Bus routes serving UCD are some of the most complained about routes in Dublin, with the 41X route operating between University College Dublin and Swords recording the highest number of complaints from commuters in 2020. The bus route received an impressive 111 written complaints per 100,000 passengers along the route over a three-month span in 2020.
The 2020 Customer Complaints Report published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) showed that the worst route received an average of 28 complaints for every 100,000 passengers per quarter last year. In a statement to the press, a spokesperson for Dublin Bus said that complaints for the 41X had decreased by 68% in 2020, but the overall rate of complaints had risen due to reduced footfall in line with Covid-19 compliance.
In winning the title of Dublin’s most complained about bus route, the 41X stole the crown from the 67X which runs from UCD to Maynooth.
Dropping two places down the complaints list, the 67X had the third-highest level of complaints in 2020 with an average of 21 complaints for every 100,000 passengers per quarter. This continues the trend of a large number of complaints being levied against Dublin Bus routes which serve UCD. This trend was especially consistent with the 39a and 46a route which received a steady number of complaints across 2019 and 2020.
The NTA stated that these complaints are not all attributable to bus drivers as it factors in complaints “regarding frequency on a bus route or issues at certain bus stops that the operator has no responsibility to maintain” as well as “complaints relating to COVID-19 related measures” such as whether commuters are wearing masks.
In a statement to the College Tribune, a spokesperson for the Road Safety Authority (RSA) highlighted the need for safety around bus usage; “We need to take care near buses or trams. Take extra care if crossing a road where there is a bus lane (especially a contraflow bus lane), cycle lane or tram track. You should also be careful when getting on or off buses and when crossing the road at or near bus stops. REMEMBER Never cross in front of a stopped bus.”
Many of the most complained about Dublin Bus routes have recently been fitted with Eduroam network capabilities such as the 39A and 46A. This will allow third-level students to avail access online journals such as JStor without having to log in each time and with the same privileges as they would have on UCD’s campus.
Hugh Dooley – News Editor
