Complaining about poor bus services is crucial – Byrne

Buses not running on schedule on unrealistic timetables and the lack of capacity on routes, were among the main issues raised by Deputy Thomas Byrne at a lengthy meeting with management of Bus Eireann on Friday, about general service provision across Meath.
Cllr Sean Drew and local election candidate, Paul McCabe also attended the meeting at which Bus Eireann management said that revised timetables would be introduced for the 103X and 105X services.
Deputy Byrne urged commuters who experience problems to make complaints.
“Bus Éireann maintain that they do not get the same volume of complaints from the Meath corridor as they do from other areas. It was stressed that all passengers who experience delays or problems when traveling on Bus Eireann services should fill out the complaints form which is available on the website.
“It’s frustrating I know, but important, because the NTA who ultimately finance and operate the routes, monitor the complaints and adopt changes based on the number of complaints received. They need the official statistics, so complain, complain, complain,” he said.
Deputy Byrne said he would be arranging a follow-up meeting with the Bus Eireann CEO and with the National Transport Authority.
“The biggest, broadest based complaint across the county is buses not running to schedule on unrealistic timetables.
“I'm told that new timetables (punctuality timetables) are being introduced shortly and are being finalised by the NTA.
Deputy Byrne was told
Bus Eireann is currently looking at re-routing the 109X service slightly to drop passengers nearer the Mater Hospital.
The possibility of buses departing from O’Connell Street rather than Bus Aras will not be considered as Dublin City Council have previously ruled it out.
“It is also unlikely that more cross city routes will be introduced from Meath because the NTA is apparently emphasising interconnection rather than moving Bus Éireann services across the Liffey. I also made the case on disability access and will continue to pursue this. The NTA is currently looking at IT problems with real time information and is aware of the situation,” he said.
“I will report back on other matters when I meet the CEO of Bus Éireann and the NTA in the coming weeks to highlight the growing needs of
Meath commuters,” he concluded.