Bus Eireann driver (should he stop where I'm standing..)

BuzzFish · 03-11-2011 03:50PM

Jehuty42 wrote: »

Why does his gender matter? If you had said he was black there would be a justified locking and banning as we've seen many times before. Equality for all, please.

Jump off your ol' high horse will ya

Someone else in the thread asked if it was a lady driver as she has a reputation for being a good safe driver.

the groutch · 03-11-2011 11:50PM

BuzzFish wrote: »

Folks,
I just want to see consistency from BE. I'll walk to the next stop no problem, but what about the other people who use this stop regularly (my older neighbours for example) missing the bus because one driver decides to stray from the norm.

And then the guy won't even finish his route. I know that the drivers on the 6:30am route from Newbridge get a break once they finish in Dublin before they do the 9am run to Belfast so this guy is just trying to sneak an extra 10 mins by screwing me over.

I have logged a complaint with BE.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rossjmccarthy/6308451217/

the guy is not "screwing you over".
he is doing his job correctly by stopping where there is a stop on the side of the road he is driving.

lucernarian · 04-11-2011 01:07AM

This discussion is pointless until the local Bus Eireann depot confirms whether there is a valid stop at the point in question.

AlekSmart · 04-11-2011 01:31AM

To_be_confirmed wrote: »

This discussion is pointless until the local Bus Eireann depot confirms whether there is a valid stop at the point in question.

I'm kinda gettin a vibe here that tells me there may be a bit of...erm...."history" between the OP and this dutiful Busdriver...?

The terminology is interesting as is the certainty of what duties the Drivers board carries with it ?

It now appears to be an issue of convienience rather than any real concern for the principle of Bus Stops per se..?

The Bus Eireann website is,perhaps unsurprisingly,vague on the whole issue...however the State has ways and means of making us understand such things.....

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1961/en/act/pub/0024/sec0085.html#sec85

4) The Commissioner, when directing under this section that any particular point shall be a stopping place, may further direct that the point shall be a designated stopping place for omnibuses bearing a special notice indicating that they will stop only at designated stopping places.

(5) The following provisions shall have effect in relation to a notice under this section:

(a) the notice shall be signed by the Commissioner or by an officer of the Garda Síochána authorised in that behalf by the Commissioner;

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1961/en/act/pub/0024/sec0086.html#zza24y1961s86

Once again...it's time to seek out the organ-grinder rather than endlessly beating the monkey around the head...;)

foggy_lad · 04-11-2011 02:29AM

AlekSmart wrote: »

I'm kinda gettin a vibe here that tells me there may be a bit of...erm...."history" between the OP and this dutiful Busdriver...?

It could also be that the driver is just not a morning person or is like that with everyone? Many people have come across people in all kinds of jobs who have been as "confrontational" as this driver, I would even say he is mild compared to what many people experience but there is still no excuse for it.

It is not always the op or the complainant who has the "history" as you put it but often more about bad mannered, lazy, short tempered or misinformed staff who may have more than one large chip on their shoulder who because they feel their job gives them a certain air of authority think they can lay down the law.

If this driver does not complete the journey it is reason enough for a complaint regardless of the bus stop issue.

BuzzFish · 04-11-2011 09:10AM

Thanks Foggy,

I have no previous relationship with the driver. I am nothing other than polite with him and all the drivers.

My issue is that this one guy strays from the norm for no other reason than to be awkward.

As I have stated previously, I don't mind that I have to walk to the next stop to get the bus. I am fit and able and it adds to my exercise every day

I just want a bit of consistency, I want to feel like I get the service that I pay month on month for.... and I want the bus to complete its route.

I am just frustrated that mixed into the 10-12 excellent, professional and polite drivers that I see on this route, this one guy greets me with a bad attitude, won't deliver me to the stop at the end of the route, and shows absolutely no customer service skills in dealing with the issue surrounding the stop in Naas.

Anyway, the thread was originally started to try to find out if anyone else had a similar experience on this route... it somehow dragged in all sorts such as racism so it's probably time to close it.

lucernarian · 04-11-2011 03:23PM

AlekSmart wrote: »

I'm kinda gettin a vibe here that tells me there may be a bit of...erm...."history" between the OP and this dutiful Busdriver...?

