Bus Éireann tonight announced the latest stage of its massive cost-cutting drive with the axing of one service and the curtailment of 18 others.
The semi-state company, which faces losses of almost €30 million for last year, said the changes to frequency and routes would be in place by the end of the month.
Bosses have blamed falling demand for the move, with some of their vehicles carrying five passengers or less - not enough to cover a full tank of diesel.
People using the daily Galway-Athlone route will have to board alternative buses after the service is cancelled from March 28th.
Other areas affected by time-tabling and route changes include services in Cork city, Sligo and Tralee.
Bus Éireann, which has agreed voluntary redundancies for 250 staff, said the action was necessary to save more jobs and protect as many of its 330 nationwide routes as possible.
“It is with great regret that Bus Éireann has to take this action, but it is unavoidable and necessary given the deterioration in the economy over the last 18 months and the subsequent fall in customer numbers,” a spokesman added.
“The company is acutely aware of the difficulties these changes may cause for customers.”
PA