Go-Ahead Dublin City Routes - Updates and Discussion

Stephen15

I honestly don't see why GAI couldn't have some kind of temporary ad hoc agreement with the ferry terminal to allow them to park buses in the ferry terminal overnight. Surely they don't need planning permission just to park buses and the Harbour Company or the council could make money by charging them rent. It would make sense to me considering GAI do need a base nearer to its operational hubs than Ballymount. Not as a permanent agreement just a temporary one while GAI look for a nearer site.

Stephen15

Hearing a rumour that Go-Ahead may be storing buses in Collinstown for its Northside routes

BonnieSituation

goingnowhere wrote: »

The issue wasn't the terminal, it was the hard standing used previously for the ferry.

There is a separate application to build a cruise ship berth just to the left of the old HSS dock and provide parking, bus stands etc. This is with ABP currently, http://www.pleanala.ie/casenum/PA0051.htm . As a result DLRCC won't entertain another application until the first is either withdrawn or refused

The issue was that the foreshore licence for the terminal sat with the Harbour Company but when the HC transferred to the DLRCC the foreshore licence seems to have been forgotten about in the process.

The entity that the licence was issued to, DLHC now no longer exists so DLRCC are in this weird limbo regarding the terminal. It's pretty interesting actually, if you're into that sort of thing.

I had to deal with looking for documentary evidence of a foreshore licence being granted (It happened around 1933!!!) while working for DCC wrt the transfer of a water pumping station to Irish Water from the city council. Madness how things were let slide over the years in Irish admin.

And still they are...

Yer Da sells Avon

Stephen15 wrote: »

Hearing a rumour that Go-Ahead may be storing buses in Collinstown for its Northside routes

I think that's the plan anyway. And then Dún Laoghaire and/or perhaps Bray for southside routes.

CramCycle

Yer Da sells Avon wrote: »

I think that's the plan anyway. And then Dún Laoghaire and/or perhaps Bray for southside routes.

There are several places along the Boghall road that would be ideal, and even around the back road where Shoreline is. It is close to where DB do turn arounds and would be pretty much on route for most of their routes in the area. Last time I counted there were at least 5 decently sized places that would be large enough to accomodate a number of buses and maneuverability.

Most would have toilets that need minor refurbishment or a portacabin could be easily installed.

AlekSmart

GM228 wrote: »

Actually yes come to think of it I would say you are correct although without seeing the contract we can only currently speculate and remember that the NTA keeping the farebox does not necessarily mean they will keep income from advertising.

The LUAS contract whilst not a PSO contract is similar to the type of competitive tendering contract GA have, advertising on the LUAS is managed by JC Decaux under contract with TII as opposed to Transdev so I would assume the NTA will contact advertising on GA services (as well as BE Waterford).

Ah yes...that ol'contract thing again...wonder how many FoI's and trips to the High Court it's gonna take to get a peep at it ?

Meanwhile,way down yonder in Singapore.....(again !!)

https://landtransportguru.net/bus/bus-contracting-model/bukit-merah-bus-package/?fbclid=IwAR0Jnqv6-XxT1H0UB_orxExUfyBYvQVgwSyqqi81fbozuMTPqI_BrOf22e0

https://landtransportguru.net/bus/bus-contracting-model/bukit-merah-bus-package/?fbclid=IwAR0Jnqv6-XxT1H0UB_orxExUfyBYvQVgwSyqqi81fbozuMTPqI_BrOf22e0

Bidding Procedure

As of the tender closing time, 6 bids were submitted from hopeful operators.
S/No Country Tenderer Price for 5 Years
Amount (S$)
1. China / Local Jiaoyun Group Corporation / Travel GSH Pte Ltd Consortium 418,835,946.60
2. Local SBS Transit Ltd 474,965,108.00
Alternative Bid: 471,965,108.00
3. China Shenzhen Bus Group Co. Ltd. 449,264,285.00
4. Local SMRT Buses Ltd 444,925,777.00
5. Local The Go-Ahead Group Plc 518,706,175.00
6. Local Tower Transit Singapore Pte. Ltd. 483,796,997.00

Contract Awarded:

On Friday, 23 February 2018, LTA announced SBS Transit Ltd as the winner of the Bukit Merah Bus Package. The evaluation was conducted through a two-envelope process which included quality and price factors, with greater weightage given to the quality proposals submitted by tenderers. As per the LTA press release, SBST was awarded the contract because its proposal demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the operational considerations, and strong competence in bus service scheduling that would enable the optimal deployment of buses and resources.

