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Dublin Airport Bus Service Changes & Discussion

12467…23

Comments

  • #152
    p_haugh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,243 ✭✭✭p_haugh


    devnull wrote: »
    Those are the only stops on each route, from what I have heard.

    All routes will operate via Port Tunnel.

    Cheers. That will be quite handy for a lot of people then!


  • #153
    koutoubia
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,289 ✭✭✭koutoubia


    I am going to be hopefully one of the drivers on the new Dublin Express service.
    Training for the drivers starts this week and can update here when I know more.


  • #154
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    Twitter page now up for Dublin Express
    https://twitter.com/dublin_express


  • #155
    dublinman1990
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,542 ✭✭✭dublinman1990


    The livery from that Twitter handle sort of matches the Dublin colours even though no light blue is used.


  • #156
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    A bit more information on the stops for Dublin Express.
    -
    Custom House (782/783/784 - 20 minute combined frequency)
    - The stop from Dublin Airport will be on George's Quay
    - The stop t Dublin Airport will be directly outside the Custom House

    Smithfield (782 - once per hour)
    - The stop from Dublin Airport will be on Usher's Quay
    - The stop to Dublin Airport will be Dublin Bus stop 1477.

    Merrion Square (784 - once per hour)
    - The stop from Dublin Airport will be Dublin Bus Stop 493, Merrion Square
    - The stop to Dublin Airport will be Dublin Bus Stop 409, opposite Merrion Square


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  • #157
    coylemj
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,492 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    koutoubia wrote: »
    I am going to be hopefully one of the drivers on the new Dublin Express service.
    Training for the drivers starts this week and can update here when I know more.

    Good luck with the new job. Maybe drop a few hints that their prospective customers would like to see some official info. on their website about timetables, routes and fares.

    It's currently just advertising job opportunities......

    https://www.dublinexpress.ie/


  • #158
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    coylemj wrote: »
    Good luck with the new job. Maybe drop a few hints that their prospective customers would like to see some official info. on their website about timetables, routes and fares.

    I'm not surprised that NX are keeping their cards close to their chest, I'd say all three operators are at the moment waiting to see who blinks first as there is going to be a major battle.

    All routes are 24 hours and the routes that they take and the frequency has been outlined further up the thread along with the stops that they shall be making unless something has changed, which is unlikely.

    In relation to fares, as stated previously there is a flat fare and it will not be any more expensive than the 2 alternative operators for adult fares. I do not know about children or returns etc at present. Not sure if they are taking free travel pass.


  • #159
    AlekSmart
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,005 ✭✭✭✭AlekSmart


    dublinman1990 wrote: »
    The livery from that Twitter handle sort of matches the Dublin colours even though no light blue is used.

    Ye never know,there could well be a splash of the Kerry colours around Collinstown yet....:)

    https://www.route-one.net/coach-routes/flixbus-uk-domestic-coach-network-announced/


    Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, and one by one.

    Charles Mackay (1812-1889)



  • #160
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    Dublin Express Facebook page is now up at:
    https://www.facebook.com/dublinexpresscoach
    devnull wrote: »
    In relation to fares, as stated previously there is a flat fare and it will not be any more expensive than the 2 alternative operators for adult fares.

    As mentioned on their Facebook page, the price is €6.


  • #161
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    Dublin Express Timetable attached


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  • #162
    p_haugh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,243 ✭✭✭p_haugh


    devnull wrote: »
    Dublin Express Facebook page is now up at:
    https://www.facebook.com/dublinexpresscoach



    As mentioned on their Facebook page, the price is €6.

    Website is now live with directions to stops and the ability to book single tickets.


  • #163
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    p_haugh wrote: »
    Website is now live with directions to stops and the ability to book single tickets.

    Interesting that if you want to write to them you need to send a letter to the UK and if you want to ask for assistance you have to speak to their team which is in Birmingham. Suggests they are not going to have a presence of their own in Ireland for customer support and everything will go through NX HQ.

    To quote their address
    Dublin Express - Customer Services
    Mill Lane
    Digbeth
    Birmingham
    England
    B5 6DD

    I'd be curious just how many staff that they are employing in Ireland, since they're not employing the drivers and the customer service and operational staff also seem like they are through Sigmar. Not clear if Sigmar are acting as an employment agency or a contractor though so maybe they might be on NX books.


