Dublin Coach Experience Discussion Thread

theguzman · 13-02-2019 8:10pm

Dublin Coach customers will be able to travel using the Free Travel Scheme from the 1st of March, this advert was placed in this week's Kerryman newspaper. I don't know if this is only for Kerry routes or if it applies to other parts of the Dublin Coach network also.

embraer170 · 13-02-2019 8:37pm

Given how empty the Kerry services tend to be, I am hardly surprised. I was the only passenger past Kildare Village on a recent 9pm bus to Killarney (might have picked up another two people in Limerick for Adare/Newcastle West).

I am very thankful for the service because it's the only way I can get an evening flight into Dublin airport and still make it home, but I am keep wondering how long can it go on for.

Quackster · 13-02-2019 9:40pm

embraer170 wrote: »

Given how empty the Kerry services tend to be, I am hardly surprised. I was the only passenger past Kildare Village on a recent 9pm bus to Killarney (might have picked up another two people in Limerick for Adare/Newcastle West).

I am very thankful for the service because it's the only way I can get an evening flight into Dublin airport and still make it home, but I am keep wondering how long can it go on for.

Agreed. Given the last train to Kerry from Dublin is at 7pm, the late evening services are a godsend.

punisher5112 · 13-02-2019 10:15pm

Here a photo

Stephen15 · 13-02-2019 10:20pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

Here a photo

That's quite a considerable amount of damage that I'd say would cost quite a bit to repair. I should hope DB will be pursuing it and DC will be the ones paying for it.

punisher5112 · 13-02-2019 11:36pm

Stephen15 wrote: »

That's quite a considerable amount of damage that I'd say would cost quite a bit to repair. I should hope DB will be pursuing it and DC will be the ones paying for it.

I would think so. He drove into the side so no question of blame.

devnull · 14-02-2019 12:26am

theguzman wrote: »

Dublin Coach customers will be able to travel using the Free Travel Scheme from the 1st of March, this advert was placed in this week's Kerryman newspaper. I don't know if this is only for Kerry routes or if it applies to other parts of the Dublin Coach network also.

Ironic that a bus operator who has a reputation for being very late on their services and exceptionally poor time keeping should have a pop at another company for keeping passengers waiting.

TallGlass · 14-02-2019 2:03am

Stephen15 wrote: »

That's quite a considerable amount of damage that I'd say would cost quite a bit to repair. I should hope DB will be pursuing it and DC will be the ones paying for it.

If your one in the back decides to claim for what ever variety of reasons now available. Could shoot into the 70/100k catagory.

Gael23 · 17-02-2019 4:59pm

The fare increase on the M7 service is a bit steep. That said it is actually quite a good service, runs reasonably on time and good quality vehicles.

Truckermal · 20-02-2019 9:20pm

One broken down in lane 2 on the M7 now with no lights of any sort on! Seriously why are these fcuking cowboys still in business....

BTW huge tailbacks as a result..

devnull · 20-02-2019 9:28pm

Joegriffin2019 wrote: »

Competition from JJ Kavanagh on the way, all be it from Naas to Dublin.... hopefully this will force Dublin Coach to up their game.

devnull wrote: »

You will most likely see them throw resources at the route now, special offers and suchlike, and also newer vehicles, which they haven't done in years.

Talk now of Dublin Coach looking at new double deckers for the route according to a few whispers and what I have read on other forums - apparently they were already talking to Volvo about single deckers for a little while but very recently started talking about doubles.

Vic_08 wrote: »

123 is the number used for the relatively infrequent BE service to Newbridge via Clane, Robertstown and Kilmeague. It should not be duplicated with another route, especially not one that will have pick-up stops on the same roads.

This morning one of their vehicles was showing route 737 for this service.

Old diesel · 20-02-2019 11:09pm

devnull wrote: »

Talk now of Dublin Coach looking at new double deckers for the route according to a few whispers and what I have read on other forums - apparently they were already talking to Volvo about single deckers for a little while but very recently started talking about doubles.

This morning one of their vehicles was showing route 737 for this service.

Wonder will the double deckers be the Plaxton Panorama????? if on a Volvo

(im assuming that its double deck coaches they will seek rather then buses)

devnull · 20-02-2019 11:11pm

Old diesel wrote: »

Wonder will the double deckers be the Plaxton Panorama????? if on a Volvo.

Think they'd have to be, not sure what other double deck coaches are offered by Volvo for the UK and Ireland market, nothing springs to mind.

