NTA Terapkan Tarif Terintegrasi 90 Menit Bus City Bus Éireann Cork

Otoritas Transportasi Nasional (NTA) mengumumkan pemberlakuan tarif terintegrasi 90 menit dan sistem validasi tiket baru untuk layanan city bus Bus Eireann di Kota Cork mulai Senin, 20 Juli 2026.

Kebijakan ini memungkinkan para penumpang berpindah bus sesering mungkin dalam waktu 90 menit hanya dengan membayar tarif tunggal sebesar 1,70 euro menggunakan Leap Card. Skema baru tersebut menggantikan struktur tarif lama bagi dewasa yang sebelumnya berkisar antara 1,35 euro dan 1,55 euro, serta memperkenalkan fitur pembatasan tarif maksimal (fare capping).

Perubahan struktural juga berlaku untuk kategori penumpang lain. Pengguna Young Adult dan Student Leap Card dikenakan tarif datar 85 sen, sementara tarif anak-anak disederhanakan menjadi 55 sen dari yang sebelumnya 65 sen. Anak-anak berusia 8 tahun ke bawah tetap dibebaskan dari biaya perjalanan jika menggunakan Child Leap Card. Sebaliknya, tarif tunai untuk dewasa naik menjadi 2,40 euro, sedangkan tarif tunai anak turun menjadi 80 sen.

Pengenalan validator tiket baru di atas bus ditargetkan mampu memotong durasi antrean penumpang saat menaiki armada. Saat ini, lebih dari 5.000 penumpang di Cork melakukan perjalanan yang melibatkan lebih dari satu bus setiap minggunya.

“This new initiative for Cork means passengers can move around the bus network much more flexibly – and not be penalised for doing so. Where our passengers using Leap would previously have paid €2.70 for moving between buses it will now only cost €1.70 – saving one euro per journey.” kata Anne Shaw, Chief Executive National Transport Authority.

NTA juga tengah menjalankan program Bus Connects di Cork yang diproyeksikan bakal mendongkrak volume layanan bus sebesar 53 persen dan meluncurkan dua rute baru 24 jam.

“We are committed to making public transport more reliable and more accessible for everyone, while ensuring value for money. Simplifying our fares makes it easier to plan, budget and get on board. But we also need to invest in our network – that’s why we are delivering Bus Connects in Cork. This initiative will transform the bus network in the city – increasing services by 53% and introducing two new 24-hour services.” lanjut Anne Shaw, Chief Executive National Transport Authority.

Langkah investasi ini bertujuan memperkuat infrastruktur angkutan umum sebagai jalur penghubung utama bagi mobilitas harian masyarakat setempat.

“The bus network is the backbone of our public transport network – it connects thousands or people in Ireland to their jobs, schools, colleges and other vital services. We are ensuring it can continue to deliver for everyone in Cork now and in the future.” tambah Anne Shaw, Chief Executive National Transport Authority.

Dari aspek operasional, integrasi teknologi mesin validator baru dinilai krusial untuk menjaga ketepatan waktu armada bus di jalan raya kota.

“The real benefit of this initiative is that it makes boarding faster and easier for customers. The new validators allow passengers to simply tap and go, reducing the time buses spend at stops and helping services stay on schedule. As passenger numbers continue to grow, these improvements will make a real impact on the efficiency of the Cork city bus service.” kata Jean O’Sullivan, CEO Bus Éireann.

Respons positif datang dari sejumlah perwakilan politik lokal. Anggota Dewan Partai Buruh Kota Cork, Peter Horgan, menyatakan langkah ini menyetarakan kualitas transportasi Cork dengan wilayah ibu kota.

“For the first time, passengers will be able to travel on any Cork city bus service and transfer between buses as often as required within a 90-minute period for a single Leap Card fare of €1.70 and all child fares are being reduced.” kata Peter Horgan, Anggota Dewan Partai Buruh Kota Cork.

Dia juga merinci perubahan harga tiket, fasilitas fare capping, serta ketentuan bagi pemegang Free Travel Pass yang tetap gratis namun diwajibkan melakukan tap saat menaiki bus.

“Key changes include:- Introduction of a single adult Leap Card fare of €1.70, and a Young Adult and Student Leap Card fare of 85c across Cork city services.- Child Leap Card fares simplified to a flat fare of 55 cent, which is a reduction of 10 cent.- Children aged 8 and under continue to travel free with a Child Leap Card.- Adult cash fares increasing to €2.40.- Child cash fares reducing to 80 cent.- Unlimited transfers between Cork city bus services within 90 minutes.- Passengers will also benefit from fare capping, which was not previously available.- Free Travel Pass holders will continue to travel free of charge and will simply need to tap on using the new validators when boarding.” tambah Peter Horgan, Anggota Dewan Partai Buruh Kota Cork.

Sementara itu, Anggota Dewan Sinn Féin untuk wilayah South West Kota Cork, Joe Lynch, menyoroti realisasi sistem yang sempat tertunda dari target awal operasionalnya.

“I welcome today's announcement by the NTA that Leap Card validators will finally be operational on Cork City bus services from July 20; though it should not be forgotten that these were supposed to be up and running over a year ago.” kata Joe Lynch, Anggota Dewan Sinn Féin.

Ia menekankan pentingnya efisiensi waktu boarding bagi keandalan jadwal bus kota, terutama pada koridor-koridor yang padat penumpang.

“The same system has been in use by Dublin Bus for many years, and it undoubtedly makes a difference in reducing the amount of time it takes for passengers to board buses – improving reliability across the network.” tutur Joe Lynch, Anggota Dewan Sinn Féin.

Lynch berharap implementasi teknologi ini bisa segera mengatasi kendala ketepatan waktu yang belakangan kembali berulang di sejumlah rute strategis.

“Anything that helps to improve the punctuality of buses across the city, and particularly the 220 bus route, is welcome; given the return of reliability issues on the route as of late. Delivering improved reliability on the route must remain a priority for the NTA and Bus Éireann in the time ahead.” pungkas Joe Lynch, Anggota Dewan Sinn Féin.

Meski sistem validasi Leap Card ini diaktifkan bulan ini, Kementerian Transportasi menegaskan sistem pembayaran kartu debit langsung (contactless) baru akan tersedia di luar Dublin paling cepat pada 2028.