  • #164
    p_haugh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,243 ✭✭✭p_haugh


    devnull wrote: »
    Interesting that if you want to write to them you need to send a letter to the UK and if you want to ask for assistance you have to speak to their team which is in Birmingham. Suggests they are not going to have a presence of their own in Ireland for customer support and everything will go through NX HQ.

    To quote their address


    I'd be curious just how many staff that they are employing in Ireland, since they're not employing the drivers and the customer service and operational staff also seem like they are through Sigmar. Not clear if Sigmar are acting as an employment agency or a contractor though so maybe they might be on NX books.

    I noticed that as well, strange indeed!
    And for lost property, you’re directed to go to the airport lost property office


  • #165
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    https://www.dublinbus.ie/News-Centre/General-News/Revised-Timetable-on-Route-7472/
    Revised Timetable on Route 747
    Published on Thursday, February 20, 2020

    We wish to advise customers of a revised timetable on Route 747.

    From Monday 24 February 2020, a Summer timetable will be in operation for Route 747. The buses will operate every 10 minutes Monday to Friday.

    Very short notice for a timetable change - clearly were holding it back to not give the cards away too quickly.


  • #166
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    p_haugh wrote: »
    I noticed that as well, strange indeed!
    And for lost property, you’re directed to go to the airport lost property office

    Makes you think that NX are doing very little in house in Ireland doesn't it.


  • #167
    p_haugh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,243 ✭✭✭p_haugh


    devnull wrote: »
    Makes you think that NX are doing very little in house in Ireland doesn't it.

    Means they can easily pull out if it all goes south!


  • #168
    p_haugh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,243 ✭✭✭p_haugh


    devnull wrote: »
    https://www.dublinbus.ie/News-Centre/General-News/Revised-Timetable-on-Route-7472/


    Very short notice for a timetable change - clearly were holding it back to not give the cards away too quickly.

    Surprised they haven’t made the 747/757 24 hour routes yet


  • #169
    Jamie2k9
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 10,756 ✭✭✭✭Jamie2k9


    devnull wrote: »
    https://www.dublinbus.ie/News-Centre/General-News/Revised-Timetable-on-Route-7472/


    Very short notice for a timetable change - clearly were holding it back to not give the cards away too quickly.

    I could be wrong but this summer timetable didn't run 2019 after it started in 2018. They will quietly go back to 15 min in a few months.


  • #170
    coylemj
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,492 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    From the DX FAQ...

    1. Drivers will accept payment by card only i.e. no cash.

    2. If you book a timed ticket, there is +/- two hours flexibility on when you can use it.

    https://www.dublinexpress.ie/faq.html

    I'd expect they will accept contactless payment so can't yet see any benefit in booking in advance. I stopped booking Aircoach tickets online when they started accepting contactless. The online ticket saves you €1 but requires you to unlock your phone and find the e-mail to show it to the driver when boarding which I find is a PITA. Whereas buying the ticket when boarding by tapping your debit card is very efficient and on the return leg, you can have the little paper ticket ready in your shirt pocket to show to the driver.

    And if I book DX in advance and my flight is delayed by more than two hours, they can make me buy a new ticket! So I'd like them to tell me why I should book in advance. Apart from the usual nonsense about it guaranteening me a seat. I've never been on an Aircoach that was more than 75% full.


  • #171
    coylemj
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,492 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    I thougt DX were taking over the old Aircoach stops outside both terminals? Their website says 'outside terminal building' for T1 and on the map, it's the old Aircoach departure point but 'Zone21' for T2. Is that the stop from where Aircoach used to depart from T2?

    This is their listing for travel in either direction i.e. applies to set down and pick up and suggests they will not set down right at the door of T2.


    Dublin Airport Stops

    Dublin Airport
    Terminal 1
    Outside Terminal Bldg
    Get directions

    Dublin Airport
    Terminal 2
    Zone 21

    https://www.dublinexpress.ie/city-to-airport.html


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  • #172
    BohsCeltic
    Registered Users Posts: 1,584 ✭✭✭BohsCeltic


    coylemj wrote: »
    From the DX FAQ...

    1. Drivers will accept payment by card only i.e. no cash.

    2. If you book a timed ticket, there is +/- two hours flexibility on when you can use it.

    https://www.dublinexpress.ie/faq.html

    The online ticket saves you €1 but requires you to unlock your phone and find the e-mail to show it to the driver when boarding which I find is a PITA.

