Dublin Coach Experience Discussion Thread

thenightman · 07-02-2020 8:56pm

Was a very stressed out looking DC mechanic trying to get one of the Setras going at the Red Cow Luas at 8am the other morning. He managed it after about 5 mins prodding and searching around the engine bay with his spotlamp. Doesn't exactly fill the customers queuing up for said bus with confidence though!

john boye · 07-02-2020 9:12pm

devnull wrote: »

It's no longer licensed for service and hasn't been for a while.

But somehow the setras still are?

road_high · 07-02-2020 10:49pm

Got it from Dublin to Kilkenny this eve. They put on a separate bus to Kilkenny only- Waterford bus was the first one- only 45 mins later than the scheduled time! But was one of the very comfortable lovely Merc buses.
Be great if they would just scrap the old Setras and have all these ones. Personal lights, vents that work. Also USB charging points which is very handy.
Route has really taken off. People love the direct route via the motorway I guess

Vic_08 · 07-02-2020 10:55pm

embraer170 wrote: »

When are the new coaches arriving?

Some of you post this sort of question assuming that it will sort their problems out, it won't. A partial fleet replacement with new coaches will not solve the underlying issues with DC that have plagued this operator for years.

Their maintenance standards are appalling, coaches do astronomical mileage and unless the inspection and servicing regime is pre-empting failures they will have a high fault rate. This is true of newer vehicles as well as old ones and the fact that newer DC coaches are also to be seen sitting by the roadside bears this out.

Other operators use vehicles as old or older than the DC Setras and do not litter our main roads with defective coaches in the way this crowd do. Aircoach never had the same level of incidents with the very same vehicles which they ran intensively up to their sale.

punisher5112 · 07-02-2020 11:01pm

Vic_08 wrote: »

Some of you post this sort of question assuming that it will sort their problems out, it won't. A partial fleet replacement with new coaches will not solve the underlying issues with DC that have plagued this operator for years.

Their maintenance standards are appalling, coaches do astronomical mileage and unless the inspection and servicing regime is pre-empting failures they will have a high fault rate. This is true of newer vehicles as well as old ones and the fact that newer DC coaches are also to be seen sitting by the roadside bears this out.

Other operators use vehicles as old or older than the DC Setras and do not litter our main roads with defective coaches in the way this crowd do. Aircoach never had the same level of incidents with the very same vehicles which they ran intensively up to their sale.

It was the same man running it, they were leased, he sold out, ends up buying the clapped out dung, runs till they crash or burn... Literally.

He must be making money on this venture as with aircoach it was loss making but made a killing selling it off/licence to first group.

First kept this sermcret for a long time and eventually they put their brand name on their fleet.

Aircoach Tri axle fleet are getting near their end too..

91wx763 · 08-02-2020 10:11am

Seeing as this thread has woken up.....

Brake light, nah. Wonder when it got dinged and into what ? Looks very Aircoach blue if you ask me !!!

devnull · 08-02-2020 10:59am

91wx763 wrote: »

Seeing as this thread has woken up.....

Brake light, nah. Wonder when it got dinged and into what ? Looks very Aircoach blue if you ask me !!!

Looks like a ComfortClass Setra rather than TopClass Setra and also seems to have a KE registration so it was one that Dublin Coach had from new or bought second hand, but certainly not Aircoach as all theirs were TopClass on 03/04 plates with Dublin registrations.

punisher5112 · 08-02-2020 11:19am

devnull wrote: »

Looks like a ComfortClass Setra rather than TopClass Setra and also seems to have a KE registration so it was one that Dublin Coach had from new or bought second hand, but certainly not Aircoach as all theirs were TopClass on 03/04 plates with Dublin registrations.

Wasn't an aircoach it's an import most likely and wasn't bought new be dc. That ain't aircoach blue, it would be a better match to db darker blue.

Only new coach they bought are from 2014 onwards.

The 2014 Tri axle single decks were used on the Dublin tours for a year for tax purposes.

Saved him a fortune.

dzilla · 10-02-2020 10:00am

91wx763 wrote: »

Seeing as this thread has woken up.....

Brake light, nah. Wonder when it got dinged and into what ? Looks very Aircoach blue if you ask me !!!

Ballybeg looking good :cool:

Odyssey 2005 · 10-02-2020 10:13am

91wx763 wrote: »

Seeing as this thread has woken up.....

Brake light, nah. Wonder when it got dinged and into what ? Looks very Aircoach blue if you ask me !!!

