New bus service connecting Carlow and Waterford to be launched this weekend
It comes following the recent withdrawal by Expressway of the commercial service, Route 4.
A newly announced bus service connecting Waterford and Carlow will be officially launched this weekend.
The National Transport Authority (NTA) announced the introduction of TFI Route 365 following the recent withdrawal by Expressway of the commercial service, Route 4.
This new service will commence on Sunday, 24 May 2026.
Following Expressway’s announcement, NTA undertook a detailed assessment of the potential impact on customers.
This review identified that the loss of Route 4 would significantly reduce public transport connectivity between Waterford and Carlow, particularly affecting a number of towns and communities along the corridor.
In response, the NTA is introducing the new TFI Route 365 as a subsidised Public Service Obligation (PSO) bus service to maintain vital transport links and support regional accessibility.
Operated by Bus Éireann on an interim basis, the new service will provide four daily return journeys, ensuring continued access for passengers travelling between Carlow, Waterford, and the intermediate communities.
TFI Route 365 will serve all towns and villages along the corridor currently served by Route 4.
In addition, there will be new stops in Thomastown, Muine Bheag and Dungarvan village, providing greater connectivity at a local level.
Stops for TFI Route 365 include Waterford Bus Station, Kilmacow, Ballykeoghan, Mullinavat, Lukeswell, Ballyhale, Knocktopher, Thomastown, Thomastown Supermarket, Dungarvan, Gowran, Paulstown, Royal Oak, Royal Oak Road, The Parade (Bagnelstown), Leighlinbridge, Fire Station, Carlow Bus Station, SETU Carlow, and Carlow Institute.
Passengers travelling onwards will benefit from convenient connections in Carlow to existing bus and rail services to Dublin and beyond.
The NTA, in partnership with Bus Éireann, will continue to monitor and review the service to ensure it meets passenger needs.