The Bus to keep or not to keep?

matt-dublin

Just wondering whats the general view of charlesland about the shuttle bus?

I know Shaun does a cracking Job, but do you think we should keep paying for the bus or drop it?

it doesn't work out too much on average per household (about €45 i think depending on your estate and fee %)

what are your thoughts?

pixbyjohn

Is this poll open to non forum users too and if it is how would they vote ?

caji

Surely this is something to be discussed with the mgt co as lot of people living in the estate don't read this blog.

Charlie-Bravo

No harm in this poll - if you live in Charlesland and are interested - vote. If not, you can still vote!

LEIN

caji wrote: »

Surely this is something to be discussed with the mgt co as lot of people living in the estate don't read this blog.

The poll is just an opinion here and wont change anything.

LEIN

pixbyjohn wrote: »

Is this poll open to non forum users too and if it is how would they vote ?

Non-users have to register with the site before they can vote.

Annasopra

I don't use it that much but its a very handy service and I think it should be kept - how many housing units are in Charlesland?

matt-dublin

1500 incl apartments

GingerDave

Don't use it often ( 2or3 times a year) but i don't mind paying for it as it a great service to have for the Charlesland.

MyPerfectCousin

I don't use it, although I have in the past. Another member of the household uses it now, but didn't used to. Another uses it occasionally.

We'd survive if it went away, but I value having it. If I were to try to sell my place at some point, for example, I think it would be a great sales feature for potential buyers who are DART commuters.

Annasopra

So the approximate cost is 68k a year?

matt-dublin

i think so yeah

Loopers

I resent having to pay the money as I never use it. I get the 84X everyday and believe that the public bus service is now adequate for residents to plan their journey accordingly and either catch the bus, walk, cycle or drive.

chanelno5

This service is invaluable and it's crazy to even think about getting rid of it. So many depend on this service and during the snow we would have been lost without it. As for the 84x, who knows when that service could be curtailed as Dublin bus have a habit of doing that!

mikedragon32

I agree, many do depend on it, however considering that the bus can accommodate 60 max per trip, it's fair to say that only a very slim minority of the those who pay for it can actually avail of it.

Re the 84x, it's not the only route serving the station, the 184 does also. Given how well used those busses are, it's unlikely in the short term that those services will be curtailed, if ever.

Plenty

I have say that I don't use it very often, but it has bailed me out of transport problems last year when I had no car and my dependency turned to public transport. My other half uses it everyday. Now I know it's not just a safety net for car trouble, but at least you have peace of mind that you can still get out and about without the car.

d31b0y

It came in handy there over the cold snaps too, when the 84x wasn't running or failed to run on time. I don't think it missed a day.

Langerland

Don't use it very often. Wife does. Think its a great service to keep. Definitely adds some value

The_Wrecker

mikedragon32 wrote: »

Re the 84x, it's not the only route serving the station, the 184 does also. Given how well used those busses are, it's unlikely in the short term that those services will be curtailed, if ever.

They could be famous last words!

Plastik

Superb service that I use twice daily. I would hate to see it removed.

DonerMews

Silly post. Aside from the fact that this is an invaluable service to many Charlesland residents, i know at least one of the management companies is contracted to provide this service and therefore is not in a position to discontinue it.

birdwatcher

For those who are interested, the bus costs 70k annually and is used by less than 10% of the population of charlesland.
Oh! it's also used for free by neighbours from all over greystones who avail of the service paid for by charlesland residents.
I say retain it....but make it a pay-as-you-use service

RosieJoe

birdwatcher wrote: »

For those who are interested, the bus costs 70k annually and is used by less than 10% of the population of charlesland.
Oh! it's also used for free by neighbours from all over greystones who avail of the service paid for by charlesland residents.
I say retain it....but make it a pay-as-you-use service

Do you have proof that it is used for free by these people? (Woman and Child time excluded as this has already been discussed and dealt with)

loyatemu

birdwatcher wrote: »

it's also used for free by neighbours from all over greystones who avail of the service paid for by charlesland residents.

total exaggeration - why would people from all over greystones be bothered using the Charlesland shuttle?

matt-dublin

the only real abuse i see is parents using it as a school bus, but as long as they're residents in charlesland i don't see it as a problem. Frustrating but not really a problem.

MyPerfectCousin

matt-dublin wrote: »

the only real abuse i see is parents using it as a school bus, but as long as they're residents in charlesland i don't see it as a problem. Frustrating but not really a problem.

How is that a frustrating if, like you say, they're residents? It's a commute just the same as any other, and some will be connecting with Dublin Bus or the Dart if they are in secondary school. If the kids are old enough to take a bus, then anything to reduce school-run traffic is is a plus.

mikedragon32

loyatemu wrote: »

total exaggeration - why would people from all over greystones be bothered using the Charlesland shuttle?

Seen it happening as I've mentioned in other threads.

There's a perception that cars are safer in the estate than down at the park and ride. And a free bus to drop you right to the station? Result.

loyatemu

mikedragon32 wrote: »

There's a perception that cars are safer in the estate than down at the park and ride.

maybe prove them wrong by slashing their tyres? :pac:

more seriously, I used the bus for 3 years, I never saw any evidence of widespread abuse (unless you count the odd superquinn\café employee using it to get to work).

Annasopra

mikedragon32 wrote: »

Seen it happening as I've mentioned in other threads.

There's a perception that cars are safer in the estate than down at the park and ride. And a free bus to drop you right to the station? Result.