That seems like a very dangerous place to place a disabled parking space.

lil5 · 10-02-2020 10:24am

Odyssey 2005 wrote: »

That seems like a very dangerous place to place a disabled parking space.

Looks more like the spot for the wheelchair users to board the bus, or where the wheelchair ramp will be lowered?

ExoPolitic · 10-02-2020 11:43am

Odyssey 2005 wrote:

That seems like a very dangerous place to place a disabled parking space.

It isn't, it is the waiting area for disabled passengers.

punisher5112 · 10-02-2020 1:07pm

ExoPolitic wrote: »

It isn't, it is the waiting area for disabled passengers.

Out in the rain and not under the shelter.... Seems an absolute waste of paint to be honest...

ExoPolitic · 11-02-2020 2:03am

punisher5112 wrote: »

Out in the rain and not under the shelter.... Seems an absolute waste of paint to be honest...

Welcome to the joined up thinking of Waterford city and county council...

ExoPolitic · 14-02-2020 3:11pm

So busy they've had to lay on two coaches for the 1500 Waterford to Dublin, time for hourly on the m9 service?

road_high · 16-02-2020 11:16pm

ExoPolitic wrote: »

So busy they've had to lay on two coaches for the 1500 Waterford to Dublin, time for hourly on the m9 service?

Was same one Friday evening lately. One just served Kilkenny so they just separated the passengers out.

Nigel Fairservice · 21-02-2020 5:52pm

The bus to Cork from MacDonagh Junction at 5 40 pm was actually on time. The coach that turned up to the stop was empty. I wonder did the run a separate bus from Dublin to Kilkenny for the first leg of the trip.

Only 3 people got on at Ormonde Road, I don't think I've ever seen so few get on the bus at this time on a Friday.

road_high · 25-02-2020 12:23pm

Nigel Fairservice wrote: »

The bus to Cork from MacDonagh Junction at 5 40 pm was actually on time. The coach that turned up to the stop was empty. I wonder did the run a separate bus from Dublin to Kilkenny for the first leg of the trip.

Only 3 people got on at Ormonde Road, I don't think I've ever seen so few get on the bus at this time on a Friday.

Since the Naas M7 works finished bus times out of Dublin seem to be a bit more reliable. One I was on last week did Dublin city centre to Kilkenny in 1 hr 35 mins including stop at Red Cow which is pretty damn good to be fair and bus was pretty much full too- some of the very long Dublin Bus journeys within/around Dublin can take longer! That's beating the train taking in travel to Heuston and only €10 also.
Would love to see the service go hourly now.

JeffK88 · 02-09-2020 10:50am

Has anybody any clue if this company exists anymore or has any intention of restarting?

p_haugh · 02-09-2020 11:58am

JeffK88 wrote: »

Has anybody any clue if this company exists anymore or has any intention of restarting?

I've seen on another thread that they have put out ads on indeed for bus drivers

devnull · 02-09-2020 3:20pm

JeffK88 wrote: »

Has anybody any clue if this company exists anymore or has any intention of restarting?

There's been nothing to suggest that they won't, apart from people creating speculation based on the fact they are not operating and not a thing more.

ExoPolitic · 02-09-2020 4:45pm

devnull wrote: »

There's been nothing to suggest that they won't, apart from people creating speculation based on the fact they are not operating and not a thing more.

They have not brought out the coaches to any of the outstations yet, but JJ Kavanagh have resumed services in their entirety. Does make you wonder.

road_high · 02-09-2020 5:16pm

devnull wrote: »

There's been nothing to suggest that they won't, apart from people creating speculation based on the fact they are not operating and not a thing more.

I’ve seen they’re looking for drivers so they are coming back. Being so crap to work for probably has been very hard for them to retain staff through the lockdown

devnull · 02-09-2020 5:48pm

ExoPolitic wrote: »

They have not brought out the coaches to any of the outstations yet, but JJ Kavanagh have resumed services in their entirety. Does make you wonder.

There's far more companies than Dublin Coach who operate similar kind of services to Dublin Coach who are also not operating, I see no speculation about them and unlike Dublin Coach, those companies are not recruiting.

Odyssey 2005 · 02-09-2020 5:56pm

devnull wrote: »

There's far more companies than Dublin Coach who operate similar kind of services to Dublin Coach who are also not operating, I see no speculation about them and unlike Dublin Coach, those companies are not recruiting.

I'm afraid that nobody operates the kind of service that DC operates.

