New Dublin bus timetable saga
Madam,
The communication of Bus Éireann's new timetable for the Cavan to Dublin 109 route to the travelling public has been singularly disappointing and has resulted in frustration and inconvenience for customers.
It is acknowledged that the internet is the prime source of information in this day and age and to Bus Éireann's credit the new timetable was available online nine days in advance of its implementation. The new timetable also received a mention on local radio two days before its introduction.
However it is sheer folly to assume that all users can access the internet at all times in all places. In fact, the most obvious place for users to learn of changes is at bus stations, stops and onboard. Surely it is a very reasonable expectation that Bus Éireann would print off a couple of hundred of timetable leaflets and give each driver a bundle to distribute to customers in advance of timetable changes. And why weren't there any notices on the buses themselves to alert passengers to the forthcoming changes?
A fellow user attempted to obtain a timetable leaflet at Cavan Bus Station earlier today (Monday) and was told that there are none available and that the information is online. The user in question doesn't have internet access. Many passengers like to carry a timetable for reference in their wallet or bag but even that seems like far too much trouble for Bus Éireann.
While the essence of the new timetable is that services use the M3 there are many finer details of consequence to passengers depending on their individual journey.
From my journeys and that of other users on Monday it was apparent that even drivers weren't fully conversant with aspects of the new timetables. The problem appears to have been compounded by the fact that the original new timetable was revised somewhat.
The first many passengers knew of the changes was when they travelled on the bus. At the time of writing (Monday evening) there is no route 109 timetable on display at Cavan Bus Station though there is a list of revisions to the original new timetable on display. It seems very little to ask, that a large-print timetable for the route be displayed.
Bus Éireann's marketing department really need to get their act together and promote the bus services in Cavan and Monaghan. The company also needs to realise that the internet is not the be all and end all and that a significant part of its customer base require timely hard copy info at stops, stations and - most importantly - onboard the buses.
Users who have difficulties or feedback may wish to forward same by writing to the Bus Éireann Area Office at Long Walk, Dundalk, Co. Louth or at Broadstone, Dublin 7. Alternatively the e-mail address is: info@buseireann.ie
By doing so you may prevent the same problem befalling another passenger.
Yours sincerely,
Bernard H. Allan
Cavan Town
Post a Comment