVO across the fleet.

The pilot will see two 2600 Class diesel multiple units (DMUs) operate exclusively on HVO over the coming months, replacing conventional diesel on selected services. Commuters will be able to spot one of these trains thanks to HVO decals on the exterior of the carriages.

Iarnród Éireann’s Climate Action Plan commits to introducing HVO across its diesel fleet, where appropriate, on a phased basis to 2030, to meet short-term emission reduction targets. 100% HVO use is already in operation on all track maintenance vehicles.

HVO for the trial is being supplied by Corrib Oil and Iarnród Éireann has received and verified the relevant ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) documentation for the fuel. This certification confirms that the HVO being used meets recognised sustainability and traceability standards.

Commenting on the initiative, Mary Considine, Iarnród Éireann Chief Executive, said: “This pilot is another important step in our efforts to decarbonise Ireland’s rail network. In trialling HVO on our commuter fleet, we are testing a lower-carbon alternative that can be deployed quickly while we continue to invest in electrification and other long-term more sustainable solutions.”

Subject to a successful outcome, the findings of the pilot will inform future decisions on expanding the use of HVO as a lower carbon “drop-in” replacement for diesel on non-electrified routes, complementing Iarnród Éireann’s broader investment in sustainable mobility.

First of new DART+ trains unveiled

Iarnród Éireann has unveiled the first five-carriage train of the new DART+ Fleet, at Inchicore Works in Dublin.

The new DART fleet which will enable Iarnród Éireann to improve the customer experience across the Greater Dublin Area, including capacity, accessibility and customer information.

The five-carriage train is the first of 185 carriages already on order from rail manufacturer Alstom, and entering service from early 2026 onwards.  The trains were purchased in two orders as part of a framework agreement which provides for up to 750 electric/battery electric carriages over a ten-year period

The fleet orders, funded by the National Transport Authority (NTA) under Project Ireland 2040, are part of the wider DART+ Programme.  DART+ is a series of infrastructure projects which, together with train orders, will double the capacity and treble the electrification of the Greater Dublin Area’s rail network.  The DART+ Programme is a key element of the NTA Greater Dublin Area Transport Strategy, 2022-2042. DART+ will facilitate sustainable mobility and development to enhance quality of life in our capital and its surrounding counties, through a series of fleet and infrastructure projects. The DART+ Programme is being delivered by Iarnród Éireann on behalf of NTA.

Including the first train, a total of 155 out of the 185 carriages on order are battery-electric which deliver more capacity for commuters in advance of electrification of the lines on which they will operate, with the balance of 30 being electric-only.  The first trains will operate on the Drogheda to Dublin Commuter route, with recharging facilities under construction at Drogheda Station.

The arrival of the new fleet, from Alstom’s Chorzów facility near Katowice in Poland, marks a significant milestone in Iarnród Éireann’s journey to become the backbone of the sustainable transport network in Ireland.

The carriages are the first part of the largest and most sustainable public transport fleet order in Irish history and, once operational, will further improve network accessibility and customer experience by offering:

  • Independent access with low-floor height doorway being equipped with an automatic retractable step, offering the potential for unassisted level access from suitable platforms, aligned with platform enhancements.
  • Wide gangways between carriages creating an open and spacious environment.
  • Improved facilities for wheelchair users, families and cyclists, with dedicated wheelchair and family spaces.
  • Transformed customer information systems on-board including large, high-resolution onboard displays with real-time updates, door illumination and additional features designed for the needs of sensory impaired customers including inductive hearing loops.
  • An advanced on-board CCTV system with cameras throughout every carriage, to enhance safety and security for customers and employees

As the first train in a brand new fleet on the Iarnród Éireann network, the carriages will now begin a rigorous regulatory approval, and testing and commissioning process, at Inchicore Works and on the Greater Dublin Area rail network, before entering service in early 2026.

Each 10-carriage train, made up of two of these five car train sets joined, will be the longest train size operable by the new fleet on current infrastructure, and will have capacity for at least 1,100 customers.

More carriages will arrive steadily over the coming months, with each set undergoing the testing and commissioning process.

CitySwift announces latest UK partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester

CitySwift, leader in performance optimisation for the public transport sector across the globe, has partnered with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), local government body responsible for transport in the Manchester region. This partnership looks to power the future of Manchester’s public transport network through the use of AI and data.

