Bus Eireann Driver - Worth Complaining?

Benzino

Hey All,

Want to know if it is worth complaining to Bus Eireann about one of their drivers.

I went to get a bus this evening, and had arrived just when it was due to depart (I know should have been there earlier). The luggage door was closing, but the main door was still open. So I went up and stood in front of the door and asked if he could open the luggage door again. Rather than responding, he rolled his eyes, and (looking rather pissed off) shook his head, basically indicating no. He then proceeded to close the door even though I was standing right in front of it (not close enough for it to hit me though).

Honestly couldn't believe. I use this service every week, and haven't encountered anything like it, in fact when I got the next bus, an hour later, the driver was an absolute gent (although he was on hire, so not technically working for Bus Eireann).

Is there any point in complaining at all? While he technically didn't do anything wrong, a bit of manners wouldn't do any harm!

chrismon

How late were you?

Benzino

chrismon wrote: »

How late were you?

The bus was due to depart at 8:30. When he closed the door, I walked back into busaras and it was said 8:30 on the electronic board in busaras. So I was cutting it fine admittedly

jor el

Worth complaining? I would say yes after that experience. However, it won't get you anywhere, and nothing will change. So you'd have to ask if it's actually worth it at all, and I'd probably say no.

There are ignorant people in every job, you just have to ignore them and move on.

Cookie_Monster

about the attitude maybe, about what he did, no.

dubbie82

Well the bus is meant to depart at 8.30. That means you should have paid for the ticket and sitting in the bus at 8.30. You didn't cut it fine!
Rude behaviour from the driver? Yes it doesn't sound like he was very nice but then we only heard your side of the story here and complaining about him won't go anywhere just try to be a bit earlier the next time.
I admit I am not a big fan of Bus Eireann and their regard of punctuality is shocking so I appreciate it if they leave on time.

AlekSmart

Benzino wrote: »

Hey All,

Want to know if it is worth complaining to Bus Eireann about one of their drivers.

Honestly couldn't believe. I use this service every week, and haven't encountered anything like it, in fact when I got the next bus, an hour later, the driver was an absolute gent (although he was on hire, so not technically working for Bus Eireann).

Is there any point in complaining at all? While he technically didn't do anything wrong, a bit of manners wouldn't do any harm!

If there's a need to give some form of group assent to somebody contemplating a complaint,then it rather diminishes the complaint itself.

This scenario has been regularly enacted on these fora over the years and usually end up with no real outcome other than the venting to atmosphere of substantial volumes of steam.

The Driver has a requirement to depart on-time,perhaps he/she has had other incidences of facilitating a late-comer,only to discover a second piece of luggage,followed by a large denomination note or other added delay,which tends to be noted by the other passengers,who,presumably,were on time.

There was then an option of an immediate complaint to one of the Inspectors on duty at Busaras,which,of itself,may have resulted in some result.

If YOU feel the incident is worth complaining about then most certainly submit a written factual account to support this.

If you do it asap,there may still be an opportunity to review the CCTV images both static and on-bus.

As for the contractor,as long as the service is contracted to Bus -Eireann,then that driver is operating under the same conditions and rules as the BE driver.

However,do bear in mind that the Coach you eventually boarded most likely had you standing ready to board as it pulled IN rather than as it pulled AWAY in the original incidence,thereby allowing the Driver ample latitude to display his customer-handling skill ?

LLU

The OP was just in time for the bus albeit barely. It is not acceptable for the driver to shake his head in answer without speaking nor is it acceptable for him to close the door in a customers face before the conversation is over. This is basic customer service stuff, in fact basic manners, which he got wrong.

Granted worse things could happen but if I was the OP I would complain. And if I was the drivers manager I'd have a word in his ear and hopefully that should be the end of the matter.

Benzino

Thanks for all your views. I accept he had the right to turn me away, and completely understand it. However, the way he did it was unacceptable in my opinion. Every time I use Bus Eireann, i treat their drivers and their property with respect and I expect them to treat me, a paying customer, with respect in return. There is no reason why he couldn't have politely said no, your too late.