JeffK88 · 02-09-2020 5:57pm

Unfortunately when no news comes out all sorts of rumours float about. The mere fact they are hiring staff shows there is some movement behind the scenes. I've heard from drivers in the pre-covid that the company was for sale. But this is all speculation of course

punisher5112 · 02-09-2020 6:07pm

Wonder will the setras make a return?

Absolutely disgraceful they're still in the road if they do.

road_high · 02-09-2020 6:09pm

DC creates this kind of situations by not communicating. In the public domain and providing a public service that people do depend on is good manners. Even if it’s not good news or a major delay.
I frequently use the M9 service as it’s very quick and cheap, frequent but wouldn’t be under any illusions about the company itself. It is what it is and definitely a step down from competition

road_high · 02-09-2020 6:10pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

Wonder will the setras make a return?

Absolutely disgraceful they're still in the road if they do.

Sure what else will they do? If anything with the social distancing you’d imagine they’d need more buses not less

punisher5112 · 02-09-2020 6:14pm

road_high wrote: »

Sure what else will they do? If anything with the social distancing you’d imagine they’d need more buses not less

Did you see them?

Duct tape, plastic bags or straps holding panels together and smoke etc, interior in shambles.

JeffK88 · 02-09-2020 6:24pm

Didn't they have lots of buses on order just before the suspension of services?

road_high · 02-09-2020 6:25pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

Did you see them?

Duct tape, plastic bags or straps holding panels together and smoke etc, interior in shambles.

Yea often on them as they’re used mainly in the M9 service. They’re rough alright but only coming from Kilkenny to Dublin so not too bad, if from Redcow luas it’s just over an hour. Wouldn’t fancy doing the haul up from cork or Kerry on one though!

devnull · 02-09-2020 7:00pm

road_high wrote: »

DC creates this kind of situations by not communicating. In the public domain and providing a public service that people do depend on is good manners. Even if it’s not good news or a major delay.
I frequently use the M9 service as it’s very quick and cheap, frequent but wouldn’t be under any illusions about the company itself. It is what it is and definitely a step down from competition

So you're complaining a company is not constantly issuing updates saying there is no update? Patience is needed. when there is news they will surely tell you.

GoBus haven't said a word for an even longer time than Dublin Coach on Facebook, but I don't see people saying they've collapsed. They too, do not see the value in saying there is no update every day.

road_high · 02-09-2020 7:03pm

devnull wrote: »

So you're complaining a company is not constantly issuing updates saying there is no update? Patience is needed. when there is news they will surely tell you.

GoBus haven't said a word for an even longer time than Dublin Coach on Facebook, but I don't see people saying they've collapsed. They too, do not see the value in saying there is no update every day.

Not at all. Think they could have said something since March- nothing on their media whatsoever. Don’t think it’s too much to ask really, even if it’s just to say we are still here

belfast stephen · 02-09-2020 9:00pm

JeffK88 wrote: »

Didn't they have lots of buses on order just before the suspension of services?

yes they had had new double deckers coaches the first 1 was due in to Ireland just before lockdown but D.C. did not take delivery of any of them

road_high · 02-09-2020 9:06pm

belfast stephen wrote: »

yes they had had new double deckers coaches the first 1 was due in to Ireland just before lockdown but D.C. did not take delivery of any of them

Did they cancel them?

belfast stephen · 02-09-2020 9:13pm

road_high wrote: »

Did they cancel them?

Not sure heard they were still parked in the factory in spain

ExoPolitic · 02-09-2020 9:14pm

belfast stephen wrote: »

Not sure heard they were still parked in the factory in spain

Shame, they did need them before the events of this year, the belfast services were leaving people behind very regularly.

Not sure now though!

soundman45 · 03-09-2020 7:03pm

They are recruiting cleaners for both Dublin and Ennis. I presume they have enough drivers on their books as at the moment there is no other work for drivers out there, but it looks like they are gearing up for a resumption of some services.

Gael23 · 03-09-2020 11:08pm

Their vehicles are up to 16 years old which really should not be allowed

Not a service I ever rely on

Vic_08 · 03-09-2020 11:31pm

Gael23 wrote: »

Their vehicles are up to 16 years old which really should not be allowed

Not a service I ever rely on

The age of the fleet is immaterial, the poor maintenance is their issue, plenty of reports on this thread of their newer vehicles sat on the roadside as well as the older ones.

It is perfectly possible to keep older vehicles in presentable condition and run a reliable service with them, just not the way DC carry on.

soundman45 · 04-09-2020 3:01am

Gael23 wrote: »

Their vehicles are up to 16 years old which really should not be allowed

Not a service I ever rely on

They and any other operators are allowed run buses up until 20yrs old, Bus Eireann for example still use some 05 reg coaches.

