[snubbleste]

Originally Posted by ben.schlomo

I think it was supposed to be in some way smart or funny but by the lack of responses to it im guessing it really went down like a lead balloon.

Ah no, I think Goofy asked before where he could park his goofmobile when getting a train or a bus. Wanted to know if it worked out.

[antoobrien]

Originally Posted by Ara Musha

I concur! I dont go to Dublin often but when I do I always get GoBus. I find the drivers very friendly. The fleet are 2010, 2011 & now a few 2012 buses too, and all have wifi and on board toilet facilities. Makes the journey much more comfortable. Credit to Jim & Co!

And if you use the bus regularly enough they GoBus have a loyalty scheme were you get your 11th journey free. I signed up because I will use the service at least 5/6 times a year.

[inisboffin]

The last few weeks I found myself in the perfect position to do a little unplanned Gobus vs Citylink comparison - I had an insane amount of commuting to do from Galway to Dublin. These trips were all to the City mind, so people with airport experience might like to comment if different.

Basically I ended up needing to do 10 return journeys in a shortish time period - and it happened to work out that it was an even split between Gobus and Citylink.

The journeys were mainly early/day from Galway and evening/night returns from Dublin City.

I prebooked most of the time, but a couple of times I paid on the bus.

Citylink:

Pros:
SMS ticket confirmation available when you book online (for a fee)**

New Dublin bus stop westbound at Crampton Quay (near Hal'penny Bridge). Often handier for many coming from town, and more foot traffic late night for security (also more drunk people!).

Stuff to note:

Commuter Service - very handy for those who live at the smaller towns en route.

Clifden-Dublin Airport through ticket special is 20 quid. Pretty good deal
Double Decker coaches sometimes.
Latest regular (of the two) departure from Galway

Gobus:

Pro:
Join the travel club online and get 1 free ticket for every 10 you book.
Latest (regular) departure from Dublin.
1. Customer Service
2. Punctuality
3. Comfort/Cleanliness
4. wifi
5. Price
(see below)


1. Customer service
I left an item (so I thought - turned out to be in a taxi) on the bus on a day I travelled. Wasn't sure which company as I came up and down in the one day. I emailed both. Gobus got back the next morning, Citylink never replied. It could be subjective, but Gobus drivers seem friendlier too.

2.
Of the journeys. Gobus were on time or ahead 8 out of 10. Less than 5 mins off schedule twice.

Citylink were only on time or ahead twice. Less than 5 mins off schedule 3 times, and more than 15 mins off 5 times!

3.
The loos were poor to average in 5 x Citylinks. Filthy twice and good 3 times.
Gobus loos - 2 average, 8 very clean.

4.
Wifi always seem to go at certain points, but I had two Citylinks with none at all. 4 poor service, 4 fine. All Gobus had it. 2 poor and 8 fine.

5.
Citylink is now 50 cent more on a single journey. I mentioned you can get a ticket by SMS, for which there is a charge - this is a good option. I usually take a phone photo of my gobus screen or take down the number and have never had a problem.

Overall, Gobus was a hands down winner, and is a locally owned business.
I will still continue to get Citylink if it is more convenient for schedule, and the double decker buses and alternate routes make it very useful. But if I have a half hour leeway, my preference will always be for Gobus.

[holly8]

Originally Posted by sentient_6

Am i the only one completely lost by this post?

Nooooo............ this is a real valid question ... if you have to drive into town to avail of cheap & fast bus service, where do you park? I had to use service a few times in the last few weeks, parking can cost more than the bus ticket. Radisson car parks still do a deal on production of round trip ticket.