However, I'm getting the feeling that reporting it wouldn't be worth it, even though I will probably see this driver again (as he is a regular on my route). jor el is right I think. If only their was another bus service doing my route

AlekSmart

Benzino wrote: »

Thanks for all your views. I accept he had the right to turn me away, and completely understand it. However, the way he did it was unacceptable in my opinion. Every time I use Bus Eireann, i treat their drivers and their property with respect and I expect them to treat me, a paying customer, with respect in return. There is no reason why he couldn't have politely said no, your too late.

However, I'm getting the feeling that reporting it wouldn't be worth it, even though I will probably see this driver again (as he is a regular on my route). jor el is right I think. If only their was another bus service doing my route

This is an interesting point.

If you encounter this Driver again soon,and he fails to live up (down ?) to your expected standards,will this have an impact on your viewpoint ?

I'm seeing a significant amount of profiling as a result of a sub 2 minute interaction with a Driver about to depart.

I really do not think it would be feasible for this,or any driver, to engage in a lengthy discourse with you on the topic of on-time departures...not to mention defeating the purpose.

I'd still recommend submitting your complaint,even if only to keep the topic live.

I know one of the elements now being discussed informally,is the closing of the Departure Bay Doors 90 seconds in advance of departure time.

The advantage of this,from a Drivers perspective would be the short-circuiting of any more incidents such as the OP's.

parsi

Folk are funny - we all hope the bus or train will hold for us but we're up in arms if it's late departing.

Benzino

AlekSmart wrote: »

If you encounter this Driver again soon,and he fails to live up (down ?) to your expected standards,will this have an impact on your viewpoint ?

I would imagine Bus Eireann expect there drivers to be a bit courteous to the passengers. Will it impact my viewpoint of him? Isn't our viewpoint on people constantly changing based on their actions?

AlekSmart wrote: »

I really do not think it would be feasible for this,or any driver, to engage in a lengthy discourse with you on the topic of on-time departures...not to mention defeating the purpose.

I don't have an issue with him departing without me. My issue is the fact he closed the door in my face without saying a thing. There was no reason he couldn't have just said "Sorry, your late and I have to keep to my schedule." Instead, visibly pissed off, shakes his head and closes the door without saying a word.

AlekSmart wrote: »

I know one of the elements now being discussed informally,is the closing of the Departure Bay Doors 90 seconds in advance of departure time.

While a good idea in theory, I can't see it ever working in Busaras.

Benzino

parsi wrote: »

Folk are funny - we all hope the bus or train will hold for us but we're up in arms if it's late departing.

I'm not complaining about him departing without me, did you read what I posted?

parsi

Benzino wrote: »

parsi wrote: »

Folk are funny - we all hope the bus or train will hold for us but we're up in arms if it's late departing.

I'm not complaining about him departing without me, did you read what I posted?

Did you read my post ? Did I mention or quote you ?

Benzino

parsi wrote: »

Did you read my post ? Did I mention or quote you ?

Well you never mentioned anybody, and since I created the thread, I assumed you were referring to me. Assumption is the mother of all f**k ups as they say!

parsi

Benzino wrote: »

Well you never mentioned anybody, and since I created the thread, I assumed you were referring to me. Assumption is the mother of all f**k ups as they say!

Ah sure, by page 2 the OP is usually forgotten...

AlekSmart

Benzino wrote: »

I would imagine Bus Eireann expect there drivers to be a bit courteous to the passengers. Will it impact my viewpoint of him? Isn't our viewpoint on people constantly changing based on their actions?


I don't have an issue with him departing without me. My issue is the fact he closed the door in my face without saying a thing. There was no reason he couldn't have just said "Sorry, your late and I have to keep to my schedule." Instead, visibly pissed off, shakes his head and closes the door without saying a word.

Again,and from a Busdrivers perspective,I have found that in many everyday situations the OP's preferred explanatory route simply invites a retort,challenge or simple abuse.

I find it somewhat difficult to accept,that in the OP's scenario,an intending passenger, would simply say "Oh that's alright then Driver,I'll just sit and wait another hour for the bus behind,off you go".

Instead the most likely,and thoroughly understandable response would have seen the OP make a case for their admission based upon whatever supports were to hand.

