The official launch has taken place today of the Connecting Ireland Rural Mobility Plan in Tullamore, Co Offaly.
It's described as one of the most ambitious plans for rural transport, with a total of 67 new or enhanced services included.
Local routes in the plan, to be established or enhanced, include the Longford-Roscommon bus service, the service between Westport and Athlone, a route between Portumna and Ballinasloe, and a service between Mullingar and Athlone via Castletown Geoghegan.
Speaking at today's launch, Minister Eamon Ryan says figures from last year show that people respond positively to new routes and services, backed up by cheaper fares.
He said young people in particular are choosing to use public transport more because it's cheaper and more convenient than driving to college or work and paying parking charges.
