Dublin Bus GT/SG Class

stehyl15

Why do drivers not use the middle doors on these new buses espeically built with them ive only ever seen a few drivers use them is it true its some kind of union policy.

Peregrine

Most drivers I see just don't use them at all. I'd urge you to complain to DB and NTA.

January

Mod Note: Moved from Dublin City to Commuting & Transport.

stehyl15

January wrote: »

Mod Note: Moved from Dublin City to Commuting & Transport.

Was going to put it there but I cant find that forum on mobile version

VG31

Mr.S wrote: »

Most use them I've found.

Apparently they don't get used if the stop isn't 'safe' enough for them

This is the opposite on my route apart from a few drivers. It really seems to vary by route/depot. I find Donnybrook drivers in general to be much better than Harristown drivers.

Nim wrote: »

Most drivers I see just don't use them at all. I'd urge you to complain to DB and NTA.

I don't know about the latter organisation but don't bother complaining to Dublin Bus, you're wasting your time. I've complained before and they just send a generic reply about 'not being able to get close enough to the kerb'.

StreetLight

VG31 wrote: »

I've complained before and they just send a generic reply about 'not being able to get close enough to the kerb'.

Does that not say more about the inadequate bus-stop infrastructure provided by the local authority?

January

stehyl15 wrote: »

Was going to put it there but I cant find that forum on mobile version

Its under the 'soc' heading on the touch site.

VG31

StreetLight wrote: »

Does that not say more about the inadequate bus-stop infrastructure provided by the local authority?

I complained about drivers who NEVER use the centre doots, not drivers who don't use them when they can't get close enough to the kerb.

There's too many drivers that NEVER use the centre doors.

GTE

VG31 wrote: »

I complained about drivers who NEVER use the centre doots, not drivers who don't use them when they can't get close enough to the kerb.

There's too many drivers that NEVER use the centre doors.

In the grand scheme, it makes sense and isn't a huge deal for me. Older drivers would have known well that the Olympians were being replaced with single door units. New drivers would have been trained for that type of fleet and now things are changing, which will take time on all fronts.

It clearly sounds like habit for the never-users. The older double door days could very well have been used in situations which would now be health and safety no nos, before the requirement for what are now consider correct kerbs came in. Maybe that came in mid-life of that fleet type.

Age has a lot to do with this example but BE axed nearly entire fleet types because they couldn't get seatbelts installed after legislation came in. I doubt DB would have replaced double door units with single doors if DB suddenly was in a situation where double doors are not to be used.

I say not a huge deal as it will likely get sorted out in time; though an immediate change would have been handier. DB have no reason to reply to people saying anything other than the kerb point. So it could very well be an inadequate kerb issue.

Anyway, I'm just a passenger who has noticed mixed use of centre doors and thinks they are most useful at the end of a route.

VG31

bbk wrote: »

In the grand scheme, it makes sense and isn't a huge deal for me. Older drivers would have known well that the Olympians were being replaced with single door units. New drivers would have been trained for that type of fleet and now things are changing, which will take time on all fronts.

It clearly sounds like habit for the never-users. The older double door days could very well have been used in situations which would now be health and safety no nos, before the requirement for what are now consider correct kerbs came in. Maybe that came in mid-life of that fleet type.

If that was true it would make sense but I've often seen older drivers using the centre doors and younger drivers not. I've noticed some new drivers not use the centre doors at all.

Some drivers are very careful about lining up with the kerb while others will open both doors in the middle of the road.

dfx-

I've been on many that have used the centre doors. I'd personally view them as a hindrance to customers.

Though I did see a GT operate the 27 on Monday accommodating three buggies onboard (and standing passengers) and one was using the centre doorway, so at least someone got some use out of it. They shouldn't be near such a route.

There was standing elderly passengers this evening on a packed and late 68 inbound on the SCR and they were eyeing the space for seats that would have been there had the 68 been operated by an AV. But instead they were standing there looking at extra doors.:rolleyes:

The wise passengers that had RTPI waited for the AV a few minutes behind on the 122. Motto: for the sake of a couple minutes, always get the AV.

stehyl15

Why would they need to to retrained all they need to do is press a button to open the front and the middle doors

GTE

VG31 wrote: »

If that was true it would make sense but I've often seen older drivers using the centre doors and younger drivers not. I've noticed some new drivers not use the centre doors at all.

That is exactly what I mean; younger drivers from single door times (which to be fair aren't over with those noddy car Alexanders around) and whether it being an unwillingness, ignorance or stubbornness they don't use em. Older drivers who could very well have been used to the idea of the middle doors back in the day are more inclined to use them now.

GTE

stehyl15 wrote: »

Why would they need to to retrained all they need to do is press a button to open the front and the middle doors

At the very least, they need to be trained up on where middle doors are suitable for use so those legal loopholes can be sorted.

I'd imagine there would be etiquette training too; ensuring they are used in the correct way by passengers.

VG31

bbk wrote: »

That is exactly what I mean; younger drivers from single door times (which to be fair aren't over with those noddy car Alexanders around) and whether it being an unwillingness, ignorance or stubbornness they don't use em. Older drivers who could very well have been used to the idea of the middle doors back in the day are more inclined to use them now.

I see what you mean now, I misunderstood your first post.

I still can't understand why some drivers refuse point blank to use them. I was on a GT before and the bus was completely full and the driver refused to use the centre doors even with passengers pressing the bell and shouting at him to open them.