New Bus Éireann double-deck coaches in Ashbourne - where are their priorities??

Took my first trip on one of Bus Éireann's new VDL Berkhof Axial double-deck coaches this morning as it was operating the 103 route from Ashbourne to UCD. Once you get sitting down, it's very comfortable and much quieter than a double-decker bus but there's a number of compromises compared to their standard double-decker.

Number one is capacity. On a route that's often just 45 minutes long, we can stand for the journey. This new coach doesn't seem to offer that option - I could be wrong but I don't think you can stand. So that leaves seating only; and with only two-thirds of the lower level available for seating, there seems to be less seats compared to a standard double-decker. So, amazingly, Bus Éireann have managed to reduce capacity with their new toy (I should add that the bus I was on, however, was half-empty).

Number two is headroom. I'm not a tall guy, absolute average height in fact, and I had to bow slightly when walking upstairs. And going down the front stairs (there's rear ones too), you have to watch out for a panel over the stairs that's almost in your eyeline (I'd say a few people have already smacked it). Downstairs looks downright claustrophobic and dark.

Number three is cost. With a much higher specification in terms of seating (full coach seats with recline and armrests), individual vents and lighting, extra soundproofing - all of this must cost extra than a standard double-decker.

This type of vehicle may be necessary on high-volume Expressway routes but on a service like Ashbourne to Dublin - which, it goes without saying, is already eye-wateringly expensive (€31.50 for 5 return trips on one bus) - it's simply not necessary. Nor is their investment in GPS technology (which only seems to be a way of announcing what stop we've just passed), nor is their investment in new bus stop signage.

What is needed on a route like Ashbourne to Dublin is cheaper fares through integration with Dublin Bus fare structure, more stops in the town (still just four places to get on or off a bus in a town with close to 10K people), standard double-deckers on all peak services and a southside terminus.

What we don't need is a tourist coach like this, built for 60km+ journeys and not a quick run like Ashbourne-Dublin.