TFI Anseo Pilot Service Extended in Killarney

TFI Anseo Pilot Service Extended in Killarney

The National Transport Authority (NTA), working alongside TFI Local Link Kerry, has announced the extension of the TFI Anseo pilot service in Killarney. This decision ensures that the innovative demand-responsive transport scheme can continue linking residents with essential locations and services.

This announcement arrives one year after the initial launch of the first of three TFI Anseo pilots in Achill on 15 July 2025, and eleven months after the service began in Killarney. Operated under the TFI Local Link network, these pilot schemes have offered significant insights into how demand-responsive transport can enhance mobility within rural communities. With all three pilots remaining within budget, the NTA is extending the Killarney service to build upon its achievements and gather further knowledge.

A final report for each pilot is anticipated in December 2026.

The service facilitates daily activities ranging from commuting to work and college, attending GP appointments, shopping trips, and social visits. TFI Anseo is increasingly becoming a vital part of everyday life for those living in the communities it serves.

Since launching on 11 August 2025, the Killarney service has supported over 82,000 passenger journeys. This assistance has helped residents access employment, education, healthcare, retail outlets, and social engagements.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien stated: "I am very pleased to see the TFI Anseo pilot service being extended following its highly successful first year. The sheer number of passenger journeys recorded shows that the local community have embraced this innovative service, which truly puts the passenger at the heart of the journey. Extending the pilot allows us to continue learning how to provide practical transport solutions that encourage sustainable and inclusive travel."

Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, added: "I’m delighted to see these pilot projects extended. I have heard directly from business owners, employees and local residents how TFI Anseo has changed the way they travel. That’s a strong vote of confidence in how demand-responsive transport can serve rural communities."

Anne Shaw, CEO of the National Transport Authority, commented: "We are delighted to extend the TFI Anseo pilot in Killarney following a successful first year of operation. Delivering the service within budget while continuing to respond to the needs of local communities demonstrates the potential of demand-responsive transport to become an important part of Ireland’s rural public transport network. Most importantly, this extension means that people across the Killarney area can continue to benefit from a flexible and accessible transport service that helps them get to work, education, healthcare appointments and social activities. The insights gained through the pilot are helping us understand how innovative transport solutions can support more connected, sustainable and inclusive communities into the future."

Alan O’Connell, General Manager of TFI Local Link Kerry, noted: "The response to TFI Anseo in Killarney has been hugely encouraging. We have seen people embrace the service because it offers a practical and convenient travel option that fits around their daily lives. The extension of the pilot is fantastic news for local communities. It means we can continue providing a service that helps people access essential services, employment, education and social opportunities while gathering valuable feedback that will help shape the future of rural transport in Ireland."

Funded through the Government’s Climate Action Fund, TFI Anseo forms part of the National Transport Authority’s Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan. This plan aims to improve sustainable transport options and connectivity for rural communities across the country.

Throughout the pilot, passenger feedback and local insights have played a central role in shaping and refining the service, ensuring it remains responsive to the needs of the communities it serves. Over the autumn months, the NTA will conduct further customer satisfaction surveys to evaluate the passenger experience.

As the pilot continues, the NTA will work closely with local communities, operators and stakeholders to build on the lessons learned and help inform the future development of demand-responsive public transport services across Ireland.