In addition, SBST’s proposal showcased extensive experience in bus operations, while offering good value for money. It also had comprehensive contingency plans for cross-border services, and committed a significant number of experienced technicians to ensure high maintenance and reliability standards. SBST also demonstrated innovative IT solutions for infrastructure and asset maintenance, as well as security management, with the development of several in-house mobile applications for staff to report defects and incidents. It also presented a career development programme to up-skill its staff, with more opportunities for career progression, the authority said.

The alternative proposal awarded involves SBS Transit leveraging on its existing bus infrastructure to optimise bus operations. This involved garaging some buses which operates on bus services as part of Bukit Merah Bus Package at other bus depots operated by SBS Transit.

Additional Initiatives:

SBS Transit introduced a telematics system, known as SAfe Green Eco System (SAGE), on all 730 buses under the Seletar and Bukit Merah Bus Packages to monitor the smoothness and comfort of bus rides provided by Bus Captains (BCs). The system records and monitors the BC’s driving behaviour such as speeding and harsh acceleration with feedback given in real-time through audio and visual alerts. This system is aimed at improving the safety of buses. Besides SAGE, these buses are also equipped with the Mobileye collision alert system.

SBS Transit also set up a new Bus Technical Specialist Certification Centre at Ulu Pandan Depot for the Singapore Bus Academy (SGBA). This would enhance the professionalism of engineering and technical staff in the bus industry. SBS Transit’s experienced engineering staff would be involved in curriculum development and conducting assessments and certification.

In addition, Free WiFi for commuters would be available for all bus services under the Bukit Merah Bus Package from February 2019.
Bus Services:

Bukit Merah Bus Package consists of 18 existing bus services, all of which are currently operated by SBS Transit. As a result, there will be no operator changes to all services.
Service Destination 1 Destination 2 Type Description
5 Bukit Merah Pasir Ris Trunk
16 Bukit Merah Bedok Trunk
57 Bukit Merah Bishan Trunk
93 HarbourFront Eunos Trunk
120 Kampong Bahru ↺ Telok Blangah Heights Trunk
121 Kampong Bahru ↺ Telok Blangah Rise Trunk
122 Kampong Bahru ↺ Commonwealth Drive Trunk
123 Bukit Merah Beach Station Trunk
123M Harbourfront ↺ Tiong Bahru Road Trunk Supplementary
131 Bukit Merah St. Michael’s Trunk
131M Bukit Merah ↺ Bt Purmei Ave Trunk Peak-hour Supplementary
145 Buona Vista Toa Payoh Trunk
160 Jurong East ↺ JB Sentral Trunk Cross Border
170 Queen Street Larkin Trunk Cross Border
170A Queen Street Woodlands Ctr Rd Trunk Supplementary
170X Kranji MRT ↺ JB Sentral Trunk Cross Border
195 Marina Centre ↺ Commonwealth Avenue Trunk
198 Bukit Merah Boon Lay Trunk
272 Bukit Merah ↺ Telok Blangah Rise Feeder
273 Bukit Merah ↺ Henderson Road Feeder
400 Shenton Way ↺ Marina Gardens Drive Trunk
402 Shenton Way ↺ Marina Coastal Drive Trunk

Services 123M, 131M, 170A and 170X are considered as supplementary services of their parent service and do not add to the overall service count. Short-Trip services are not included in the above list.

Scope of Tender:

As part of the tender, the new Operator will be required to fulfill responsibilities as such:

Operate the eighteen (18) bus services in the areas in accordance with specified EWT performance standards
Operate and maintain the buses and their onboard equipment provided by LTA
Operate and maintain Bukit Merah and HarbourFront Bus Interchanges, Kampong Bahru, Queen Street, Shenton Way and Marina Centre Bus Terminals, and the new Ulu Pandan Bus Depot, including all equipment and systems provided therein
Charge and collect the fares approved by the Public Transport Council, on behalf of the Government
Provide bus service information at all bus stops and bus interchanges served by the 18 bus services
Provide customer management services, such as lost and found service, and a hotline for commuter feedback and enquiries.

All bus services will have scheduled headways of no more than 15 minutes for both directions during the morning and evening peak periods, with at least half of them having even shorter scheduled headways of no more than 10 minutes. Of these, the feeder services will run at even shorter intervals of 6-8 minutes. An estimated 45% of bus services will come at shorter intervals during peak periods when compared to the expanded BSEP.