    Could you not just take a screenshot ? That's what i do for boarding passes.


  • #173
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    coylemj wrote: »
    I thougt DX were taking over the old Aircoach stops outside both terminals? Their website says 'outside terminal building' for T1 but 'Zone21' for T2? Is that the stop from where Aircoach used to depart from T2?

    Zone 21 is the current Aircoach T2 stop, yes.
    coylemj wrote: »
    I'd expect they will accept contactless payment so can't yet see any benefit in booking in advance. I stopped booking Aircoach tickets online when they started accepting contactless. The online ticket saves you €1 but requires you to unlock your phone and find the e-mail to show it to the driver when boarding which I find is a PITA. Whereas buying the ticket when boarding by tapping your debit card is very efficient and on the return leg, you can have the little paper ticket ready in your shirt pocket to show to the driver.

    I think that Aircoach really need to incentivise people to book ahead now and offer them discounts to do so because of their poor location in the airport since anyone who walks up to Aircoach services has to make the conscious decision to ignore both Airlink and Dublin Express. Far better to try and create a culture of getting their passengers to book ahead so they don't see DX and decide to travel with them.
    And if I book DX in advance and my flight is delayed by more than two hours, they can make me buy a new ticket! So I'd like them to tell me why I should book in advance. Apart from the usual nonsense about it guaranteening me a seat. I've never been on an Aircoach that was more than 75% full.

    Whilst the chance of traveling 2 hours either side on Dublin Express might sound stingy to us in Ireland, a reminder that National Express in the UK on many of their services hold you to the exact time you book, otherwise you need to pay for a full, walk-up price for a new ticket, unless you buy the flexible add on to your ticket when you purchase it.

    I've been on Aircoach services which are full but the chances of that happening on a 700 service from 3rd March are going to be less now. Aircoach will allow you to travel as late as you want on the 700 service if your flight is delayed. For the other routes you can travel on the same ticket if there is capacity after all pre-bookers have boarded, else you can wait for the next bus.


  • #174
    coylemj
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,492 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    BohsCeltic wrote: »
    Could you not just take a screenshot ? That's what i do for boarding passes.

    You still have to unlock your phone at the right time, often with a bag in one hand and only your thumb to code in the pin. And then some idiot boarding the bus in front of you starts to pay the driver in coins and your phone locks up again. I'm the last person in the world who could be accused of being a Luddite but tapping the contactess card outbound and the little paper ticket in my shirt pocket on the return leg is my preferred option for travel on the Aircoach.

    Boarding passes are different, the process takes place indoors and you can unlock your phone when the passenger in front of you gets to the head of the queue.


  • #175
    kenmm
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,698 ✭✭✭kenmm


    tbh - sometimes I think that extra few mins walk from T1 I'd be happy with. Driving round the loop to T2 always gets my back up for some reason :D


  • #176
    coylemj
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,492 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    devnull wrote: »
    Zone 21 is the current Aircoach T2 stop, yes.

    I think that Aircoach really need to incentivise people to book ahead now and offer them discounts to do so because of their poor location in the airport since anyone who walks up to Aircoach services has to make the conscious decision to ignore both Airlink and Dublin Express. Far better to try and create a culture of getting their passengers to book ahead so they don't see DX and decide to travel with them.

    But if DX don't put a ticket stand at the exits from T1 and T2 as Aircoach do at the moment, arriving passengers will simply wander over to the bus park to see what's happening and DX will lose the advantage of having their stop right outside the terminals. The DX FAQ only talks about purchasing a ticket from the driver.

    You can see the significant advantage Aircoach had with the ticket stands, especially at T2 where it's right in front of you as you descend the escalator so arriving passengers naturally walk over to the person at the stand and next thing, they're buying a ticket.


  • #177
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    coylemj wrote: »
    But if DX don't put a ticket stand at the exits from T1 and T2 as Aircoach do at the moment, arriving passengers will simply wander over to the bus park to see what's happening and DX will lose the advantage of having their stop right outside the terminals. The DX FAQ only talks about purchasing a ticket from the driver.

    Why would people make an active choice of going past two operators to walk through the atrium to see what is going on at a bus park which many don't even know exists? The vast majority of airport bus users are not like me or others on this board who are interest in public transport, they just want to go home as quickly and easily as possible.