The terminology is interesting as is the certainty of what duties the Drivers board carries with it ?

It now appears to be an issue of convienience rather than any real concern for the principle of Bus Stops per se..?

The Bus Eireann website is,perhaps unsurprisingly,vague on the whole issue...however the State has ways and means of making us understand such things.....

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1961/en/act/pub/0024/sec0085.html#sec85

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/1961/en/act/pub/0024/sec0086.html#zza24y1961s86

Once again...it's time to seek out the organ-grinder rather than endlessly beating the monkey around the head...;)

I'm sorry about this but I don't see what point you're trying to make. Organ grinders and monkies? I don't see any issue that needs to be discussed here beyond whether the bus driver is obliged to stop at this particular location upon customer request. The attitude of the bus driver is secondary to the principles within Bus Eireann's bye-laws. And in my experience, it's the local depot/garage who would be best placed to advise on stops on a particular road.

BuzzFish wrote:

As I have stated previously, I don't mind that I have to walk to the next stop to get the bus. I am fit and able and it adds to my exercise every day I just want a bit of consistency, I want to feel like I get the service that I pay month on month for.... and I want the bus to complete its route

Have you made any representations yet to the local Bus Eireann management or inspector? As opposed to Bus Eireann customer services in Busaras. The quickest and most pertinent answer will come from the depot or garage who's responsible for that route.

nlgbbbblth · 04-11-2011 10:07PM

The female driver on the 126 is excellent.

The strictest male driver on the 126 is a decent bloke. He won't let people on at lights / non-stops and will not pick up if the bus is full. Some drivers permit people to stand.

I lost my car and house keys one evening. I hoped I had left them on the bus. The following day I asked the strict male driver how I would go about checking with the lost property section etc. He took my mobile number and rang me later on to say that they had been handed in the depot at Toughers. He brought them with him on the bus the following day and I was able to get them back from him. Saved me a lot of hassle.

Not sure if it's the same driver the OP is describing but if so he's pretty conscientious and helpful.

AlekSmart · 05-11-2011 12:31AM

To_be_confirmed wrote: »

I'm sorry about this but I don't see what point you're trying to make. Organ grinders and monkies? I don't see any issue that needs to be discussed here beyond whether the bus driver is obliged to stop at this particular location upon customer request. The attitude of the bus driver is secondary to the principles within Bus Eireann's bye-laws. And in my experience, it's the local depot/garage who would be best placed to advise on stops on a particular road.

All Bus Stops (Stopping Places) are now allocated only by The Garda Commissioner,or operationally,his/her designated officer,usually the local Traffic Corps Sergeant.

The "Local" Bus Eireann garage will not have much,if any,say about the issue save for a bit of opinion from whomever you manage to get on the phone.

The location depicted by the OP is to me,as a busdriver,a far from suitable one to be doing business at,particularly when there are legitimate and official Bus Stops adjacent to it.

I suspect the company line will be based upon the Safety First principle,and will relate to the Driver being the arbiter of what is safe or not in relation to any individual stop.

Might not be what ye want to hear but,hey,life's like that at times ?

Weylin · 05-11-2011 12:44AM

ring the bus station where the bus starts from.ask to speak to the INSPECTOR tell him your problem. he will tell you if the bus can stop or not. the driver has to do what inspector says, if he values his job.......

lucernarian · 05-11-2011 12:45AM

AlekSmart wrote: »

All Bus Stops (Stopping Places) are now allocated only by The Garda Commissioner,or operationally,his/her designated officer,usually the local Traffic Corps Sergeant.

The "Local" Bus Eireann garage will not have much,if any,say about the issue save for a bit of opinion from whomever you manage to get on the phone.

The location depicted by the OP is to me,as a busdriver,a far from suitable one to be doing business at,particularly when there are legitimate and official Bus Stops adjacent to it.

I suspect the company line will be based upon the Safety First principle,and will relate to the Driver being the arbiter of what is safe or not in relation to any individual stop.

Might not be what ye want to hear but,hey,life's like that at times ?

