Programme

The SMP Pathfinder Programme was established in October 2022. The Pathfinders are a series of innovative projects and initiatives to be delivered expeditiously, with the objective of reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector and demonstrating how delivery can happen at pace while showcasing the benefits of the projects in many communities, towns and cities across the country.

way for a similar transition in other services across Ireland, starting with Limerick where an electrified regional bus service was launched in April 2024.

In May 2023, the National Transport Authority launched a new Smarter Travel Mark. This Mark provides certification to organisations that support active and sustainable travel and encourage the reduction in single-person car usage amongst their staff, customers, visitors, and students in the case of third level campuses. As of July 2024, 57 organisations have been awarded either the gold, silver or bronze award, including the Department of Transport, and 8 applications are currently in progress. The NTA’s Smarter Travel team engage with any organisation who do not

To date, two projects have been fully completed, with good progress being made across all other pathfinder projects. In January 2023, the first full electrification of a town bus service was launched in Athlone, providing clean and green public transport services for the town. This Pathfinder project paved the

Figure from page 12

Launch of Phase One of the D24 Neighbourhood Cycle Network