Stephen15 · 20-02-2019 11:13pm

Would they not just go for their usual policy of buying second hand coaches

devnull · 20-02-2019 11:16pm

Stephen15 wrote: »

Would they not just go for their usual policy of buying second hand coaches

They've got some competition on that route now, so they're likely to go new I would imagine, the Belfast route will get new coaches this year as well according to rumour, seems that as soon as coaches are 12 months old they're taken off that route.

Old diesel · 20-02-2019 11:25pm

devnull wrote: »

Think they'd have to be, not sure what other double deck coaches are offered by Volvo for the UK and Ireland market, nothing springs to mind.

Exactly - i cant think of anything other then Panoramas either.

end of the road · 20-02-2019 11:33pm

out of interest, what would be possible reasons that particular coach is the only one offered for the uk and irish market by volvo? do offerings for other markets have certain issues that would prevent them from operating here such as length and height etc?

devnull · 20-02-2019 11:43pm

end of the road wrote: »

out of interest, what would be possible reasons that particular coach is the only one offered for the uk and irish market by volvo? do offerings for other markets have certain issues that would prevent them from operating here such as length and height etc?

They've just never been really into the double deck market to be honest (although a couple of years ago launched the 9800) on the continent most of the double decker coaches are Neoplan and Vanhool with the top end being the Setra double decker coaches, which honestly are the best coaches I've ever been on, but their price reflects that.

WishUWereHere · 24-02-2019 1:58pm

Gael23 wrote: »

The fare increase on the M7 service is a bit steep. That said it is actually quite a good service, runs reasonably on time and good quality vehicles.

I used to use DC all the time to get from Newbridge to the airport, but after a no-show I stopped using them. It used to be €10 per trip per person from NB to the airport. What is it now as a matter of interest?

JeffK88 · 24-02-2019 8:41pm

WishUWereHere wrote: »

I used to use DC all the time to get from Newbridge to the airport, but after a no-show I stopped using them. It used to be €10 per trip per person from NB to the airport. What is it now as a matter of interest?

Still €10. I use it almost daily due to working at the Airport. 9 times out of 10 there is no problems and majority of the time arrive at the Airport more or less on time give or take 10mins depending on traffic. In my opinion there has been far less breakdowns on the N7 route since the newer buses have come on stream.

patrickc · 25-02-2019 11:41pm

there appeared to be an old setra broken down in Kilkenny today

mosesgun · 27-02-2019 12:43pm

I've just come through a period of 6 months of not driving and have had to use Dublin Coach quite a lot. Mainly on the Dublin to Limerick route and Dublin to Cork Route. It goes against a lot of peoples experiences here but in the interest of fairness I must say that I had very few problems with them. I used them every week since late August last year. The frequency of the Limerick route meant that there was never much of a waiting time at either the red cow luas stop or Arthurs quay in Limerick. The Dublin - Limerick buses seem modern and clean, many are 2014 and newer. In Six months I experienced one break down bus on the N7 and a replacement came along within 30 minutes. Some of the Cork buses were a bit older but again, arrived on time, were clean (most of the time) and again I had very few issues. Their booking system is simple and clear and it's beats the hell out of trying to do on-line booking with the likes of Bus Eireann (nightmare). However, I have seen some of the Dublin Coach buses they use on the Red Cow to Dundrum and to the Airport and they do look shabby to say the least. I think they let themselves down in a few ways. 1) Maintenance is a definite issue and is badly damaging their reputation 2) Their drivers are generally decent fellas but don't seem to be managed in any way. They're obviously free to wear whatever they want. I was surprised to see my Kilkenny - Cork driver wearing a tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt driving the bus! The difference a professional looking driver makes to the experience is like night and day. Overall I was pleasantly surprised with Dublin Coach and possibly lucky given that I had very few problems.

During my 6 months on the buses I used JJ Kavanagh's extensively from Kilkenny to Dublin and back again using their waterford - Dublin route. Found them very hard to fault. Top notch modern fleet, professional courteous drivers (generally speaking anyway) and as close to the timetable as you can really expect nowadays. Think Dublin Coach could learn a hell of a lot from them.

I also used Eireagle on their Limerick to Dublin airport route a few times and this was, as bus travel goes, the height of luxury. Different league altogether to Dublin Coach but then again you're paying a premium for this.