How much does that really happen though?

krieture

I have to say that it is a great service. I've taken it a few times "illegally", as in in I don't pay for the privilege regularly. I live in the vicinity and if it comes to it, i will take the bus. I usually drive but every once in the while i will take it. Especially on the way home.

I'd be happy to contribute, because lets get real, its the only reliable bus at a certain time. The 84 & 184 are a joke because they arent co-ordinated with the dart. how many times have you missed the scheduled buses by lazy bus drivers? They dont care.

As a non Charlesland development resident, i would still pay for the service. So is there a way that a scheme could be put in place? It cant be that difficult.

dr ro

why couldn't All Charlesland residents who want one be issued a card for use on the bus, everyone with a Charlesland address who applies, gets one. Not one house one card. And if you don't produce your card on the bus you pay.

mikedragon32

loyatemu wrote: »

maybe prove them wrong by slashing their tyres? :pac:

more seriously, I used the bus for 3 years, I never saw any evidence of widespread abuse (unless you count the odd superquinn\café employee using it to get to work).

Post reported for encouraging illegal behaviour.



It's not widespread, but it does happen. Who's to know if you don't see them parking?

loyatemu

dr ro wrote: »

why couldn't All Charlesland residents who want one be issued a card for use on the bus, everyone with a Charlesland address who applies, gets one. Not one house one card. And if you don't produce your card on the bus you pay.

it would cost money to administer, making the service more expensive for residents. Is the bus ever full these days? If not, then there's no point in trying to restrict it. (it used to fill occasionally when there was a smaller bus on the route)

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

mikedragon32 wrote: »

Post reported for encouraging illegal behaviour.



It's not widespread, but it does happen. Who's to know if you don't see them parking?

Lol... You obviously failed to read his entire post.



Great service. Wouldn't like to see it go.

mikedragon32

Joelle Moldy Sunburn wrote: »

Lol... You obviously failed to read his entire post.



Great service. Wouldn't like to see it go.

Oh dear. Did you fall into the sarchasm?

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

mikedragon32 wrote: »

Oh dear. Did you fall into the sarchasm?

Via text? It simply doesn't work. It's impossible to tell.

mikedragon32

Joelle Moldy Sunburn wrote: »

Via text? It simply doesn't work. It's impossible to tell.

Hence the

threetrouts

Any truth to the rumour that shuttle bus is to be pulled at the end of March due to rising costs and people not paying management fees. Apparently it will lead to almost anywhere from 80 to 220 reduction in fees depending on what type of unit you occupy and less than 20% of residents use it (some survey or poll done) and the bulk of these are renting .Apparently the planning stipulated it had to stay until alternatives were provided by public transport so we have got dublin bus going past the dart for the last 3 years therefore why didnt they make this saving for us then. Got it from driver this morning says his companys finishing up at end of March and there will be no replacement.:):)happy days at least one bill will be less this year.

hamstervision

So if they scrap the bus (which I sincerely hope they don't as I use it every day) what exactly will our management fees cover? Printing fees for threatening letters to tell us to take down our Sky dishes? Occasional cutting of the grass? The fees certainly didn't pay for clearing the paths during the freeze, even though it's in the contract. My neighbour rang and was told they didn't have the resources to do it.

Annasopra

threetrouts wrote: »

happy days at least one bill will be less this year.

we've already received a bill from wyse - my guess is that it won't go down

Car2318

I for one am disappointed to hear it will go. Its the only constant thing that my fees cover and it provides an excellent service.
We have used it probably twice in 4 years but its a great selling point and excellent if you have friends visiting or indeed if you get stuck.

Do fairways management fees also contribute towards it?

LEIN

threetrouts wrote: »

Any truth to the rumour that shuttle bus is to be pulled at the end of March due to rising costs and people not paying management fees. Apparently it will lead to almost anywhere from 80 to 220 reduction in fees depending on what type of unit you occupy and less than 20% of residents use it (some survey or poll done) and the bulk of these are renting .Apparently the planning stipulated it had to stay until alternatives were provided by public transport so we have got dublin bus going past the dart for the last 3 years therefore why didnt they make this saving for us then. Got it from driver this morning says his companys finishing up at end of March and there will be no replacement.:):)happy days at least one bill will be less this year.

Were are you getting this information from?

threetrouts

The bus driver yesterday and my neighbour who was on the bus filled me in on dart.

trad

loyatemu wrote: »

more seriously, I used the bus for 3 years, I never saw any evidence of widespread abuse (unless you count the odd superquinn\café employee using it to get to work).

Does Superquinn not pay substantial fees to the management company?

matt-dublin

trad wrote: »

Does Superquinn not pay substantial fees to the management company?

no as they onle lease the property. its not up to them to pay but the landlord

mikedragon32

Damo9090 wrote: »

Were are you getting this information from?

FWIW, I heard this from a pretty reliable source too.

hamstervision

Who actually makes these decisions and why is there not more input from the residents before they make them? Surely such a change should involve actually notifying the residents and not just suddenly withdrawing the service while some people stand there waiting for the bus one day...

LEIN

Think i will close this till i am PM'ed with some solid info.

mikedragon32

It's definite. Withdrawn from end March due to prohibitive costs associated with service.

All owners will be written to shortly.

My "pretty reliable" source texted me complaining about only being "pretty reliable"!

I guess now we'll have to wait and see how much our service charges will be reduced.

hamstervision

mikedragon32 wrote: »

I guess now we'll have to wait and see how much our service charges will be reduced.

If we've already paid will we be refunded??

matt-dublin

mike/damo please can we close this until official notification is sent out which will explain everything

thanks.