And what's that got to do with the price of barley? Your opinion as a bus driver doesn't matter in this instance (no offence meant). No one here even knows if this place is recognised/allocated as a bus stop by Bus Éireann management or An Garda Síochána for that matter. It's not a matter of local garage say or opinion, I'm merely saying that the local depot should know if it's been officially approved as a bus stop. If it does turn out to be unsafe in the opinion of a driver, then Bus Eireann management need to ascertain the facts of the situation and either remove the stop with the local gardai or else tell the driver to cop on. The contradictory behaviour of the various drivers on the route is not right on customers either way.

I repeat yet again that there's nothing yet to say that this is definitely not a bus stop, no matter how likely that is that case. The earlier castigations of the position of the OP don't seem justified by proof just yet. I don't know how Dublin Bus deal with this but I do know that there are stops in the Bus Eireann system that have always served as official stops despite not having a stop sign to mark them.

Yahew · 05-11-2011 12:52AM

To_be_confirmed wrote: »

And what's that got to do with the price of barley? Your opinion as a bus driver doesn't matter in this instance (no offence meant). No one here even knows if this place is recognised/allocated as a bus stop by Bus Éireann management or An Garda Síochána for that matter. It's not a matter of local garage say or opinion, I'm merely saying that the local depot should know if it's been officially approved as a bus stop. If it does turn out to be unsafe in the opinion of a driver, then Bus Eireann management need to ascertain the facts of the situation and either remove the stop with the local gardai or else tell the driver to cop on. The contradictory behaviour of the various drivers on the route is not right on customers either way.

I repeat yet again that there's nothing yet to say that this is definitely not a bus stop, no matter how likely that is that case. The earlier castigations of the position of the OP don't seem justified by proof just yet. I don't know how Dublin Bus deal with this but I do know that there are stops in the Bus Eireann system that have always served as official stops despite not having a stop sign to mark them.

This is honestly getting daily remedial. Really.

1) There is no bus stop sign.
2) It isn't a bus stop.

Where did people ever get the idea that a sign across the road signals a bus stop on the opposite side? It doesn't. It never did. It never will. Bus drivers may stop for an outstretched hand, but that is at their discretion, and subject to safety rules.

mlumley · 05-11-2011 12:54AM

If you had an accident getting on or off the bus where there is no stop, driver looses job, he should only stop where there is a stop. If he caused an accident he is automaticaly to blame for stopping at an un-autherised stop. I used to drive buses in UK, I wouldnt stop at un-autherised stops for fear of my job. Hope that helps.

lucernarian · 05-11-2011 12:57AM

Yahew wrote: »

This is honestly getting daily remedial. Really.

1) There is no bus stop sign.
2) It isn't a bus stop.

That is simply untrue. I've already pointed out one case near where I lived where there is an official stop despite there being no sign. I can post photographic evidence of a ticket to the stop in question (along with streetview/current photos of the place with no bus eireann sign in sight) over the next few days if you still don't believe me:rolleyes:

I'm fine with the rest of your post, a stop on one side of the road doesn't mean there's stop on the other side. But your "remedial" point above is wrong.

Yahew · 05-11-2011 01:12AM

ok, well never heard of such a thing.

AlekSmart · 05-11-2011 01:23AM

To_be_confirmed wrote: »

And what's that got to do with the price of barley? Your opinion as a bus driver doesn't matter in this instance (no offence meant). No one here even knows if this place is recognised/allocated as a bus stop by Bus Éireann management or An Garda Síochána for that matter. It's not a matter of local garage say or opinion, I'm merely saying that the local depot should know if it's been officially approved as a bus stop. If it does turn out to be unsafe in the opinion of a driver, then Bus Eireann management need to ascertain the facts of the situation and either remove the stop with the local gardai or else tell the driver to cop on. The contradictory behaviour of the various drivers on the route is not right on customers either way.

I repeat yet again that there's nothing yet to say that this is definitely not a bus stop, no matter how likely that is that case. The earlier castigations of the position of the OP don't seem justified by proof just yet. I don't know how Dublin Bus deal with this but I do know that there are stops in the Bus Eireann system that have always served as official stops despite not having a stop sign to mark them.

Phew...talk about heated debate...:)

I think at this point it may be of some value to reiterate the OP's observations....