This move makes TfGM the first franchised transport authority in the UK to utilise AI to deliver more reliable, frequent and quicker bus journeys, building on the Greater Manchester Bus Strategy announced last year. The plans laid out in this report highlight Greater Manchester’s vision for the future bus network, aiming to make buses the first choice for more journeys within the Bee Network.

The strategy sets an initial target of a 30% increase in bus patronage by 2030 from 2022/23 levels, equating to nearly 50 million additional bus journeys annually. This growth will be driven by improvements such as a more integrated, user-friendly, and frequent network, and better infrastructure for reliable bus journeys, with CitySwift playing a key role in this transition.

Founded in 2016 by Brian O’Rourke and Alan Farrelly, CitySwift’s performance optimisation platform gives operators and transport authorities insights, recommendations, and predictions, supporting them in the delivery of efficient, reliable and in-demand services.

CitySwift empowers public transport authorities and operators to achieve unparalleled efficiency by leveraging advanced analytics, simulations, and optimisations. With its easy-to-use industry-leading technology, CitySwift envisions a future where public transport is the travel mode of choice for all people.

Speaking on today’s announcement, Brian O’Rourke, CEO and Co-founder of CitySwift said “The goals and vision set out in the Great Manchester Bus Strategy speak clearly to our mission at CitySwift – grow patronage with frequent and more reliable buses.. I am thrilled that we’re partnering with TfGM, supporting them in achieving this goal through our transport data-solutions, as we continue to build the smart cities of the future.”

 

Through this partnership, TfGM will have access to CitySwift’s performance data across the entire Bee Network, helping to identify trends and pain points such as traveller destinations and service performance, allowing them to recognise where improvements should be made to benefit passengers. Additionally TfGM will leverage CitySwift’s latest product offering, Spotlight, a globally leading intelligent recommendation engine for bus network enhancements.

Designed for stakeholders, the product enhances decision-making by providing AI-powered insights into performance and resource parameters like timeliness, cost, and vehicle numbers through scanning the whole network, executing optimisation variations, and proposing ROI improvements.

Catherine Towey, Senior Lead for Bus Franchising at TfGM said: “Customers are at the heart of the Bee Network and by working with CitySwift we will be able to see more clearly than ever how services are performing. We can then use this information prioritise improvements and deliver a better service for passengers.”

Powered by AI data processing, CitySwift optimises over 1 billion passenger journeys annually, working with public sector transport authorities and private bus operators to break down the barriers to accessing and interpreting transport data, replacing manual analysis with reliable, actionable insights. This solution enhances efficiency, benefiting drivers, passengers, partners, and cities, whilst remaining human-centric throughout.

This news follows a series of other partnerships for the data transportation company across the UK, including National Express, Transport North East, Transdev Blazefield, and trentbarton. Since its inception, CitySwift has grown to have a presence across the UK, US and its home territory of Ireland, covering transport networks in all major UK cities.

National Express West Midlands Renews & Expands Partnership with CitySwift to Optimise Performance using AI

CitySwift, leader in performance optimisation for the public transport sector across the globe, has today announced the continuation of its partnership with National Express West Midlands (NXWM). The three year extension comes following impressive year-on-year results, including improved bus punctuality and efficiencies.

Since September 2023 NXWM’s use of CitySwift’s advanced AI and data technology has led to a reduction of more than 20% in late running, customer wait times have been reduced, and passengers per journey have increased. This follows strong results from previous years and consequently NXWM is now rolling out CitySwift’s platform across its entire fleet of over 1,400 buses.

As a leader in the largest UK urban bus market outside of London, NXWM provides on average 210 million bus passenger journeys per year across the West Midlands and has worked collaboratively with CitySwift to develop best-in-class transport solutions that analyse passenger and service data, drive optimum performance, and delivers a much more efficient use of resources.

Speaking on today’s announcement, Alan Farrelly, CCO and Co-founder of CitySwift said “National Express West Midlands has been core to CitySwift’s product development since 2019, and we are thrilled to extend our partnership for a further three years. This next phase will enable National Express West Midlands to further strengthen their commitment to enhancing the public transport network and improving the passenger experience through our technology.”

The latest innovative CitySwift solution is Spotlight, a globally leading intelligent recommendation engine for bus network enhancements that is integral to building smart cities and regions of the future.

NXWM is the first UK transport operator to adopt Spotlight, with the West Midlands being the first region in the world to benefit, resulting in faster, more customer-centric choices that balance resources, passengers, cities, and operators.