    Many people who arrive at Dublin Airport will simply come out of arrivals and take the first bus which they know is heading to the city centre or look for the first bus that does it. The tourists or people who are new to the city won't go to the bus park since they most likely will not know it is there and even if they do then they'll probably not see the point of walking over there when adequate options are much closer.l

    I'm not the biggest fan of National Express but they know what they are doing at airports and I can assure you that from when their service starts there will be the appropriate marketing and presence at the airport. NX have been involved in many all out competitive fights with incumbents or people they are replacing at airports and they know exactly how to deal with these things. As part of winning the tender the DAA will be heavily assisting promoting the service and advertising will be all over the airport.

    The only people who will walk over to the bus stop are existing Aircoach customers who want to remain loyal to them or those that have a pre-existing knowledge of the fact Aircoach serves where they want to go. The amount of walk-up trade is going to be hit by a fair amount, the only way Aircoach can even begin to counter this is to get a big marketing drive going to try and get passengers to book ahead of time so they're not tempted to try the competition.
    You can see the significant advantage Aircoach had with the ticket stands, especially at T2 where it's right in front of you as you descend the escalator so arriving passengers naturally walk over to the person at the stand and next thing, they're buying a ticket.

    Actually the escalator to the right is considered the better one, leading to Dublin Bus Airlink services, since the currency exchange shop which was opened on the left hand side blocks the view of the Aircoach advert when walking down the glass corridor so when you are walking down the middle, you can see the Airlink advert to the right easier than the Aircoach one to the left. Wasn't always that way though.


  • #178
    koutoubia
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,289 ✭✭✭koutoubia


    Ok so to clear a few things up.
    Drivers WILL NOT take cash.
    Onboard the drivers can take most contactless payments but not swipe.Chip and pin as well.
    There will be ticket stands at T1 and T2.
    One way ticket is valid for the trip you intend to take when bought form the ticket stand.
    The return will be a time limited open ticket afaik 3 months but dont hold me to that.

    If you board in the city centre and only have cash you can then pay at the ticket desk at the airport stop.
    Free travel passes will be accepted but as of yet not leap.


  • #179
    coylemj
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,492 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    devnull wrote: »
    Actually the escalator to the right is considered the better one, leading to Dublin Bus Airlink services, since the currency exchange shop which was opened on the left hand side blocks the view of the Aircoach advert when walking down the glass corridor so when you are walking down the middle, you can see the Airlink advert to the right easier than the Aircoach one to the left. Wasn't always that way though.

    I never knew that there was an escalator on the right, let alone that there was a bus service at the bottom of it.


  • #180
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    koutoubia wrote: »
    Drivers WILL NOT take cash.
    Onboard the drivers can take most contactless payments but not swipe.Chip and pin as well.
    There will be ticket stands at T1 and T2.
    One way ticket is valid for the trip you intend to take when bought form the ticket stand.
    The return will be a time limited open ticket afaik 3 months but dont hold me to that.

    If you board in the city centre and only have cash you can then pay at the ticket desk at the airport stop.

    Good to see that some good common sense is applied here :rolleyes:

    Why are drivers not being allowed to take cash? Surely it's not something like the bus drivers are contractors of National Express but the airport staff are and therefore they do not want the drivers handling cash?

    Sooner or even sooner someone will chance their arm and try to get away without paying, especially if the coach is busy. Is the driver really supposed to remember who doesn't pay and force them to buy a ticket on arrival? How will this be enforced? Ticket checking everyone who gets off the bus?

    I assume that Bernard Kavanagh, unlike Aircoach and Dublin Bus, do not recognise Unions?


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  • #181
    koutoubia
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,289 ✭✭✭koutoubia


    All good questions (with the exception of the union one) and was asked and the answer was that it will all be ironed out as the service gets settled.
    I cant say anymore beyond that.
    Before someone points out ...locals , as in Dubs, have pointed out repeatadly that they are being extremely hopeful with their travel times.We will be doing trial runs next week and they can see then.


  • #182
    bk
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 22,986 Mod ✭✭✭✭bk


    koutoubia wrote: »
    Onboard the drivers can take most contactless payments but not swipe.Chip and pin as well.