I'm getting a lot of grief from one particular Bus Eireann driver on route 126 over a stop I use in Naas to get the bus to town every morning. Basically he says the point on the road is not a stop. 1km up and 1km back the road there is a stop pole on each side of the road but at this place where I stand, there is only a pole on the opposite side.

I have always believed that in places like this you could take it that the bus would still stop. Not one of the other drivers have ever mentioned any problem to me, but this guy (on Tuesday morning) told me that we will drive past me in future.

So what are your thoughts? Am I right to take this on or am I wasting my time. I have already called Busaras 3 times and although promised, I have not had one callback. The fact that different drivers on the same route work to different rules is frustrating. I just want to get to work and considering I pay €153 to Bus Eireann a month I don't thing I should have to worry whether the bus is going to pass me at 6:25am in the morning.

Also, has anyone else use this stop and had an issue?

Also of some relevance is the Google StreetView posted by BuzzFish to depict the location.

http://maps.google.ie/maps?q=naas&hl=en&ll=53.214109,-6.682348&spn=0.005712,0.016512&sll=53.401034,-8.307638&sspn=11.661712,33.815918&vpsrc=6&hnear=Naas,+County+Kildare&t=h&z=17&layer=c&cbll=53.21411,-6.682232&panoid=pEDfpLX_TmkJ1xXZOVGdMQ&cbp=12,80.61,,0,7.78

If one pans around the StreetView image then a somewhat different scenario emerges,one where there is a lot of potential conflict with Traffic Flows diverging on the approach to the Ring Road and it's major junction.

In addition there is a solid bordered reservation adjacent to the OP's preferred spot,the presence of which would, I suggest,greatly influence any Garda decision to sanction a Stopping Place here.

What I would see as the most likely outcome of this thread is a swift on-site inspection and the appearance of a Memo in Broadstone instructing Drivers on Route 126 to desist from stopping at non-approved stopping points at this location.

Again I hafta say,the location sure looks iffy to me,but then again I'm not in charge

AlekSmart · 05-11-2011 01:29AM

To_be_confirmed wrote: »

That is simply untrue. I've already pointed out one case near where I lived where there is an official stop despite there being no sign. I can post photographic evidence of a ticket to the stop in question (along with streetview/current photos of the place with no bus eireann sign in sight) over the next few days if you still don't believe me:rolleyes:

I'm fine with the rest of your post, a stop on one side of the road doesn't mean there's stop on the other side. But your "remedial" point above is wrong.

No need for the snaps tbc....the presence of a Pole is purely a faciilitation on the part of an operator to advertise its services and act as a marker.

There is no requirement for a pole at all,what constitutes the legality is that the location be approved by an Garda Siochana and that this approval have been notified to the relevant operator/s together with any restrictions on its use.

In the case of the OP's Newbridge Road (Inbound) location I would suggest the location has not been approved as a Stopping Place as it has an increased risk level due to the pattern of vehicle movements,the junction proximity and the road markings in the vicinity.....

rainbowtrout · 05-11-2011 01:30AM

BuzzFish wrote: »

My issue is that this one guy strays from the norm for no other reason than to be awkward.

No, your issue is that one guy is following correct procedure by not stopping at a place where there is no bus stop and all of the other drivers do, which happens to be at your convenience, but because one guy is doing his job properly you have a problem with it.

foggy_lad · 05-11-2011 01:37AM

rainbowtrout wrote: »

No, your issue is that one guy is following correct procedure by not stopping at a place where there is no bus stop and all of the other drivers do, which happens to be at your convenience, but because one guy is doing his job properly you have a problem with it.

Or is it that this guy has decided for himself that because this stop is missing it's sign he is not going to stop there even though all the other drivers on the route seem to have no problem stopping there?

AlekSmart · 05-11-2011 01:58AM

foggy_lad wrote: »

Or is it that this guy has decided for himself that because this stop is missing it's sign he is not going to stop there even though all the other drivers on the route seem to have no problem stopping there?

And how exactly,in the absence of any evidence to the contrary,does my Foggy_laddish friend deduce this ?

OR..heaven forbid ...is this particular driver,known also to Foggy,from another life or route also...?