Ed Rickard, Network Director at National Express, commented: “Our collaboration with CitySwift to deliver Spotlight for the benefit of bus users across the West Midlands, and in major cities across the UK, is a groundbreaking achievement for the National Express West Midlands and CitySwift teams.

We are delighted to continue working in partnership with CitySwift over the coming years and proudly leading the charge in the UK when it comes to the use of AI-powered data and insights that are key to an efficient, cost-effective delivery of bus service performance for customers across our network.”

Designed for schedulers; Spotlight improves scheduler decision-making by providing AI-powered insights into performance and resource considerations such as timeliness, cost, and vehicle numbers. It scans the entire network, delivering service optimisation options, and efficiency improvements.

Andy Foster, Director of Bus Planning at National Express, added: “We are excited to be extending CitySwift’s AI performance optimisation capabilities across our bus network in the West Midlands. Traffic conditions on our region’s roads have worsened and can negatively impact the reliability of our services.

However, using CitySwift’s AI analytics and optimisation tools our skilled schedulers and network planners have been able to respond effectively, maximising our productivity and efficiency while also reducing late running for customers that rely on our bus services.”

Founded in 2016 by Brian O’Rourke and Alan Farrelly, CitySwift’s performance optimisation platform gives operators and transport authorities insights, recommendations, and predictions, supporting them in the delivery of efficient, reliable and in-demand services.

CitySwift empowers public transport operators and authorities to achieve unparalleled efficiency by leveraging advanced analytics, simulations, and optimisations. With its easy-to-use industry-leading technology, CitySwift envisions a future where public transport is the travel mode of choice for all people.

Powered by AI data processing, CitySwift optimises over 1 billion passenger journeys annually, working with public sector transport authorities and private bus operators to break down the barriers to accessing and interpreting transport data, replacing manual analysis with reliable, actionable insights. This solution enhances efficiency, benefiting drivers, passengers, partners, and cities, whilst remaining human-centric throughout.

The renewed partnership with NXWM closely follows other developments for the Irish company, having opened its first UK office earlier this year in London and announcing additional partnerships with Transport North East, Transdev Blazefield, and trentbarton. Since its inception, CitySwift has grown to have a presence across the UK, US and its home territory of Ireland, covering transport networks in all major UK cities. Additionally, in February of this year CitySwift announced the close of its latest funding round of €7 million led by Gresham House Venture, as the company continues to scale for growth globally.

Esri Ireland revolutionises sustainable public transport projects for DBFL Consulting Engineers

Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), is today announcing that it is transforming the delivery of more sustainable public transport projects for DBFL Consulting Engineers, one of Ireland’s leading consultancies for civil, structural and transportation engineering.

DBFL needed the ability to view, analyse, and share geospatial data and maps more extensively across both transportation and civil engineering projects. Esri designed a tailored solution based on its ArcGIS technology which is enhancing DBFL’s approach to complex project assessments. DBFL is extending its use of ArcGIS to gain insight into key issues such as sustainable transport.

For example, the technology has been used to visualise the proportion of people using private, public, and active transport for work trips in County Wicklow. The system is also enabling DBFL to analyse catchment areas and evaluate walking times to bus stops and train stations. It easily identifies barriers to public transport use and proposes new access routes for pedestrians and cyclists.

In addition, Esri’s ArcGIS is being used to conduct route, transport, and site audits in the field, including a recent audit of a proposed new cycle route in Dublin. Engineers can collect and upload data and images in real time from their mobile devices while walking these routes, and the information is uploaded directly to ArcGIS Online, a central system which can be accessed by all team members. DBFL is increasingly using the platform for communicating and sharing data with its clients.

Esri’s system is underpinning growth for DBFL, as the enhanced service offering is enabling the company to tender for an increasing number of projects. It’s more cost efficient as it accelerates the delivery of projects and reduces the need for written reports. Esri’s technology has also streamlined workflows for DBFL’s employees with increased collaboration and improved data sharing. DBFL anticipates that as many as 80 engineers, working on both transportation and civil engineering projects across the business, will use the technology as a vital part of their day-to-day work.

Danny Pio Murphy, Associate (Transportation), DBFL Consulting Engineers: “There is high demand for GIS analysis and digital mapping. Since expanding our use of ArcGIS, we have begun to attract more private and public sector clients who want GIS analysis and reports. ArcGIS Online is particularly effective for presenting our results in a non-technical way. Now that the technology is accessible to more engineers at DBFL, we can use it to add value to a larger number of projects, both in transportation and civil engineering. We are really pleased with the direction we are heading in; we are passionate about what we do and are happy that we can now make more use of ArcGIS to make cities safer and create a more sustainable world.”