This most certainly would have delayed the departure of the remainder of those passengers who were on time,and could well have developed further depending upon the level of negotiation involved.

Put at it's simplest,I think the Driver,as described here,took the best course of action for all except the OP in a situation where that Driver was in a lose/lose situation.

As for the door being closed in the OPO's face,it is inevitable that if a person is standing on the pavement facing a driver who has pressed the close button,that the door will close between the two...it's avoidable only if the OP has turned to walk away in which case the percieved affront may be lessened.

All aspects of the OP being considered,I say Well Done that Driver.

Regularly get the Cross-border service and the drivers are great to be fair, both Ulsterbus and Bus Eireann. Not sure if it depends on the route though. Would regularly have the bus wait for someone to use the toilet in Newry/Banbridge.
It's all down to whatever driver you get on the day and how much he can be arsed, nothing else. I suggest you find a suitable way to annoy the driver each and everytime you have the pleasure to come up against him.
Good thing about this recession is that companies are clearing out all the wastes of space so hopefully this idiot will be paid off soon.

foggy_lad

AlekSmart wrote: »

I know one of the elements now being discussed informally,is the closing of the Departure Bay Doors 90 seconds in advance of departure time.

Those doors are usually left open or not opened for many bus departures, many buses departing from bay 1 and 3 are loaded through doorway 2 and bay 2 is often loaded from doorway 1, for this to work the company would need to employ someone responsible who would open and close these doors and prohibit others from opening doors without permission. But considering they cant employ adequate security to keep drug addicts from harrassing people and begging in Busaras what you suggest is about as likely as drivers being dismissed for texting or listening to their ipod or iphone while driving.

Deleted User wrote: »

I suggest you find a suitable way to annoy the driver each and everytime you have the pleasure to come up against him.
Good thing about this recession is that companies are clearing out all the wastes of space so hopefully this idiot will be paid off soon.

Annoying the driver only makes you a bigger tosser than the offending driver, best thing to do is report all incidents in writing to the company keeping copies for yourself.

As for the recession, CIE was always known as being there for those who could not secure employment in the private sector if they had the right connections and I doubt that will change

Benzino

AlekSmart wrote: »

Again,and from a Busdrivers perspective,I have found that in many everyday situations the OP's preferred explanatory route simply invites a retort,challenge or simple abuse.

I find it somewhat difficult to accept,that in the OP's scenario,an intending passenger, would simply say "Oh that's alright then Driver,I'll just sit and wait another hour for the bus behind,off you go".

Instead the most likely,and thoroughly understandable response would have seen the OP make a case for their admission based upon whatever supports were to hand.

This most certainly would have delayed the departure of the remainder of those passengers who were on time,and could well have developed further depending upon the level of negotiation involved.

Put at it's simplest,I think the Driver,as described here,took the best course of action for all except the OP in a situation where that Driver was in a lose/lose situation.

As for the door being closed in the OPO's face,it is inevitable that if a person is standing on the pavement facing a driver who has pressed the close button,that the door will close between the two...it's avoidable only if the OP has turned to walk away in which case the percieved affront may be lessened.

All aspects of the OP being considered,I say Well Done that Driver.

I certainly wouldn't applaud anybody who doesn't have the decency to actually speak to their customers, it's basic customer service. If he was concerned I would get into an argument with him, he could close the door after he informed me he wasn't letting me on board.

I do want to clarify that I am not saying all Bus Eireann drivers are like this, in fact this is the only bad experience I have had with a Bus Eireann driver, and I've been using there service on a weekly basis for 2 years now. I have seen drivers, who are already out of the bay and on the way out of busaras, stop and let people on. In fact, I think everytime I have seen somebody arrive late, the driver has let them on board.

foggy_lad

Benzino wrote: »

I certainly wouldn't applaud anybody who doesn't have the decency to actually speak to their customers, it's basic customer service. If he was concerned I would get into an argument with him, he could close the door after he informed me he wasn't letting me on board.

