FREE WIFI SERVICES will be available on a larger number of Bus Éireann routes from this week, after the operator began rolling out free internet services on 88 new buses.

23 commuter coaches operating in the Greater Dublin area are being given WiFi services this week, with five new city single and double-decker buses going into service in Cork, and seven new buses in Galway.

Further city, commuter and inter-city vehicles carrying WiFi services will be taken into service nationwide in the coming weeks.

Among those new coaches will include eight double-deckers for use on intercity services, carrying a load of 82 passengers – the largest vehicles ever included in a Bus Éireann fleet. They will also include two downstairs tables, and include more legroom than standard coaches.

60 of the new vehicles have been funded by the National Transport Authority, costing around €19 million, and will be used on publicly-supported routes only.

The other 28 vehicles, operating on Expressway and intercity routes, have been funded by Bus Éireann itself and cost around €11 million, bringing the total value of the new vehicles to €30 million.

The new vehicles all feature ‘comfort seats’, meet EU emissions standards and are wheelchair accessible as well as carrying complimentary WiFi services and carrying power sockets.

They also include ISOFIX attachment points, allowing child safety seats to be installed on vehicles and make it easier for people to travel with small children.

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