The one thing that struck me across all bus companies is how much the bus drivers are on their phones. Bus drivers clearly love talking. Most using bluetooth headsets but some just phone to the ear. Not work related calls - mostly just chatting with family and friends. A bus full of paying punters should really command the drivers full attention I reckon but that's a different discussion.

tabbey · 28-02-2019 10:15pm

Dublin Coach has its share of breakdowns and maintenance issues.

So do all other bus operators.

This evening I saw an Aircoach broken down on the M1 southbound near Dunleer.

Last week I saw a Dublin Bus open top tour vehicle blocking the top of Lord Edward Street. The people most affected were regular Dublin buses and their passengers.
When we eventually got past the tourbus, there was a man on a stepladder, pouring fuel into the tank.

Of course the usual vested interests would like to blame Dublin Coach for everything.

punisher5112 · 28-02-2019 10:21pm

tabbey wrote: »

Dublin Coach has its share of breakdowns and maintenance issues.

So do all other bus operators.

This evening I saw an Aircoach broken down on the M1 southbound near Dunleer.

Last week I saw a Dublin Bus open top tour vehicle blocking the top of Lord Edward Street. The people most affected were regular Dublin buses and their passengers.
When we eventually got past the tourbus, there was a man on a stepladder, pouring fuel into the tank.

Of course the usual vested interests would like to blame Dublin Coach for everything.

That would be coolant.... Most likely over heated or lost all it's coolant to a burst pipe.

Stephen15 · 28-02-2019 10:50pm

mosesgun wrote: »

The one thing that struck me across all bus companies is how much the bus drivers are on their phones. Bus drivers clearly love talking. Most using bluetooth headsets but some just phone to the ear. Not work related calls - mostly just chatting with family and friends. A bus full of paying punters should really command the drivers full attention I reckon but that's a different discussion.

It seems to be something that is quite common amongst many long distance drivers many truck drivers seem to wear earpieces. I'm fairly sure the likes of DB and GAI don't allow their drivers use any sort of earpieces but I guess it's a different nature of work driving on motorways for long distances over pulling in and out of stops every few minutes aswell as cyclists and the likes.

I've travelled quite a lot in Italy and a lot of bus drivers over there are on the phone while driving in fact I had one hair raising expierence on a bus going up the mountains on narrow, twisty and windy little roads while the driver was booting it and on the phone but it was all okay as he kept a set of rosary beeds and a picture of the Virgin Mary in the cab.

tabbey · 28-02-2019 10:51pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

That would be coolant.... Most likely over heated or lost all it's coolant to a burst pipe.

It was being poured in just behind the driver's cab window. Nowhere near the engine.

Gael23 · 16-03-2019 9:17pm

They are now accepting the free travel pass on the M7 service .

devnull · 22-03-2019 8:19pm

It seems that the Dublin Coach Group has been having a bit of a restructure.

It seems as well as having the coaches spread out over Last Bus Limited and Citi Bus Limited, they have transferred a number of their route licenses to Moorhill Capital Limited, which is owned outright by John O'Sullivan and his wife.

In addition in the last fortnight a new company called Cityscape Buses Limited has also been formed by the same.

I wonder if this is indicating a break-up of the group is not far away or is a way of dividing assets between groups for some kind of gain. Would there be any insurance benefits of this also?

punisher5112 · 22-03-2019 8:27pm

I heard from a good source their insurance premiums are mahoosive....

Quite possible he is setting it up for a sell off similar to Aircoach.

Muller1991 · 01-04-2019 10:27am

Hi All

I was heading southbound on the M50 yesterday at roughly 16:00, I was Heading for Dundrum /Sandyford. When I was just passed Firhouse, I noticed a Dublin Coach approaching in the outside lane at speed, I was doing 100 kph and he was easily doing 110-120 kph, Gradually he began to slow down and cut across into the middle lane right behind me. I began to merge into the inside lane as I was exiting towards Dundrum.

As I was on the slip road the bus then came up beside me and cut across me withing inches i would nearly say and this is no exaggeration. Road rage immediately struck and I beeped my horn at him and he flashed the hazard etc.

From reading the thread I can see this is not uncommon, What I would like to know is has anyone ever made a complaint against this company and if so was there any response Or just a generic reply ?

Thanks in Advance

punisher5112 · 01-04-2019 11:07am

Muller1991 wrote: »

Hi All

I was heading southbound on the M50 yesterday at roughly 16:00, I was Heading for Dundrum /Sandyford. When I was just passed Firhouse, I noticed a Dublin Coach approaching in the outside lane at speed, I was doing 100 kph and he was easily doing 110-120 kph, Gradually he began to slow down and cut across into the middle lane right behind me. I began to merge into the inside lane as I was exiting towards Dundrum.