 Jack Ffrench, Account Manager, Esri Ireland, said: “We are delighted to build on our valued partnership with DBFL Consulting Engineers. As one of Ireland’s leading engineering consultancies, the use of accurate and up-to-date geospatial data is crucial as its existing and prospective customers increasingly require geospatial data and analysis as part of new project specifications. By using ArcGIS, DBFL has been able to improve insights into complex engineering projects, lower costs, and scale its business. We look forward to continuing to build on this relationship and support the team in providing these important and innovative services.”

NTA commences market consultation process for zero-emission ramp-accessible coaches

The National Transport Authority (NTA) has today commenced a market consultation process ahead of one or more procurement competitions for zero-emissions and/or ramp-accessible coaches.

Information obtained from interested parties that participate in this market consultation exercise will be used by the NTA for the purpose of informing the planned procurement(s).

It will also allow the NTA to progress actions within the Irish Government’s Climate Action Plan 2023 and National Sustainable Mobility Policy, relating to the development of a strategy for the transition of long-distance PSO and commercial bus services to low-emission technologies.

As part of its national statutory function to provide bus infrastructure and fleet, the NTA has, since 2017 procured new buses and coaches for use by its contracted bus operators in the provision of Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus services.

Since July 2019, the NTA has also, in line with Irish Government policy, purchased only low and zero-emission urban buses, and from 2023 onwards all urban buses purchased by the NTA will be zero-emission.

In addition, there have been significant advances in the design of new coaches purchased by the NTA in recent years, most notably ramp-accessible single-deck coaches incorporating a low-floor area within which a permanent wheelchair space is located.

However, it has proven challenging to procure coaches with lower exhaust and CO2 emissions than the EURO VI coaches that represent the NTA’s most recent purchases.

The NTA is therefore seeking to commence one or more procurement process(es) for zero-emission and/or ramp-accessible coaches.

”Zero-emission” means a coach that qualifies as a zero-emission heavy duty vehicle in accordance with the definition contained within DIRECTIVE (EU) 2019/1161.

“Ramp-accessible” means a coach with a permanent wheelchair space within a low-floor area into which access from the exterior of the coach is effected solely via an integral folding ramp at a passenger doorway, such ramp being able to be traversed by the wheelchair without any mechanical lifting or raising of the wheelchair being necessary.

These zero-emission and/or ramp-accessible coaches are envisaged as the successors to the ramp-accessible single-deck and double-deck coaches procured by the NTA in recent years.

They are also potential future replacements for the traditional high-floor single-deck coaches operating longer-distance journeys.  However, for this potential application it will be essential to improve accessibility for persons with reduced mobility while also maintaining the established luggage capacity and passenger comfort requirements of long-distance coach travel.

For more information see:

https://irl.eu-supply.com/ctm/Supplier/PublicPurchase/235892/0/0?returnUrl=ctm/Supplier/publictenders&b=ETENDERS_SIMPLE

Tips for Safely Shipping Furniture Across the Country

Shipping furniture across the country can be a daunting task, especially if you are worried about ensuring the safety of your items during transit. However, whether you are moving to a new home or need to transport a piece of furniture to a friend or relative, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your items arrive safely at their destination.

Here are some tips for safely shipping furniture across the country:

Choose the Right Shipping Company

One of the most important things you can do to ensure furniture shipping goes smoothly is to choose a reputable shipping company. Look for a company with a track record of delivering items safely and on time. You may also want to consider the type of shipping service best for your needs. For example, if you are shipping a large or heavy piece of furniture, you may choose a company specializing in shipping large items. 

Properly Prepare Your Furniture for Shipping

Before you ship your furniture, you should take the time to properly prepare it for shipping. This includes disassembling any pieces that can be taken apart, such as beds or tables, and wrapping them in bubble wrap or other protective materials. It would help if you also considered adding padding to the corners and edges of your furniture to help protect it From Damage During Transit.

Use Sturdy Boxes or Crates

To ensure the safety of your furniture during shipping, it is essential to use sturdy boxes or crates that are large enough to accommodate your items. If you use a container, make sure it is made of sturdy cardboard and well-sealed with tape. If you are using a crate, make sure it is sturdy enough to hold the weight of your furniture and has a secure locking mechanism.