More guidelines can be found in the main Bus Contracting Model (BCM) article.

Bus Interchanges & Terminals under the package:

Bukit Merah Bus Interchange
HarbourFront Bus Interchange
Kampong Bahru Bus Terminal
Queen Street Bus Terminal
Shenton Way Bus Terminal
Marina Centre Bus Terminal

Bus Depot under the package:

Ulu Pandan Bus Depot

Route Package Timeline:

2016 (11 Aug): Bukit Merah Bus Package mentioned as one of 11 Negotiated Contract (NC) Packages operated by SBS Transit.
2017 (28 Apr): Bukit Merah Bus Package open for Tender. Closes on 28 Aug 2017, 12:00PM
2017 (28 Aug): Tender closed with 6 bids received
2018 (23 Feb): Tender awarded to SBS Transit Ltd (Alternative Bid)
2018 (18 Nov): Start of Bukit Merah Bus Package (Tendered Contract)

TLDR,as the NTA hope you'll say....;)

GM228

AlekSmart wrote: »

Ah yes...that ol'contract thing again...wonder how many FoI's and trips to the High Court it's gonna take to get a peep at it ?

Meanwhile,way down yonder in Singapore.....(again !!)

https://landtransportguru.net/bus/bus-contracting-model/bukit-merah-bus-package/?fbclid=IwAR0Jnqv6-XxT1H0UB_orxExUfyBYvQVgwSyqqi81fbozuMTPqI_BrOf22e0

https://landtransportguru.net/bus/bus-contracting-model/bukit-merah-bus-package/?fbclid=IwAR0Jnqv6-XxT1H0UB_orxExUfyBYvQVgwSyqqi81fbozuMTPqI_BrOf22e0



TLDR,as the NTA hope you'll say....;)

I really don't understand why you constantly refer to Singapore? Different rules and all that, Singapore is an exception, not the norm.

You do know that by law the NTA must refuse a FOI request where commercial sensitivity is involved? Yes there is a public interest test involved but should a case ever come before the courts (unlikely I would guess) I find it very hard to believe they will ever be released as the principles of commercial sensitivity are well established and protected by the courts.

AlekSmart

GM228 wrote: »

I really don't understand why you constantly refer to Singapore? Different rules and all that, Singapore is an exception, not the norm.

You do know that by law the NTA must refuse a FOI request where commercial sensitivity is involved? Yes there is a public interest test involved but should a case ever come before the courts (unlikely I would guess) I find it very hard to believe they will ever be released as the principles of commercial sensitivity are well established and protected by the courts.

Yep,Thanks GM....I fully accept that Singapore is...well...not Ireland,and yes again,I fully accept that YOU are very well versed in what the NTA must,or must not do in relation to how it administers Public (as in,our) Transport policy...lets all take that as a given...Yes ?

However,as you probably can divine,I disagree with this principle,particularly in relation to the current BMO process,where,to a significant degree,the principles you espouse,and undoubtedly hold dear,are acting against the far greater principle of the common good.

To be VERY clear on the issue...it is my opinion that,if democratic principles are being adhered to in this BMO process,the FoI act should not be required at all.

The NTA should be required,by law,to fully release into the Public Domain,any,and all elements of the process which lead to the decision to award it's contracts....to whatever entity secures them.

What is it about this entirely basic principle of "Openess & Transparency" that frightens so many people within & without the "System"

Oh!....and apologies in advance.....I'll be returning to Singapore as matters progress......:)

CramCycle

AlekSmart wrote: »

The NTA should be required,by law,to fully release into the Public Domain,any,and all elements of the process which lead to the decision to award it's contracts....to whatever entity secures them.

What is it about this entirely basic principle of "Openess & Transparency" that frightens so many people within & without the "System"

I would have thought the reasons for not showing the tender applications is obvious as alot of applicants would not want operational plans to be ripped off.

What should be public is the reasoning behind the tendering decision. This would refer to the applications without divulging too much info. It would help the public understand the process, keep tenders on the straight and narrow, and allow the competition to see where they may have lost out for the next round of competition.

dublinman1990

I have seen the Steetlite Max twice for the 1st time today. They are a very nice long enough single deck bus to have in GAI's fleet.

