Local Link Kerry spoke with Kieran O’Sullivan, the operator of our R22 Kerryhead – Ballyheigue – Ardfert – Tralee bus service and answered a number of questions as part of our Local Link Kerry Operator Q&A Series.
- From your own experience, what does Local Link Kerry mean to your passengers?
From my own experience, Local Link Kerry is an essential service in the Ballyheigue and Ardfert areas. For so many, it is a life line and a link to to the village and the local town of Tralee, which would not be possible without such a service. There are many clients on the bus who live in very isolated areas and thankfully, Local Link Kerry services these areas and ensures that transport and services are available where they are needed the most. I suppose it is hard to explain just how important the service is and how dependent so many people are on it. But I see the benefits of the service every week and experience first hand just how essential and necessary the service is. Local Link Kerry provide an invaluable service, which we are very, very proud to be part of.
- Funniest Moment or Wittiest comment you have experienced or heard coming from a passenger?
Well, with the clients I carry on the bus, there’s no shortage of funny stories and moments. We also have a motto ‘What happens on the bus, stays on the bus’ so I wouldn’t want to get anyone in trouble! But there’s no shortage of craic and banter and it’s definitely food for the soul.
- If you were stuck on a bus, who would you like it to be with & why?
If I was to be stuck on a bus, I’d like to be stuck with Tommy Tiernan. Everyone that knows me know that there’s nothing I like more than a good chat and laugh, and Tommy Tiernan is the perfect man!
- If you could relocate your route to anywhere else in the world, where would it be and why?
Given the choice of relocating the route to anywhere else in the world, I would honestly not move from Ballyheigue. There is no other Community better to be honest. We at Kieran O Sullivan pride ourselves in a personal, reliable service to our local community. We believe it is vital to support local economy and services and are extremely proud to be part of the Local Link Kerry service in our local area. Ballyheigue and the people of Ballyheigue have been so supportive of ourselves and the Local Link Services, there is no where else we would rather be.
- Best advice you have heard from a Passenger?
The best advice I’ve received from a passenger would be ‘Always remember where you came from’ and I’m constantly reminded of this. We work very hard everyday and are very proud of our work ethic. I believe it is so important to remember just where you started and be grateful to the people who helped to get you to where you are today. We are very grateful to everyone who has supported us from the beginning and who continue to support us now. But we are also exceptionally grateful to Local Link for trusting us with the service and for their professionalism and friendship.
Thanks to Kieran for participating in the first publication of our Q&A series with our operators. More to come…
