Dublin Bus route 46A not a short hop service?

patrickbrophy18

I was boarding a 46A from Monkstown Farm this afternoon. I had a 7 Day Short Hop Bus and Rail Ticket. When I got on and put my ticket into the validator, it rejected the ticket despite the fact that it wouldn't be running out for another 5 days. I then presented the ticket to the bus driver. He then told me that the 46A route is not a short hop service. I was a bit surprised to hear this given that the short hop is a zone covering everywhere between Kilcoole, Celbridge, Hazelhatch, Maynooth and Balbriggan. When I told this to the bus driver, he still insisted that the 46A is not a short hop service and that if I was caught by a ticket inspector, I would be done for it. He also went on to say that the ticket in question is only valid on feeder services. I then had to remind him that the conditions of the ticket say unlimited travel on all Dublin Bus services excluding special services such as Nitelink, Airport Express and Sight-Seeing tours.

After that, he made out that I was mis-interpreting the conditions even though they are very specific and to the point. I was absolutely horrified and discusted that he had dealt with the situation in a very hostile manner. Upon arriving at O'Connell Street, I went into the Dublin Bus customer service center. I told this story to the lady behind the counter who said that the bus driver didn't know what he was talking about and she was very pleasent indeed. This wouldn't be the first time that a bus driver had made these false claims regarding the validation of this particular ticket. Correct me if I am wrong but, the purpose of a Short Hop Bus and Rail Ticket is to integrate Dublin Bus, DART, Commuter and Intercity services travelling within the zone in question. Why do I get the impression that the bus driver was pulling a fast one in an attempt to get some money out of me?

KD345

It seems the driver made a mistake. Of course he should have known better, but he thought the ticket was for a feeder service. Glad you got sorted in the end!

The sooner we have one integrated ticket that allows travel on all forms of transport in Dublin the better.

KC61

To be honest it sounds more like the bus driver does not know his tickets.

What reason would he have for getting money out of you - it goes into a safe that he cannot touch.

Bazzer2

As a slight aside, does that type of ticket need to be inserted into the old-style validators, or tagged off the newer infra-red readers?

patrickbrophy18

Bazzer2 wrote: »

As a slight aside, does that type of ticket need to be inserted into the old-style validators, or tagged off the newer infra-red readers?

The old-style ones where the ticket is inserted at the base. It's the same one used for Nitelink ticket validation.

AlekSmart

He also went on to say that the ticket in question is only valid on feeder services. I then had to remind him that the conditions of the ticket say unlimited travel on all Dublin Bus services excluding special services such as Nitelink, Airport Express and Sight-Seeing tours.

The Driver was WRONG..plain and simple.

Patrickbrophy18 is due an apology from Dublin Bus,on behalf of that Driver....

Once the apology is given then perhaps the Company can endeavour to reinstate the long gone Master Ticket Board which was once a central part of all Bus Garages.

Currently there is no central accessible reference for the various tickets and passes valid on Dublin Bus services.

(Cue Uncle Albert Voiceover...)...In the old days....this master board would be updated regularly to allow ALL Drivers to be familiar with the Tickets and Passes.
However,progress or whatever has allowed all this old fashioned manual stuff to fall by the wayside with the result experienced by Patrickbrophy18.

As the Network Direct situation is proving,we sometimes need to get back to basics if we are ever to make full utilization of the newest technology....:o

KD345

While not defending the driver, there are many passengers who purchase a rail ticket and "add on" for bus or luas and think this entitles them to travel the Dublin Bus network, rather than travel to Connolly or City Centre.

I'm not suggesting that is what happened here, but it is often confusing for passengers too when deciding on the correct ticket. One day we will have a simpler ticketing system * crosses fingers and prays to Noel Dempsey!

Mycroft H

IN situations like these:

Take the number of the bus (not the route number but the bus id)
Time and date
Write a letter of complaint to DB.


Same happened to me with the short hop bus and rail on the 145 back in october.

Got an apologetic letter back and two weeks worth of rambler tickets.