The plot thickens..or at least becomes a wee bit misty....

Victor · 05-11-2011 02:06AM

AlekSmart wrote: »

There is no requirement for a pole at all,what constitutes the legality is that the location be approved by an Garda Siochana and that this approval have been notified to the relevant operator/s together with any restrictions on its use.

I'm not so sure. As I understand it, bus stops must be marked with a circular sign with the word "bus".

foggy_lad · 05-11-2011 02:15AM

rainbowtrout wrote: »

No, your issue is that one guy is following correct procedure by not stopping at a place where there is no bus stop and all of the other drivers do, which happens to be at your convenience, but because one guy is doing his job properly you have a problem with it.

AlekSmart wrote: »

And how exactly,in the absence of any evidence to the contrary,does my Foggy_laddish friend deduce this ?

OR..heaven forbid ...is this particular driver,known also to Foggy,from another life or route also...?

The plot thickens..or at least becomes a wee bit misty....

How does rainbowtrout deduce that this driver is following correct procedure and that all his fellow drivers are Wrong?

There is little evidence either way so how do you find fault with my summation but don't find any fault with the only driver on the 126 route who only does part of his job correctly? because don't forget this great driver tends to get lazy when he hits Dublin and refuses to drive to the Docklands which is where his journey should end. should the NTA not now become involved as well as the Gardai?

In the case of the Bus the op gets the driver should be going directly to Docklands after leaving Naas as there are no stops listed for Kill Johnstown or O’Connell Bridge.

http://www.buseireann.ie/pdf/1274694471-126.pdf

AlekSmart · 05-11-2011 02:28AM

foggy_lad wrote: »

How does rainbowtrout deduce that this driver is following correct procedure and that all his fellow drivers are Wrong?

There is little evidence either way so how do you find fault with my summation but don't find any fault with the only driver on the 126 route who only does part of his job correctly? because don't forget this great driver ALLEDGEDLY tends to get lazy when he hits Dublin and refuses to drive to the Docklands which is where his journey should end. should the NTA not now become involved as well as the Gardai?

In the case of the Bus the op gets the driver should be going directly to Docklands after leaving Naas as there are no stops listed for Kill Johnstown or O’Connell Bridge.

http://www.buseireann.ie/pdf/1274694471-126.pdf

Indeed O Foggy one,I absolutely concur...some of the most vitriolic abuse I ever had to take was from folks wanting to be dropped off at various points along the North Quays on the 126.....and don't even think of what happens when the goddam driver won't stop at/on O Connell Bridge......:eek: :eek: :eek:

AlekSmart · 05-11-2011 02:33AM

Victor wrote: »

I'm not so sure. As I understand it, bus stops must be marked with a circular sign with the word "bus".

True Victor,but only where such stops are marked by a physical stop,ie: a pole.

The actual legal stop is a defined space on the roadway..sometimes only to be found on a folio map buried deep within a cobwebbed office in the basement of the Custom House......:cool:

foggy_lad · 05-11-2011 12:10PM

AlekSmart wrote: »

Indeed O Foggy one,I absolutely concur...some of the most vitriolic abuse I ever had to take was from folks wanting to be dropped off at various points along the North Quays on the 126.....and don't even think of what happens when the goddam driver won't stop at/on O Connell Bridge......:eek: :eek: :eek:

Like with many things including the proper checking of free travel passes if drivers want to do the job they are paid for they should do it and not do little favours for some passengers which might inconvenience others like stopping in the city centre when your only stop should be docklands station. Also they should not be cutting their route short to suit themselves or anyone else.

I would suggest the abuse you continually mention is part of the job and drivers are well aware of it when they take up employment, if they don't like it there are other professions they can take up where they are better protected from the public. On the point of dropping people off, simply asking their destination when they board the bus and correcting them if they say city centre by telling them you go direct to Docklands station would help as well as ALL drivers being consistent and sticking to the route, but there's always one.....!