Shipping Containers for Bulk or Oversized Items

For large or bulky furniture, traditional packing may not provide enough protection during transit. Using shipping containers offers a secure and efficient solution, especially for heavy or multiple items. These containers are built to withstand rough handling and external conditions, minimizing the risk of damage. For those moving several pieces at once, alternative shipping solutions such as Premiershipping Containers AU for added durability and security can be a practical choice. Unlike standard crates, shipping containers provide reinforced structures that prevent shifting and impact-related damage. Choosing the right container size and adding proper padding ensures your furniture arrives safely at its destination.

 

Label Your Boxes or Crates

Labeling your boxes or crates with your name, address, contact information, and the destination address is essential. This will help to ensure that your items are delivered to the correct location. 

Insure Your Items

It would help if you considered purchasing insurance for your furniture to protect yourself in case of any damage or loss during shipping. This will provide you with peace of mind and help to cover any costs associated with repairing or replacing your items.

Use a Professional Moving Company

If you are moving a large amount of furniture or are concerned about your items’ safety during shipping, you may want to consider hiring a professional moving company. These companies are experienced in packing and shipping furniture and can handle the entire process for you, including packing, loading, and transporting your items.

By following these tips, you can ensure the safety of your furniture during shipping and have peace of mind knowing that your items will arrive at their destination in good condition. Whether you are moving to a new home or simply shipping a piece of furniture to a friend or relative, these guidelines will help to ensure that your items are protected during transit.

Ways Fleet Managers Can Improve Time Management

Time management is absolutely crucial across all areas of business. However, the parameters for it can vary slightly between departments. 

Fleet managers, in particular, have a sizeable undertaking before them. Not only do they need to save time in all of their work processes, but they also need to ensure that the cars they preside over run like clockwork and that drivers face no issues in their roles too. Their efficiency is other workers’ efficiency, too. 

Tech plays a role in certain areas here too. After all, many different aspects of the business world are becoming digitised, and fleet management is no exception. Optimising time management will require some measure of innovation. Here are some of the best ways fleet managers can improve time management.

Lease EVs 

The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is sometimes painted as a costly endeavour. However, in the enterprising world, time is money, and EVs save a significant amount of it. 

EVs can be safely charged overnight. Consequently, this drastically reduces the need for fleet drivers to pull over mid-journey and lose valuable commute time. It also means they can spend more time doing the part of the job they likely love most; cruising behind the wheel and seeing new places as the world rushes by. All of this might enable you to guarantee faster delivery times to customers and clients, too. 

Overhauling your gas-guzzling fleet to EV counterparts isn’t a hefty task. Read the ultimate guide for leasing an electric car written by LV ElectriX. Not only can it enlighten you of the perks of these efforts, but the guide can also instruct you on how to make the transition successful. They also manage your expectations when waiting for factory orders, giving you an idea of supply chain complications. Much more is discussed, too, and you can also browse leasing and insurance offers with them to secure your fleet EVs more efficiently.    

Optimise Route Potential

Optimum routes are always in flux. If fleet managers are constantly playing catchup with any changes, it can lead to a host of other logistical problems that they must overcome. 

The most obvious suggestion is to devise shortcuts for drivers to take. Still, this isn’t always the most viable path forward. After all, fines are now in place to reduce emissions in key areas, so certain roads that seemed primed to cut travel times shouldn’t be used. Research where those measures may apply as you optimise travel routes and ensure drivers only go where they’re allowed. Otherwise, you’ll no doubt have fines and related admin to sort. 

Furthermore, road closures can frequently materialise due to accidents or maintenance works. If these circumstances aren’t noted ahead of time, it can lead to a stressful series of diversions. Keep tabs on the health of the traffic in your firm’s areas of operations, and remind your workers to receive real-time updates, whether through smartphone notifications, live radio, or fleet management software (more on that later). That way, you won’t have to put other duties on hold as you scramble at the last minute to course-correct your drivers. 

Installing Fleet Trackers

You should trust your drivers to cruise along the most promising routes only. Still, there are other reasons to track their movements to improve time management. 

Fleet drivers can get lost or may even have their vehicles stolen. More than locations can be discerned too. The tech also provides statistics on how long engines have been left on and idle for and how much fuel is being consumed. All of this data can give you important insights into the fleet and reduce the amount of time you spend detecting irregularities, identifying the culprits, and generally tending to all other related fleet management duties. 