    It is fair enough for most Europeans, but you will run into lots of issues with this with folks from the US. Most don't have pin and chip, they have chip and signature over there instead and contactless isn't very common either. They are weirdly way behind the times when it comes to financial tech.


  • #183
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    Little Tip on Dublin Express
    If you buy your ticket through nationalexpress.com you can get a return for £7 + £1 booking fee, which is roughly €9.40.

    Currently the same trip will cost you €12 on the Dublin Express site.

    Book here:
    https://www.nationalexpress.com/en/airports/dublin


  • #184
    belfast stephen
    Registered Users Posts: 172 ✭✭belfast stephen


    Timetables now up on NX Website

    https://timetables.nationalexpress.com/routes/DA/783/Dublin_Airport,_Terminal_1-Dublin_Custom_House/O/2020-03-03--2020-08-21


  • #185
    coylemj
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,492 ✭✭✭✭coylemj


    belfast stephen wrote: »
    Timetables now up on NX Website

    https://timetables.nationalexpress.com/routes/DA/783/Dublin_Airport,_Terminal_1-Dublin_Custom_House/O/2020-03-03--2020-08-21

    Or you can download it (one page for all three services) from here....

    https://www.dublinexpress.ie/images/DublinExpress_timetable.pdf


  • #186
    Charles Babbage
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,905 ✭✭✭Charles Babbage


    bk wrote: »
    It is fair enough for most Europeans, but you will run into lots of issues with this with folks from the US. Most don't have pin and chip, they have chip and signature over there instead and contactless isn't very common either. They are weirdly way behind the times when it comes to financial tech.


    If the ticket offices can process such payments they can buy a return ticket.


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  • #187
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    Dublin Express Routes 782/783/784
    The timetables and route maps for Dublin Express are now showing on the TFI Journey Planner.
    https://www.journeyplanner.transportforireland.ie/nta/XSLT_SELTT_REQUEST?itdLPxx_page=ttb&language=en

    Route 785 (Clontarf - Raheny - Coolock - Clare Hall - Airport)
    What looks like a proposed timetable for the 785 is now showing on the TFI Journey planner
    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=503537&stc=1&d=1582359754

    No idea of a start date for this service at present.


  • #188
    Brian CivilEng
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,031 ✭✭✭Brian CivilEng


    devnull wrote: »
    Dublin Express Routes 782/783/784
    Route 785 (Clontarf - Raheny - Coolock - Clare Hall - Airport)
    What looks like a proposed timetable for the 785 is now showing on the TFI Journey planner
    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=503537&stc=1&d=1582359754

    No idea of a start date for this service at present.

    Thanks for that. Looks like they couldn't have chosen a worse timetable for my 08:30 to 17:00 workday if they tried.


  • #189
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    785 Route
    Bear in mind this is just something that it is posted on the NTA Timetable, it's not been announced, there's been no official word on it etc. It's very much subject to change so don't take it as gospel.

    There's no start date as of yet.


  • #190
    koutoubia
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,289 ✭✭✭koutoubia


    Mr.S wrote: »
    Any word if Dublin Express will offer discounted "staff" fares for the airport? This 785 route would be ideal for my OH but not at cost price obviously.
    We have been told yes for DAA staff...but it definitley needs to be confirmed.
    Just remember DX have no stops between city centre and Airport
    devnull wrote: »
    Bear in mind this is just something that it is posted on the NTA Timetable, it's not been announced, there's been no official word on it etc. It's very much subject to change so don't take it as gospel.
    I fully see timetable changes on DX after it has ' bedded' in!


  • #191
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    koutoubia wrote: »
    We have been told yes for DAA staff...but it definitley needs to be confirmed.

    There will be - I believe it was required as part of the tender.


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  • #192
    AlekSmart
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,005 ✭✭✭✭AlekSmart


    devnull wrote: »
    Dublin Express Routes 782/783/784
    The timetables and route maps for Dublin Express are now showing on the TFI Journey Planner.
    https://www.journeyplanner.transportforireland.ie/nta/XSLT_SELTT_REQUEST?itdLPxx_page=ttb&language=en

    Route 785 (Clontarf - Raheny - Coolock - Clare Hall - Airport)
    What looks like a proposed timetable for the 785 is now showing on the TFI Journey planner
    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=503537&stc=1&d=1582359754

    No idea of a start date for this service at present.