AlekSmart · 05-11-2011 12:29PM

foggy_lad wrote: »

I would suggest that the abuse you continually mention(?)is part of the job,and drivers are well aware of it when they take up employment, if they don't like it there are other professions they can take up where they are better protected from the public. On the point of dropping people off, simply asking their destination when they board the bus and correcting them if they say city centre by telling them you go direct to Docklands station would help as well as ALL drivers being consistent and sticking to the route, but there's always one.....!

At last,somebody prepared to state the obvious....I sincerely hope Foggy_Lad that you advise my own employer and the assorted other Operators who'se services you so regularly utilize and have "issues" with.

This admission from a "Customer" needs to be stapled to the forehead of every Middle and Senior Manager as well as the Proprietors of Public Transport Companies....Well Said That Man !!

On the second point of "asking" people their destination as they board,a Busdriver should have no call to ask anything as it's the Passengers responsibility to "State Their Destination to the Driver and tender the appropriate fare for their journey".

However it has been my experience that people lie....or perhaps be somewhat economical with the truth...."Only down the road" or "Just two or three Stops" are regular destinations given to myself...a situation usually rapidly remedied when I seek a full €2.30 Fare !!!!!.....:D

I'm with Foggy_Lad on Consistency...amongst both Drivers and Passengers...Together Foggy,we'll change this world of ours !!

foggy_lad · 05-11-2011 12:50PM

AlekSmart wrote: »

At last,somebody prepared to state the obvious....I sincerely hope Foggy_Lad that you advise my own employer and the assorted other Operators who'se services you so regularly utilize and have "issues" with.

This admission from a "Customer" needs to be stapled to the forehead of every Middle and Senior Manager as well as the Proprietors of Public Transport Companies....Well Said That Man !!

On the second point of "asking" people their destination as they board,a Busdriver should have no call to ask anything as it's the Passengers responsibility to "State Their Destination to the Driver and tender the appropriate fare for their journey".

However it has been my experience that people lie....or perhaps be somewhat economical with the truth...."Only down the road" or "Just two or three Stops" are regular destinations given to myself...a situation usually rapidly remedied when I seek a full €2.30 Fare !!!!!.....:D

I'm with Foggy_Lad on Consistency...amongst both Drivers and Passengers...Together Foggy,we'll change this world of ours !!

Well not to labour the point but on asking the passenger their destination, I am aware it is up to the passenger to clearly state their destination and tender the fare in this case it would not have to be exact as bus Eireann still give change on busses where available. But say the passenger does not give a clear indication or utterance of their destination? Is it not up to the driver then to ask them where they are going and if they say city or o'connell bridge does the driver not have a duty to tell them the bus only stops at docklands as it goes directly there? Much like if I got on the new improved Carlow to Dublin bus and stated my destination as Naas the driver knowing he does not stop in Naas should surely have a duty to inform me of this?

AlekSmart · 05-11-2011 01:22PM

foggy_lad wrote: »

Well not to labour the point but on asking the passenger their destination, I am aware it is up to the passenger to clearly state their destination and tender the fare in this case it would not have to be exact as bus Eireann still give change on busses where available. But say the passenger does not give a clear indication or utterance of their destination? Is it not up to the driver then to ask them where they are going and if they say city or o'connell bridge does the driver not have a duty to tell them the bus only stops at docklands as it goes directly there? Much like if I got on the new improved Carlow to Dublin bus and stated my destination as Naas the driver knowing he does not stop in Naas should surely have a duty to inform me of this?

I think certain of the Rathangan services have such "Difficulties" you speak of Foggy...;)

Generally speaking the effective provision of a Public transport service relies as much on the level of compos-mentis displayed by the customer as much as the ever dreadful Driver's attituide.

Maybe I'm missing the point here,but from your posts it appears that the level of service you desire,almost that of a "Chauffeur",is simply unattainable on mainstream Public Transport of any mode.

For sure I could operate as you suggest,bidding my pasengers a cheery haloo and enquiring as to their state of mind and health,then forensically questioning them as to their actual destination before assessing whether or not they are being truthful....

Yes,I could do all of this,and truthfully I have adopted this strategy by times,but it seriously discommodes the MAJORITY of my regular daily passengers,with whom I have NEVER recourse to questioning or communing with and whose daily patronage keeps me in a job.