ExoPolitic · 04-09-2020 7:15am

soundman45 wrote: »

They and any other operators are allowed run buses up until 20yrs old, Bus Eireann for example still use some 05 reg coaches.

I've seen their school services using 00 reg as well, could be an easement in place for school services?

JeffK88 · 04-09-2020 10:39am

Got a response from Dublin Coach stating an update on the resumption of services is coming in the next few days.

Vic_08 · 04-09-2020 11:13am

soundman45 wrote: »

They and any other operators are allowed run buses up until 20yrs old, Bus Eireann for example still use some 05 reg coaches.

The (stupid) 20 year rule only applies to DOE school buses, there is no limit on private hire or service vehicles.

belfast stephen · 04-09-2020 4:20pm

taken from Dublin coach Twitter page

Dear Customers,

We hope you and your families are keeping safe as we all get familiar with living during these difficult times. We are delighted to be able to share the news with you that we are ready to welcome you back on board from Tuesday September 8th.

More than ever, the health and safety of our customers and staff is our number one priority. Below are the new measures we are introducing for your safety:

✓ Online booking is highly recommended
✓ Onboard card payment and contactless facilities are now in place. We will no longer be accepting any cash payments on board
✓ Leap card payments continue to be accepted
✓ Reduced passenger capacity across our services to allow for social distancing
✓ Upgraded intense cleaning regime in place
✓ Controlled seating arrangements for passenger comfort and safety
✓ Face coverings are now mandatory across our services

We will recommence the below services on Tuesday September 8th 2020:
➞ Route 726: N7 Service serving Portlaoise, Monasterevin, Kildare, Newbridge, Naas and Red Cow Luas:
The first service leaving Dublin Airport will depart at 01:30 on Tuesday September 8th
The first service leaving Portlaoise will depart at 04:30 on Tuesday September 8th

➞ Route 726K: N7 Supplementary Service serving Kildare, Newbridge and Naas:
The first service leaving Kildare will depart at 07:30 on Tuesday September 8th
The first service leaving Naas will depart at 08:40 on Tuesday September 8th
Route 300: M7 Express Service serving Ennis/Killarney/Tralee, Limerick, Kildare Village, Red Cow Luas and Dublin City Centre:
The first service leaving Ennis will depart at 01:00 on Tuesday September 8th
The first service leaving Tralee will depart at 01:00 on Tuesday September 8th
The first service leaving Killarney will depart at 04:30 on Tuesday September 8th
The first service leaving Dublin City will depart at 06:15 on Tuesday September 8th

➞ Route 600: M9 Express Service serving Cork, Dungarvan, Waterford, Kilkenny, Red Cow Luas and Dublin City Centre:
The first service leaving Cork will depart at 05:05 on Tuesday September 8th
The first service leaving Dublin will depart at 06:00 on Tuesday September 8th
The first service leaving Waterford going to Cork will depart at 06:25 on Tuesday September 8th
The 03:45 service leaving WIT going to Dublin will not run on Tuesday September 8th

➞ Route 816: Portarlington Connector serving Portarlington, Monasterevin and Kildare Village:
The first service leaving Portarlington will depart at 06:35 on Tuesday September 8th
The first service leaving Kildare Village will depart at 07:40 on Tuesday September 8th

➞ Route 307 and Route 308: Limerick City servicing Limerick City Centre, University of Limerick and Castletroy:
The first service leaving outside Superdrug on William Street will depart at 06:45 on Tuesday September 8th

➞ Our Route 400: M1 Express Service servicing Dublin and Belfast and our Route 750: Dundrum to Dublin Airports routes will recommence at a later date.

We look forward to welcoming you back on board and thank you for your continued custom and support.

road_high · 04-09-2020 6:13pm

That is brilliant news. So many people genuinely rely on these private coach operators, it’s shameful the government did so little to support these services to keep them going even on a reduced basis. Complete abandonment of governance dressed up as health concerns and hiding behind a virus.

road_high · 04-09-2020 6:14pm

I can’t see this in their twitter though? Just checked it

belfast stephen · 04-09-2020 6:20pm

https://www.dublincoach.ie/covid-services.php

road_high · 04-09-2020 6:20pm

Kind of glad they’re taking cards. Used to annoy me always having to have cash on me to travel

Dublin Coach Experience Discussion Thread

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