Background of TFI Local Link
TFI Local Link is a development of the Rural Transport Programme (RTP) which was launched in 2007 to build on the success of its predecessor, the Rural Transport Initiative (RTI).
The RTI was established as a pilot project in 2002 to address issues of unmet transport needs from a social inclusion and community-based perspective. The RTI and RTP specifically focused on responding to rural isolation and enhancing the mobility, accessibility and community participation of local people, particularly those at risk of social exclusion. In 2013 the responsibility of the Rural Transport Programme was transferred from Pobal to the National Transport Authority.
Initially the RTI and then the RTP in Co Wexford was managed by sub groups of South West Wexford Community Development Project and Wexford Local Development. In 2014 these two companies agreed to form one new company to manage the RTP in Co Wexford and Wexford Local Link CLG was formed, (t/a TFI Local Link Wexford).
The placing of the responsibility for integrated local and rural transport with the NTA, including managing the RTP, has had the effect of consolidating the oversight of all State funded local and rural transport services. It enables the development of better links between local and rural transport services and scheduled bus and rail services. It also enables each TFI Local Link office to identify gaps in service provision and to fill those gaps gradually in the most effective way, subject to funding.
TFI Local Link Wexford work with 11 bus operators, all based in Co Wexford to provide public transport. The bus operators are contracted to provide all TFI Local Link Wexford services of which there are two types;
- RRS – Regular Rural Services. These operate to a set timetable multiple times a day for 5, 6 or 7 days each week.
- DRT – Demand Responsive Transport. These are services that have a start and end time but they route may vary according to passenger bookings. Many of these services pick passengers up from their homes. These services generally operate one or two days each week.
TFI Local Link Wexford began operations in January 2015 and since then has grown rapidly, with exception of a dip relating to Covid 19. The chart above shows the number of passenger trips provided from 2015 to 2023.
In line with the increase in passenger trips the fare income has also shown a steady increase as the above chart depicts.
TFI Local Link Wexford’s turnover has also increased year on year since 2015 as new services are introduced.
Mary B O Leary
General Manager
Margaret Ruttledge
Company Administrator
Mary Morris
Monitoring & Compliance Administrator
Corrina Egan
Marketing & DRT Coordinator
Charlene Power
Reception & Clerical Officer
Our Voluntary Board of Directors
Our dedicated volunteer board of directors ensure that TFI Local Link Wexford operate in a clear and transparent manner while operating to good corporate governance practice. TFI Local Link Wexford are working toward compliance of the Code of Governance for Charities as recommended by the Charities Regulator Authority in Ireland.
Board of Directors: Patrick Butler (Chairperson) Marie Aspel, Helen Doyle, Jack Butler and Eamonn Hore.
Information
Wexford Local Link CLG t/a TFI Local Link Wexford
RCN: 20140809
CHY: 21485
Company Registration Number: 548429
Our 2023 financial accounts can be found at www.cro.ie and www.charitiesregulator.ie
Charity Purpose – Main Object The main object for which the Company is established the prevention or relief of poverty or economic hardship; and the provision of a benefit to the community, through the provision and support of any means of passenger transport and related services using roads (“Road Passenger Transport Services”) in County Wexford and surrounding areas, to create a better quality of life for people and local communities, particularly for those less advantaged, socially excluded or isolated and for vulnerable individuals, through the provision of transport, to integrate and involve those persons in the community.