As a Busdriver I have many duties,all of which I attempt to perform with diligence and professionalism,however,one of those duties is to recognise the contributions made by the vast majority of my daily passengers and to ensure that those co-operative,efficient minded and socially aware individuals are not put at a disadvantage by persons who'se needs really require a Private Hire vehicle and dedicated driver

There is Foggy,of course,an alternative...employ another staff member to deal with all of this on-board interaction you so elequently describe,thus freeeing up the Driver to ...well...Drive....we could call the second Staff member a ...lets see now...I Know...A Conductor !!!!....There I knew it...Problem Solved ???

foggy_lad · 05-11-2011 07:52PM

AlekSmart wrote: »

I think certain of the Rathangan services have such "Difficulties" you speak of Foggy...;)

Generally speaking the effective provision of a Public transport service relies as much on the level of compos-mentis displayed by the customer as much as the ever dreadful Driver's attituide.

Maybe I'm missing the point here,but from your posts it appears that the level of service you desire,almost that of a "Chauffeur",is simply unattainable on mainstream Public Transport of any mode.

For sure I could operate as you suggest,bidding my pasengers a cheery haloo and enquiring as to their state of mind and health,then forensically questioning them as to their actual destination before assessing whether or not they are being truthful....

Yes,I could do all of this,and truthfully I have adopted this strategy by times,but it seriously discommodes the MAJORITY of my regular daily passengers,with whom I have NEVER recourse to questioning or communing with and whose daily patronage keeps me in a job.

As a Busdriver I have many duties,all of which I attempt to perform with diligence and professionalism,however,one of those duties is to recognise the contributions made by the vast majority of my daily passengers and to ensure that those co-operative,efficient minded and socially aware individuals are not put at a disadvantage by persons who'se needs really require a Private Hire vehicle and dedicated driver

There is Foggy,of course,an alternative...employ another staff member to deal with all of this on-board interaction you so elequently describe,thus freeeing up the Driver to ...well...Drive....we could call the second Staff member a ...lets see now...I Know...A Conductor !!!!....There I knew it...Problem Solved ???

Lol, I really had to laugh at that post Alex, I wouldnt mind a chauffeur at all but having a bus that stops at a stop it usually stops at would be a start to providing the service I hope for. Next would be a driver who pays attention to the road and his job instead of the mobile phone or evening herald sitting in front of or beside him, Drivers should not be using their mobiles while driving! Next would be me the passenger telling the driver where I want to go and driver may reply "sorry this bus goes direct to Docklands Station with no stops at O'Connell Bridge or Busáras",(this should be said loud enough that most waiting can hear it) money or return ticket then changes hands and off I go on my way.

You seem to think this normal interaction takes a few minutes per passenger but you fail to accept that most passengers are happily paying their correct fare and many even have the exact or close to exact fare. this is only an issue where a driver fails to have enough change for his journey.

Most people are too busy to be bothered holding up their bus to work and it is usually those who are not prepared who hold things up for everyone but as I have said before the driver can put them to the end of the que giving them more time to get their sh1t together or just refuse to take them and eject them from the bus as they cant produce a ticket or the correct fare when requested! searching through pockets or handbags should be done on the footpath while the same people are talking on theoir phones etc and not at the door of the bus while the driver and everyone else waits on them.

Generally speaking the effective provision of a Public transport service relies as much on the level of compos-mentis displayed by the customer as much as the ever dreadful Driver's attituide.

Thought this was the best part of the post, agree 120% but untill the dopes are actually put off the bus they are going to turn up every morning and hold everyone up while they try 10-20 old tickets in the machine trying to find the one they have just bought or search for that last 10cent coin in the depths of their bag or the lining of their jacket:)

LXFlyer · 05-11-2011 09:25PM

foggy_lad wrote: »

I would suggest the abuse you continually mention is part of the job and drivers are well aware of it when they take up employment, if they don't like it there are other professions they can take up where they are better protected from the public.

That frankly is disgraceful.

No one, and I mean no one, should have to accept verbal abuse from anyone be they customers or fellow staff members in the course of carrying out their jobs.

It is frankly unnacceptable and for you to be suggesting otherwise is disgraceful.

Bus Eireann driver (should he stop where I'm standing..)

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