It’s important to be careful here about what trackers are used. Fleet drivers have been wrongly fired due to faulty GPS trackers incorrectly tracking their movements, leading superiors to believe unnecessary detours were taking place. Ensure you’re using a reputable supplier and perhaps have more than one system running in case of errors occur. 

Accommodate Fleet Management Software

Fleet managers must have a comprehensive overview of all the matters that require their attention. It all needs to be fed through to them in one centralised location. A state-of-the-art fleet management system provides those assurances for the most productive professionals in this arena.  

Optimising routes and keeping tabs on fleet trackers can all be done through a fleet management system. There are also custom reporting tools, routine maintenance notifications, and supports real-time updates about dangerous driving habits your workers may be practising. Very few things escape your notice here, which means you can address them all sooner. 

Because of the in-depth nature of fleet management software, you’ll have a better sense of the issues that immediately require your attention and a built-upon awareness of tasks that can be comfortably delegated elsewhere. Consider outsourcing some of the more tedious administration procedures to fleet management specialists. That way, you can devote more time to the most pressing issues your fleet management software highlights. 

Go-Ahead Ireland and Lime Partner in Driver Safety Campaign

Lime, the world’s largest shared e-bike and e-scooter provider, has announced a safety partnership with Go-Ahead Ireland (GAI). The partnership will see the two companies working together to increase awareness e-bike and e-scooter riders for Go-Ahead Ireland’s bus drivers, helping them to better navigate sharing the road ahead of the passing of e-scooter legislation next year.

Bus drivers in Go-Ahead’s Ballymount and Naas depots will be provided with practical guidance in the form of a safety manual which will provide tips and methods for drivers to safely share Irish roads safely with e-scooter riders and cyclists. The manual will include background information on e-scooters and e-bikes as new modes of green transport, as well as reminders for bus drivers on blind spots, particularly on roads where there is not dedicated cycling infrastructure.

In order for GAI bus drivers to put the programme into practice, Lime will provide e-scooters and e-bikes to the company. The vehicles will help the drivers to understand first-hand what it is like to ride an e-scooter and/or e-bike alongside buses, and how to interact on roads safely.

GAI provides all of its drivers with professional training before they begin driving on the network. This includes theory testing and NCT qualifications, and all drivers also must have Certificates of Professional Competence (CPC) cards issued by the Road Safety Authority. Drivers also receive training on the specific routes they will be driving on before entering service.

Nicole Quadrelli, Risk Manager for Go-Ahead Ireland said: “More and more people are travelling by e-bike and e-scooter, and with some bus routes do not yet have dedicated cycle lane infrastructure. It’s really important to us in GAI that we make sure all our drivers are safely and respectfully sharing the road with cyclists and e-scooter users alike. We are delighted to be partnered with Lime in anticipation of the roll out of its e-scooter sharing services in Ireland next year”.

Hal Stevenson, Lime Senior Public Affairs Manager for Ireland said: “The safety of all road users is a priority for Lime everywhere we operate, which is why we are committed to working closely with Go-Ahead Ireland, and wider stakeholders to make sure everyone feels confident sharing Ireland’s roads. Lime and GAI ultimately have the same goal, which is to shift people from their cars and onto shared, more sustainable ways of traveling like cycling, e-scooters, and public transport. Lime’s services are designed to complement public transport networks, offering first and last mile solutions to users”.

Lime is committed to ensuring e-scooter and e-bike riders understand the rules of the road and riding best practice, alongside drivers. It provides safety training to e-scooter riders via its First Ride Academy in all the cities it operates services in. This in-person course provides practical training for riders, including how to inspect scooters for safety before each journey, and how to safely ride.

Despite the fact that e-scooters are currently still not legal to use on public roads in Ireland, their popularity has been increasing in recent years. The Road and Road Traffic Bill 2021, which will allow for their use, is currently making its way through the Seanad. In the interim, and in anticipation of future sharing schemes, the partnership will help to foster a better understanding between bus drivers and e-scooter users. The partnership may also lead to the provision of Lime’s shared e-bikes to GAI employees via long term loans to encourage more sustainable commuting choices.

Lime’s partnership with GAI is part of its commitment to invest €10 million in its Irish operations as it looks to launch e-bike and e-scooter sharing schemes in towns and cities across the country. Last month Lime launched a 12-month shared e-bike pilot in Castlebar, Co. Mayo, which will see up to 100 bikes available for hire in virtual parking bays across the town. Lime also hopes to launch its e-scooter sharing service in Ireland next year following the passing of legislation and regulations to make e-scooters legal on Irish roads.