Just about the timetable for the 45A, I was waiting for a 7 to get home opposite the Catholic Church near Tesco in Ballybrack this evening. A 45A to Dun Laoghaire went past the stop before the 7 arrived. There was a short gap of about 2 minutes between each bus then. When the 7 was about to arrive; the next 45A, going from the RTPI, was only another 3 minutes away.

I know that this could sound really stupid to many here on Boards.

When I was on the 7 before going around Glenageary Roundabout near Lidl at Sallynoggin. I see a 45A from Dun Laoghaire stopping outside Lidl. When the 7 just went off the roundabout to head down Silchester Road; another 45a from Dun Laoghaire comes up Silchester Road less than 5 seconds later. I know that the 45A frequency is about every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day. But; can someone here try to answer why does the 45A suffers from apparent bus bunching during this evening? Is this a regular occurence with all of the GAI routes in Dun Laoghaire?

Stephen15

dublinman1990 wrote: »

I have seen the Steetlite Max twice for the 1st time today. They are a very nice long enough single deck bus to have in GAI's fleet.

The NTA have decided that the aswell as the 111, 184 and 185 that they will also be allocated to the 33a, 33b, 104, 114 161, 236, 238, 239 and 270 from what I believe. There could be one or two others but that's seems to be how the allocation will be for them

When I was on the 7 before going around Glenageary Roundabout near Lidl at Sallynoggin. I see a 45A from Dun Laoghaire stopping outside Lidl. When the 7 just went off the roundabout to head down Silchester Road; another 45a from Dun Laoghaire comes up Silchester Road less than 5 seconds later. I know that the 45A frequency is about every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day. But; can someone here try to answer why does the 45A suffers from apparent bus bunching during this evening? Is this a regular occurence with all of the GAI routes in Dun Laoghaire?

Saw it on the 63 aswell two buses bunched at the lights near Dunnes in Cornelscourt at about 7pm couldn't understand how it would happen myself.

loyatemu

fun and games on the 184 yesterday - apparently one of the afternoon buses got to Greystones village and the driver realised he was supposed to be on the 185 and kicked everyone off (this is from the local FB group):

john boye

loyatemu wrote: »

fun and games on the 184 yesterday - apparently one of the afternoon buses got to Greystones village and the driver realised he was supposed to be on the 185 and kicked everyone off (this is from the local FB group):

That seems to be just happen sometimes sadly. My Mrs and a load of others got turfed off a "15A" a few weeks ago as the driver had accidentally put it up instead of 15B.

loyatemu

john boye wrote: »

That seems to be just happen sometimes sadly. My Mrs and a load of others got turfed off a "15A" a few weeks ago as the driver had accidentally put it up instead of 15B.

how did he get to Greystones before realising he was on the wrong route though? The 185 goes in a completely different direction.

john boye

loyatemu wrote: »

how did he get to Greystones before realising he was on the wrong route though? The 185 goes in a completely different direction.

Ah OK I didn't realise they were such different routes, not completely familiar with the routes out that way

punisher5112

loyatemu wrote: »

how did he get to Greystones before realising he was on the wrong route though? The 185 goes in a completely different direction.

Maybe got a call on radio.....

Stephen15

loyatemu wrote: »

how did he get to Greystones before realising he was on the wrong route though? The 185 goes in a completely different direction.

Could have done a few rounds of the 184 before realising his next duty was on the 185.

.G.

It can't be helpful when you do several different routes as part of one duty, especially when all the routes and roads are new to you. Friend of mine who's wife uses several of the Go Ahead routes said drivers going the wrong way is happening a lot.

Stephen15

superg wrote: »

It can't be helpful when you do several different routes as part of one duty, especially when all the routes and roads are new to you. Friend of mine who's wife uses several of the Go Ahead routes said drivers going the wrong way is happening a lot.

I know it seems like a stupid decision not to give routes an allocation. I know DB did it from time to time where they might send out a bus on DL local after operating the 46a but not to the extent Go-Ahead are doing it.

KD345

From observing the services it does seem like Go Ahead are stretching their resources too much. Many of the delays and bunching seems to be down to a delay on one route creating a knock on effect for the next route that bus is due to operate. The running time seems pretty tight on many duties too which may be an issue. I used Go Ahead services 4 times in the last week - two services ran on time, one was 20 minutes late and the other bus didn't turn up.

