New TFI 90-Minute Fare to Allow Unlimited Bus Transfers in Cork From 20 July
New TFI 90-minute fare launches in Cork on 20 July, letting bus passengers transfer between services for a single €1.70 fare with tap-and-go boarding.
Cork bus passengers will be able to transfer freely between Bus Éireann city services for a single fare from Monday 20 July 2026, under a new 90-minute ticket announced by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The National Transport Authority said passengers using a Leap Card will be able to catch any bus in the city and transfer between services as often as needed within 90 minutes, all for €1.70. New on-board ticket validators will also be introduced, allowing passengers to tap their Leap Card and go, which the NTA says will reduce boarding times and improve punctuality across the network.
More than 5,000 passengers a week already make journeys involving more than one bus, and the NTA said the new fare will open up the network to more travellers by making transfers quicker and simpler for commuters, students, shoppers and those attending appointments. Fare capping, not previously available, will also apply.
Fare changes
Adult Leap Card fares in Cork city will move to a single flat fare of €1.70, replacing the current fares of €1.35 and €1.55. Young Adult and Student Leap Card users will move to a flat fare of 85c, while child Leap fares will reduce to a flat 55c from the current 65c. Children up to eight years old continue to travel free with a Child Leap Card.
Cash fares will change in the opposite direction, with the adult cash fare rising to €2.40, while the child cash fare will fall to 80c. Passengers travelling with a Free Travel Pass will continue to travel free of charge but will need to tap on using the new validators when boarding.
NTA and Bus Éireann respond
Anne Shaw, Chief Executive of the National Transport Authority, said:
"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.
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.
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."
Jean O'Sullivan, CEO of Bus Éireann, added:
"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."
Reaction from Cork councillors
Green Party councillor for Cork City North East, Oliver Moran, welcomed the introduction of on-board ticketing, though he questioned how practical the 90-minute fare will be in practice given current network reliability.
Oliver Moran, Green Party councillor for Cork City North East, said:
"On-board ticketing is a key plank of BusConnects and, under this government, one of the few elements people will see on the ground. It means less time spent at stops and allows drivers to focus on their primary job, getting people to where they need to go quickly.
In practice, a 90-minute fare isn't going to be practical for most users in Cork. The network isn't reliable enough to be able to plan changes between buses. So the increase in price doesn't mean being able to switch between routes on a single ticket; it just means higher fares."
Both the NTA and Bus Éireann say the changes are also intended to support the future integration of new routes and modes as BusConnects Cork and the proposed Cork Luas progress. Further information on the new fares is available via Leap Card Cork.