As I was on the slip road the bus then came up beside me and cut across me withing inches i would nearly say and this is no exaggeration. Road rage immediately struck and I beeped my horn at him and he flashed the hazard etc.

From reading the thread I can see this is not uncommon, What I would like to know is has anyone ever made a complaint against this company and if so was there any response Or just a generic reply ?

Thanks in Advance

The only way is traffic watch.

The company will do nothing.

Muller1991 · 01-04-2019 11:26am

Thanks for the reply @punisher5112.

WishUWereHere · 02-04-2019 11:20pm

Muller1991 wrote: »

Hi All

I was heading southbound on the M50 yesterday at roughly 16:00, I was Heading for Dundrum /Sandyford. When I was just passed Firhouse, I noticed a Dublin Coach approaching in the outside lane at speed, I was doing 100 kph and he was easily doing 110-120 kph, Gradually he began to slow down and cut across into the middle lane right behind me. I began to merge into the inside lane as I was exiting towards Dundrum.

As I was on the slip road the bus then came up beside me and cut across me withing inches i would nearly say and this is no exaggeration. Road rage immediately struck and I beeped my horn at him and he flashed the hazard etc.

From reading the thread I can see this is not uncommon, What I would like to know is has anyone ever made a complaint against this company and if so was there any response Or just a generic reply ?

Thanks in Advance

Sadly, this is the norm, not the exception. What You describe I have seen many times coming off the M50 onto the N7. Indeed I have seen them stay in the outside lane on the slip from the M50 to the N7, and then barge their way across to the Luas P&R exit. Crazy stuff!

Dravokivich · 02-04-2019 11:24pm

WishUWereHere wrote: »

Sadly, this is the norm, not the exception. What You describe I have seen many times coming off the M50 onto the N7. Indeed I have seen them stay in the outside lane on the slip from the M50 to the N7, and then barge their way across to the Luas P&R exit. Crazy stuff!

That's a design issue with the junction itself. Whoever thought the layout was good, should be shot. I turn back on ballymount, instead of exiting at red cow because of it.

WishUWereHere · 02-04-2019 11:27pm

Dravokivich wrote: »

That's a design issue with the junction itself. Whoever thought the layout was good, should be shot. I turn back on ballymount, instead of exiting at red cow because of it.

Totally agree with You, but these green monsters still coming around the bend on the outside lane?

Dravokivich · 02-04-2019 11:34pm

WishUWereHere wrote: »

Totally agree with You, but these green monsters still coming around the bend on the outside lane?

Whether they are on that lane, or the one beside, makes little difference when theres another 4 to cross over within 100 metres to get to the luas.

Farfromhome02 · 03-04-2019 12:18am

It would be interesting to know if they pay by the day or the hour for the drivers

I know having drove by the hour and or getting payed by the day your driving style would slightly change

Personally I think the daily rate should be got rid of for professional truck and bus drivers

Odyssey 2005 · 03-04-2019 4:19am

Dravokivich wrote: »

That's a design issue with the junction itself. Whoever thought the layout was good, should be shot. I turn back on ballymount, instead of exiting at red cow because of it.

Are you blaming the road for their inability to drive safely ?. Many,many people make that manoeuvre every day. They know they have to do it so should position themselves accordingly.

Muller1991 · 03-04-2019 10:44am

Happened me again yesterday at the same junction although this was late in the evening at 9pm. The M50 was really quiet and I could see that there was absolutely no need whatsoever for the bus to be in the outside lane as I had only come across about 10 cars between Tallaght /Spawell and Dundrum exit.

I was in the slip road and again he barged in on front of me after cutting across from the middle lane and into the Slip road.

Sent a complaint this morning to Dublin Coach so i will let y'all no what the generic reply is

Dravokivich · 03-04-2019 11:51am

Odyssey 2005 wrote: »

Are you blaming the road for their inability to drive safely ?. Many,many people make that manoeuvre every day. They know they have to do it so should position themselves accordingly.

No. But poor design leads to poor decisions.

I've seen people almost mill themselves into a wall plenty of times because they saw a clear stretch of road ahead of them, then suddenly remembered they needed to change lanes.

Every morning i see people who use a lane for turning right at a junction, in order to proceed straight through it instead, because they don't want to sit behind 5 cars at a red light.

