Is a lack of transport options at night having a negative effect on Tipperary’s economy?
Why night-time transport is essential for rural communities and the economy in Tipperary.
As many readers know, there are very few transport options available connecting rural areas to town centres like Clonmel or Tipperary Town, for example.
A night-time economy in a town cannot function without a way for people to get home safely and affordably.
In much of Tipperary, public transport services end early in the evening, leaving cars or scarce taxis as the only options.
For people living outside of towns, socialising in the dark hours is limited as taxis prefer to do smaller journeys, which yield a higher profit.
A night bus would be a solution to this problem as well as introducing more taxis who will connect rural areas with towns.
Local Link already works well during the day so extending selected routes on Friday and Saturday nights could immediately support pubs, restaurants, and late shifts of workers living outside of towns too.
One huge reason for improving the night-time economy of a town is tourism.
Visitors expect places to offer food, music, culture, and transport after dark and if towns don’t provide this, they may be unlikely to return due to this obstacle.
One reason more transport options at night is good for businesses in Tipperary is because a strong night-time economy directly increases revenue and staffing options.
With more transport options, there will be more customers and more staff able to work later shifts to provide these services.
A strong night-time economy gives businesses the chance to grow and survive, in a time when it is hard for businesses to do this.
More transport options being available in Tipperary at night-time would benefit businesses but most importantly the people living in Tipperary, too.