They should just put double deckers back onto the 184 full time to cope with the crowds. Having passengers left at the side of the road is not the way to go. Possibly related, Dublin Bus have just announced an increase on the 84 from Monday with 4 additional departures. This should help with the crowds between Greystones and Bray. http://www.dublinbus.ie/News-Centre/General-News/Additional-Departures-on-Route-84a/

I noticed online Wicklow County Council have sent a letter to the NTA to complain about the recent changes in the Greystones area on the 84, 184 and DART.

Stephen15

KD345 wrote: »

From observing the services it does seem like Go Ahead are stretching their resources too much. Many of the delays and bunching seems to be down to a delay on one route creating a knock on effect for the next route that bus is due to operate. The running time seems pretty tight on many duties too which may be an issue. I used Go Ahead services 4 times in the last week - two services ran on time, one was 20 minutes late and the other bus didn't turn up.

When they take over more services they'll have to stop the practice of randomly assigning buses to drivers and routes. They should have a system where a bus and driver will operate the same bus and the same route for the duration of their shift and only making changes if absolutely nessecary. It's seems they have allocated the same buses for the routes terminating in DL and the same ones for Bray terminating routes rather than on a route by route basis which works better.

They should just put double deckers back onto the 184 full time to cope with the crowds. Having passengers left at the side of the road is not the way to go. Possibly related, Dublin Bus have just announced an increase on the 84 from Monday with 4 additional departures. This should help with the crowds between Greystones and Bray. http://www.dublinbus.ie/News-Centre/General-News/Additional-Departures-on-Route-84a/

I noticed online Wicklow County Council have sent a letter to the NTA to complain about the recent changes in the Greystones area on the 84, 184 and DART.

Yeah it was stupid putting single deckers on the 184. My guess was that the NTA thought because the route wasn't very frequent on weekends until now they might have thought they could get away with putting single deckers on it as it wouldn't be that well used on weekends and they could increase frequency while saving fuel. Also it's a longish route so single deckers may save on fuel.

Yer Da sells Avon

KD345 wrote: »

They should just put double deckers back onto the 184 full time to cope with the crowds. Having passengers left at the side of the road is not the way to go. Possibly related, Dublin Bus have just announced an increase on the 84 from Monday with 4 additional departures. This should help with the crowds between Greystones and Bray. http://www.dublinbus.ie/News-Centre/General-News/Additional-Departures-on-Route-84a/

I love the way they call it 'Good News!!!' when it's literally just a reversal of some of the cuts they made a month ago.

superg wrote:

Friend of mine who's wife uses several of the Go Ahead routes said drivers going the wrong way is happening a lot.

It's happening a bit alright. Teething problems are an inevitable consequence of having lots of new drivers starting around the same time - many of whom have only just passed their test and are still getting used to driving buses. Not that it's any consolation to discommoded passengers, but it'll sort itself out in time.

The problematic rosters are expected to be sorted out when Go Ahead have taken over all of their routes in the new year, and that'll hopefully improve things too.

dashcamdanny

superg wrote: »

It can't be helpful when you do several different routes as part of one duty, especially when all the routes and roads are new to you. Friend of mine who's wife uses several of the Go Ahead routes said drivers going the wrong way is happening a lot.

I think alot of that could be down to inexperience.

Which will correct itself in time.

I dont think they are doing several routes in on duty. That is not really possible.

Lots of dublin bus duties have 2 different routes. Once you go the wrong way a few times, you soon learn to concentrate harder.

Dave_Dublin

dashcamdanny wrote: »

I think alot of that could be down to inexperience.

I dont think they are doing several routes in one duty. That is not really possible.

As a Go-Ahead driver, I can tell you that we drive up to FOUR (4) different routes in one duty shift.

Many duties have a gap of two to three hours after we've driven for a few hours.

The shifts are usually between 11 and 13 hours long.

We are stranded in Dún Laoghaire for the three-hour gap / we're not on a break, we are officially on "Stand-by" - - this means we can be requested to drive or do any other task assigned by a supervisor.

Our 40-minute break is usually scheduled either at the start or the end of the *stand-by* period.

As previously mentioned in the thread, there are no toilet facilities available to us.
Yes: there are plenty of toliets in D.L. but many are "for customers only" or are PAY-as-you-use...

I have had to eat my lunch sitting on the side of the road at the rear of the train station -or- at a bus stop at the front of the station if it was raining.


If our first run is late (delayed in traffic), our subsequent runs are automatically late as there's usually only a 7-minute buffer between the scheduled arrival time of one route and the scheduled departure time of the next route.