None of those, I'd suggest the road layout is problematic, and the issue is solely with the drivers attitude there. But that junction was designed, without thinking of how traffic exiting at red cow from the m50 south bound, get to monastery road, clearly and safely. It's not possible to it. The lack of accidents there amazes me. The only way to make it across, is to completely disregard what we've learned when taking up driving.

They've also now increased the speed limit in that area too. It used to be 80 from just after the bridge. It's now 80 from the junctions themselves. They've also done this at the n4. Where traffic exits that junction from 3 different directions and may want to cross over itself in 3 different ways.

Odyssey 2005 · 03-04-2019 12:00pm

Dravokivich wrote: »

No. But poor design leads to poor decisions.

I've seen people almost mill themselves into a wall plenty of times because they saw a clear stretch of road ahead of them, then suddenly remembered they needed to change lanes.

Every morning i see people who use a lane for turning right at a junction, in order to proceed straight through it instead, because they don't want to sit behind 5 cars at a red light.

None of those, I'd suggest the road layout is problematic, and the issue is solely with the drivers attitude there. But that junction was designed, without thinking of how traffic exiting at red cow from the m50 south bound, get to monastery road, clearly and safely. It's not possible to it. The lack of accidents there amazes me. The only way to make it across, is to completely disregard what we've learned when taking up driving.

They've also now increased the speed limit in that area too. It used to be 80 from just after the bridge. It's now 80 from the junctions themselves. They've also done this at the n4. Where traffic exits that junction from 3 different directions and may want to cross over itself in 3 different ways.

I'm 100% in agreement with you as to the shyte design of this and many,many other on and off ramps on the M50. A child would design better(and safer).
My issue is the drivers in DC just bull their way across 4/5lanes of carriageway ,using their size to intimidate other road users
Had the very same happen to me with Darby o Gill stuck up my hole through the roadworks in Naas he was no more than 12 inches from my bumper.

Dravokivich · 03-04-2019 5:42pm

While Dublin coach have a higher frequency of that behaviour, they aren't alone and shouldn't be solely called out on it as if the issue is just themselves. Which was the impression from mentioning that junction earlier.

WishUWereHere · 03-04-2019 8:27pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

The only way is traffic watch.

The company will do nothing.

Sorry to plead ignorance, but what/who is Traffic Watch? It/they run by the Gardaí?

punisher5112 · 03-04-2019 8:28pm

WishUWereHere wrote: »

Sorry to plead ignorance, but what/who is Traffic Watch? It/they run by the Gardaí?

1890 number it's a Garda run but civilian agent you talk to.

I've used it on a few occasions for very dangerous incidents.

AlekSmart · 03-04-2019 10:52pm

punisher5112 wrote: »

1890 number it's a Garda run but civilian agent you talk to.

I've used it on a few occasions for very dangerous incidents.

https://www.garda.ie/en/Victim-Services/Reporting-a-crime-FAQs/Can-I-report-bad-driving-.html

L1011 · 05-04-2019 3:29pm

Using one for the first time ever today

Worst condition interior I've seen other than some 70s school buses still in use in the 90s (private operators - although BE likely had ones that old too). Tray table unlatches any time the bus goes up hill!

punisher5112 · 06-04-2019 12:15am

L1011 wrote: »

Using one for the first time ever today

Worst condition interior I've seen other than some 70s school buses still in use in the 90s (private operators - although BE likely had ones that old too). Tray table unlatches any time the bus goes up hill!

That's an onboard safety feature to keep you from sliding off the seat on the way down.... ;-)

BlackandGreen · 09-04-2019 8:35pm

Spotted one of their buses broken down just off the M9 in kilkenny yesterday.
Comical how often I seem to see these buses pulled up with the orange triangle out.

I'd love to be a fly on the wall in the office just to know how frequently their busses clap out.

WishUWereHere · 10-04-2019 7:23pm

I was coming up Monastery Road in Clondalkin on Tuesday and heading for the M50 N. As I came around the bend onto the slip road onto the M50, There was one of the green monsters stopped dead with it's hazard lights on. One of the doors for luggage on the drivers side was open and containers of red liquid all over the road. At least the driver got out of his throne and collected the containers.

What a transport company:eek:

belfast stephen · 24-04-2019 6:09pm

I have been told that Dublin coach have sold there City Tour and they are being painted red not sure who has bought it. also talks are on going with Volvo bus and coach about new coaches but there are few minor things to sort out

Dublin Coach Experience Discussion Thread

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