I do want to clarify that I am not saying all Bus Eireann drivers are like this, in fact this is the only bad experience I have had with a Bus Eireann driver, and I've been using there service on a weekly basis for 2 years now. I have seen drivers, who are already out of the bay and on the way out of busaras, stop and let people on. In fact, I think everytime I have seen somebody arrive late, the driver has let them on board.

Tonight on the 10.15 bus from Busaras the driver appear to be watching out for any latecomers as he pulled out of and circled Busaras, he slowed right down passing the front of the building in case anyone appeared to be hoping to catch the bus.

Originally Posted by AlekSmart

This most certainly would have delayed the departure of the remainder of those passengers who were on time,and could well have developed further depending upon the level of negotiation involved.

because of the recently added time padding to the Waterford timetable I doubt any other passengers could or would complain about their bus stopping for a few moments to allow one or two late passengers to board as it would only mean they would be left waiting in Carlow for a couple of minutes less.

finality

The bus eireann drivers are so varied. Some of them are really helpful and then others seem to want to make you feel bad for existing.

AlekSmart

foggy_lad wrote: »

Because of the recently added time padding to the Waterford timetable I doubt any other passengers could or would complain about their bus stopping for a few moments to allow one or two late passengers to board as it would only mean they would be left waiting in Carlow for a couple of minutes less.

I'm afraid Foggy,these passengers DO complain.

The issue is'nt simply about the late passenger,but also about the other one who may he just behind them,or the loiterer who,seeing the exchange in process then steps up to ask a totally unrelated question...this second individual then proceds to get-the-hump when the exasperated driver then shrugs or fails to engage with them...can,and does happen,on all services...in some cases the best policy is brevity and alacrity.

At the heart of much of this type of complaint,i fear,lies a deep seated pecularity of the Irish psyche,selfishness.

It allows us to instantly rationalize,prioritize and excuse any and all actions which will benefit "ourselves alone" with nary a backward glance at whatever effects may be caused to others.

gbob

AlekSmart wrote: »

It allows us to instantly rationalize,prioritize and excuse any and all actions which will benefit "ourselves alone" with nary a backward glance at whatever effects may be caused to others.

So very true !


Another thing to note is that the inspectors also expect the driver to depart on time, i've seen drivers being harassed by inspectors for opening the door/boot for latecomers because of the knock-on effect for other coaches waiting to use the bay. And in my experience, its often those that cause buses to run late that are the first to complain about late running buses.

gbob

finality wrote: »

The bus eireann drivers are so varied. Some of them are really helpful and then others seem to want to make you feel bad for existing.

And that is also true of passengers....

AlekSmart

AlekSmart wrote: »

I'm afraid Foggy,these passengers DO complain.

The issue is'nt simply about the late passenger,but also about the other one who may he just behind them,or the loiterer who,seeing the exchange in process then steps up to ask a totally unrelated question...this second individual then proceds to get-the-hump when the exasperated driver then shrugs or fails to engage with them...can,and does happen,on all services...in some cases the best policy is brevity and alacrity.

At the heart of much of this type of complaint,i fear,lies a deep seated pecularity of the Irish psyche,selfishness.

It allows us to instantly rationalize,prioritize and excuse any and all actions which will benefit "ourselves alone" with nary a backward glance at whatever effects may be caused to others.

someone got a thesaurus for Xmas!

upandcumming

I arrived at 18.00 for an 18.00 service and the driver opened the luggage door again and let me on. Very sound about me cutting it tight!

LLU

AlekSmart wrote: »

I'm afraid Foggy,these passengers DO complain.

The issue is'nt simply about the late passenger,but also about the other one who may he just behind them,or the loiterer who,seeing the exchange in process then steps up to ask a totally unrelated question...this second individual then proceds to get-the-hump when the exasperated driver then shrugs or fails to engage with them...can,and does happen,on all services...in some cases the best policy is brevity and alacrity.

At the heart of much of this type of complaint,i fear,lies a deep seated pecularity of the Irish psyche,selfishness.

It allows us to instantly rationalize,prioritize and excuse any and all actions which will benefit "ourselves alone" with nary a backward glance at whatever effects may be caused to others.

None of which excuses the driver from treating his customers courteously though.