(Traffic delays, especially on route 75, can put us up to 20 minutes behind schedule)

Stephen15

dashcamdanny wrote: »

I think alot of that could be down to inexperience.

Which will correct itself in time.

I dont think they are doing several routes in on duty. That is not really possible.

Lots of dublin bus duties have 2 different routes. Once you go the wrong way a few times, you soon learn to concentrate harder.

Maybe not several routes in one duty but what I have witnessed is in DL a 63 coming in to terminate and then going back out 5 mins later as a 75.

I've never seen that happen with DB not denying that it may happen from time to time perhaps after a driver goes on a break but I've never witnessed a bus terminate and then go back out almost straight away on a different route with DB but have with GAI. A friend of mine was saying that he was on the 75 and internal displays were wrongly displaying 45a.

It appears that GAI are randomly allocating buses day by day, duty by duty rather than having a set allocation for a particular route like DB would have with un allocated buses covering in case of buses in work or breakdowns etc.

.G.

With Dublin Bus it's things like the 25a and 25b or 79a and 79 on the same duty. The routes are largely the same except for a small section so it's different to what the go ahead drivers have to put up with.

cherryghost

Dave_Dublin wrote: »

As a Go-Ahead driver, I can tell you that we drive up to FOUR (4) different routes in one duty shift.

Many duties have a gap of two to three hours after we've driven for a few hours.

The shifts are usually between 11 and 13 hours long.

We are stranded in Dún Laoghaire for the three-hour gap / we're not on a break, we are officially on "Stand-by" - - this means we can be requested to drive or do any other task assigned by a supervisor.

Our 40-minute break is usually scheduled either at the start or the end of the *stand-by* period.

As previously mentioned in the thread, there are no toilet facilities available to us.
Yes: there are plenty of toliets in D.L. but many are "for customers only" or are PAY-as-you-use...

I have had to eat my lunch sitting on the side of the road at the rear of the train station -or- at a bus stop at the front of the station if it was raining.


If our first run is late (delayed in traffic), our subsequent runs are automatically late as there's usually only a 7-minute buffer between the scheduled arrival time of one route and the scheduled departure time of the next route.

(Traffic delays, especially on route 75, can put us up to 20 minutes behind schedule)

That's shockingly bad if true.

dashcamdanny

Dave_Dublin wrote: »

As a Go-Ahead driver, I can tell you that we drive up to FOUR (4) different routes in one duty shift.

Many duties have a gap of two to three hours after we've driven for a few hours.

The shifts are usually between 11 and 13 hours long.

We are stranded in Dún Laoghaire for the three-hour gap / we're not on a break, we are officially on "Stand-by" - - this means we can be requested to drive or do any other task assigned by a supervisor.

Our 40-minute break is usually scheduled either at the start or the end of the *stand-by* period.

As previously mentioned in the thread, there are no toilet facilities available to us.
Yes: there are plenty of toliets in D.L. but many are "for customers only" or are PAY-as-you-use...

I have had to eat my lunch sitting on the side of the road at the rear of the train station -or- at a bus stop at the front of the station if it was raining.


If our first run is late (delayed in traffic), our subsequent runs are automatically late as there's usually only a 7-minute buffer between the scheduled arrival time of one route and the scheduled departure time of the next route.

(Traffic delays, especially on route 75, can put us up to 20 minutes behind schedule)

What are SIPTU doing on these matters? You should at least have shelter to eat your packed lunch in. Dublin bus have very little in the way of toilets either. They really do expect you to go 5 hours with out a toilet. You keep a bottle in your bag. As for lady drivers, they must have bladders of steel.

punisher5112

dashcamdanny wrote: »

What are SIPTU doing on these matters? You should at least have shelter to eat your packed lunch in. Dublin bus have very little in the way of toilets either. They really do expect you to go 5 hours with out a toilet. You keep a bottle in your bag. As for lady drivers, they must have bladders of steel.

I'm out of the garage since 0630 this morning and won't get to a toilet till 1230.

That's a db work out and no facilities anywhere on route or at ends.

LuckyLloyd

I think we all understand in the working environment that we'll have situations for a few hours where going to the toilet is difficult. The issue for me here is the complete lack of shelter / toilet provisions for staff working 12 hour shifts. How could anyone thing that's acceptable? How did the NTA sign off on Go Ahead's operational readiness without this being in place?