    Are we looking at Two different operators here ?

    Dublin Express and Express Bus


    Men, it has been well said, think in herds; it will be seen that they go mad in herds, while they only recover their senses slowly, and one by one.

    Charles Mackay (1812-1889)



  • #193
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    AlekSmart wrote: »
    Are we looking at Two different operators here ?

    Dublin Express and Express Bus

    The licences for 782/783/784 are held by Express Bus too and they are the Dubbin Express Routes.


  • #194
    dowlingm
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,337 ✭✭✭dowlingm


    devnull wrote: »
    Interesting that if you want to write to them you need to send a letter to the UK and if you want to ask for assistance you have to speak to their team which is in Birmingham. Suggests they are not going to have a presence of their own in Ireland for customer support and everything will go through NX HQ.
    Interesting. having a local point of presence for customer support should be the kind of thing NTA should require of licensees for national services, if legal to so do.


  • #195
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    dowlingm wrote: »
    Interesting. having a local point of presence for customer support should be the kind of thing NTA should require of licensees for national services, if legal to so do.

    The set-up is somewhat convoluted.

    - The Dublin Express brand is owned by National Express
    - The vehicles and drivers appear to be being supplied by Bernard Kavanagh.
    - The owner of the licenses appears to be Express Bus Limited (Not NX/BK)
    - The lost property is outsourced to the lost property company in the airport.
    - All of the customer facing roles are being recruited for by Sigmar.

    I haven't seen a local MD job be advertised and the person who is apparently the MD of National Express Ireland is also the commercial director for National Express in the UK, which gives me the idea maybe he is doing it as dual job rather than them having a full-time MD based in Ireland.

    I am sure that there will be DX staff at the airport, although whether their employer is National Express or Sigmar remains to be seen. It does seem that they are doing an awful lot of contracting and treating this as a bolt on of their UK service with very little of their own staff based in Ireland. It's a different model to Aircoach, that's for sure.


  • #196
    ExoPolitic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 365 ✭✭ExoPolitic


    https://www.dublinexpress.ie/images/DublinExpress_timetable.pdf

    That is the official link to their new timetable on their website


  • #197
    ExoPolitic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 365 ✭✭ExoPolitic


    From their website;

    "Can I buy a ticket from the driver?
    Yes* you can, however this will be subject to availability as services may be full with pre booked customers, so it is always advisable to purchase your ticket in advance.

    If you would like to purchase a ticket from our drivers, please be aware of the following:

    Drivers can accept card only."

    This is interesting...


  • #198
    koutoubia
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,289 ✭✭✭koutoubia


    It has been discussed earlier in the thread!


  • #199
    ExoPolitic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 365 ✭✭ExoPolitic


    koutoubia wrote: »
    It has been discussed earlier in the thread!

    Just spotted that, answered a few more of my questions as well!

    Interesting they are not advertising you can travel with cash and pay at the destination when heading airport bound.


  • #200
    devnull
    Moderators, Motoring & Transport Moderators Posts: 11,686 Mod ✭✭✭✭devnull


    ExoPolitic wrote: »
    Just spotted that, answered a few more of my questions as well!

    Interesting they are not advertising you can travel with cash and pay at the destination when heading airport bound.

    I think that part of this is related to NX treating their Dublin operation as a bolt on to their UK operations rather than an operator in it's own right. The fact that the MD is the commercial director of their UK operation as part of his role rather than having a local MD and also having no CS team here backs that up.

    In the UK NX have a very high percentage of people who would be booking in advance. There would be very little people paying on the day and even less from the city to an airport and I assume that NX feel this won't be an issue in Ireland as they are thinking like a UK consumer rather than an Irish one. They probably want to discourage cash payers.

    They probably think there will be minimal people doing it so it won't be a problem but even on Aircoach today, who accept online tickets, contactless and mtickets, you still see a fair amount of people paying in cash in the city centre so NX I doubt won't be much difference.

    Not allowing drivers to handle cash appears to be a desire to either keep cash out of the hands of the contracted drivers or avoid carrying cash, for whatever reason.


  • #201
    ExoPolitic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 365 ✭✭ExoPolitic


    I also noted a post earlier stating that they will take the free travel pass, this is incorrect. I have had a direct conversation with them via the Facebook page and they state that they will not accept it.


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