BusConnects Dublin - Big changes to Bus Network

I just checked back on the marking-in sheets and 7 out of the 8 advertised duties on the C1/C2, and 6 out of 12 on the C3/4 are now filled. The night shifts won't suit everyone obviously and for those that go on them, they'll be stuck there for years probably.

The problem with the service is the lack of staff in general. All garages are having the same issues, but Ringsend in particular is really badly affected. They lost nearly 40 drivers to Broadstone and Summerhill who moved with the No.1 and the 15A/B. I'm not surprised at all that the C-Spine is falling apart after only 4 days. They should have seen this coming and at least postponed it until the new year.

This morning at the same time near the same stop one loading with another 30 seconds behind it and another 30 seconds in front of it. The planned for gaps aren't happening.

I know these are just teething problems, but presumably that bus sat there for 8 mins blocking the bus lane for other busses. A bit farcical, especially if it's at palmerstown as a bus passes there every two minutes anyway.

So far it seems as if the service has actually regressed since the c spine launched. (With the exception of 24hr services).

Hopefully all these issues will eventually be resolved as the general idea of bus connects is a good one. (Especially when we get the associated infrastructure, bus lanes etc. to go along with it).

Thanks for that @LXFlyer

The C3 is currently blocking Celbridge village - stuck mounted on the footpath at Castletown Gates at the turn with the Maynooth Road. Could happen anytime of course, but having had the C1 nearly topple over a few mornings now trying to navigate the ridiculous roundabout on Griffeen Road, I think the several drivers are unfamiliar with these routes and are getting caught out at some awkward obstacles.

Its the next stop I see them, 2242 but yes they are quite tight together however not as tight as they actually are! Not sure if they have specific departure times they have to wait for at either of these two stops, might explain the bunching if they do. One arrives before the other is gone due to minimal traffic at that hour. However the first morning had two C3s and a C1 nose to tail that shouldn't be possible going by that timetable. This morning I think it was a C2, C3 and a C4 running on top of each other. I'll be going by that same way tomorrow at the same time.

It's the driver's fault not keeping a timetable, assuming they can see how many minutes are given from one stop to another.

Completely agree, times need to be adjusted. But that's what to be expected. NTA started giving times for each stop just now. This is a normal practise in the mainland for over 2 decades. Ireland started this only now. It definitely will take a good while to iron this out. Nobody paid much attention on how many minutes was taking to make each stop as it didn't matter. Now, for a better customer experience to change buses, exact times for stops is vital. However, will take time to gather data and use it properly.

Ye, felt a bit sorry for the C4 driver there, that turn is tight enough for cars, it's a real pain for HGVs/buses. The only way around it for them is to go on the wrong side of the road or risk the 0.5m high curb. Very easy to get caught out in the dark if you're unfamiliar with it.

It was a new PA also, hopefully no major damage.

The best aspect of the C spine is that finally now I can get a bus to the city centre and then to the airport for the early morning flights.

I just hope what you say about falling apart doesn't mean an unreliable service where a bus doesn't turn up...

Do drivers not get route training before being assigned to a route? Are the just expected to know it / rec it in their own time?

The L51 towards Adamstown turns left at AIB and right opposite Carroll's and then straight from Dispensary Lane to Adamstown Road