Why does Galway Need Gluas?

What is the current traffic situation in Galway?

Local people in Galway have always been proud of their beautiful city and its environs. Many tourists have visited Galway city and county to marvel at its magnificent landscape and its built environment. In recent years, however, traffic problems in and around Galway have impacted negatively on the social fabric, the local economy and the natural environment. Traffic gridlock, inadequate parking, lack of public transport and a tragically high number of accidents and fatalities have plagued Galway city and county in recent years. Many people experience these difficulties on a daily basis and this affects their quality of life and that of their families.

The Cathedral in Galway [Photo H Rau]

GLUAS group members feel that we can and should think creatively about how to respond to these challenges. 'Thinking outside the box' has become one of our key strategies and we would like to welcome others to join us!

What type of public transport is currently available in Galway?

Recent CSO figures have shown that less than 5% of people in Galway city and county use public transport to travel to and from work. This is one of the lowest figures in the EU and one of the main reasons is that there is simply no alternative to the car. And while there are some bus services available in Galway city and county, public transport remains marginalised.

Cars and Bikes at NUIG [Photo H Rau]

The recent construction of quality bus corridors (QBCs) by Galway City Council has gone some way towards better integration and improved reliability and speed. However, people's perception of public transport as the 'poor cousin' of the car continues to influence their daily transport choices. But attitudes can change whenever people are given real alternatives. We believe that a light rail system for Galway ' GLUAS ' can play a key role in changing Galway people's perceptions and use of public transport. GLUAS will be fast, reliable and efficient and will encourage both Galway people and visitors to switch to public transport.

What improvements to Galway's public transport system could be made?

Imagine waking up half an hour later than you presently do. Imagine leaving the house, taking a short stroll down the road and boarding a GLUAS tram just in time to get to work. Forget long delays and countless hours spent waiting in the rain ' real-time travel information was sent to your mobile before you even left the house. And while this may sound unrealistic to some, it is a reality for many people across Europe today. For them public transport means reliability, punctuality and travelling in comfort. Journeys across town become 'planable', connecting people's homes with their places of work and leisure. GLUAS will help create such a network of opportunities for people in Galway: a light railway system that runs through the heart of the city, connecting people's homes and places of work.

GALWAY NEEDS GLUAS.