Dublin Bus Madness

There's no underground in Ireland.  There is Luas, Dublin's tram line but with only two lines it doesn't really get the job done.  To get around in Dublin you either drive or take the bus.  I think I've become spoiled by the efficient, logical way the buses work in Czechland because it's taken me a while to sort out the buses in Dublin.

The buses themselves are fine.  They are all double deckers and have free Wi-Fi.  The Wi-Fi is important.   

Buses don't stop at every stop along the route.  When your bus approaches you have to extend your hand for the driver to know to stop.  Or if you're on the bus you have to signal the driver to stop.  Otherwise the bus won't stop and will continue on.  And if the bus is full then it won't stop even if you hail it.  This part is fine.  Here's what does my head in.

All of the bus stops have a number.  Just a number...mostly.  In the city center there is a number and a name but the name is written quite small and it's just the ones in the center that have a name.  The kicker is that when you're on the bus the stops are announced by name, not number.  WTF!!  The stop name is announced in English and then in Irish.  The English and Irish stop names don't sound anything alike so really need to pay attention.  But let's review, the stops are numbered (without names) but the bus announces names (without numbers).  It's mad!

I even asked about this in the Dublin Bus office and was told that I just need to learn them.  Fortunately, there is a Dublin Bus smartphone app that bridges the divide.  Thank goodness for that free Wi-Fi.

At the stops themselves you won't find complete route information.  You get the bus number, the starting point, the end point and some of the main stops along the way.  But it does not tell you every stop it makes.  So you really need to use that smartphone app to make sure that you take the right bus.

When you get on the bus you need to have the correct fare because the drivers don't make change.  If you overpay then you get a receipt that you must take to the main office in order to collect your change.  Fortunately I've mastered the Leap Card which is a prepaid card that allows me to pay as I go at a discounted fare rate.

At the bus stop

• Buses collect passengers at bus stops or bus shelters.
• While waiting for the bus, please queue in order of arrival.
• Please put your hand out to tell the driver that you want him/her to stop so that you can get on the bus. 
• As the bus arrives and leaves the stop, stand well back to avoid the side mirrors on the bus.
• As the bus approaches check if it’s the right bus for you by watching out for the destination and route number on the front scroll.
• If you need the bus to be lowered or to use the ramp, just ask the driver when the bus stops.  You will hear a bell/buzzer while the bus is kneeling or the ramp is being lowered.  Please be patient and stay clear until this has finished.
• The bell/buzzer will stop when the operation is complete; it is now safe to get on the bus.  For your safety, please do not attempt to enter or leave the bus from the side of the ramp.
• If you are vision impaired or are unsure whether the bus is the one you need, just ask the driver, who will be pleased to help you.
• Please allow other customers to exit the bus before you get on.
• Please queue and enter the bus on the left hand side if paying with coin or Leap Card and on the right hand side if you have a prepaid ticket or paying with Leap Card flat fare.

- See more at: http://www.dublinbus.ie/en/Your-Journey1/How-to-use-the-bus/Step-1/#sthash.2MXCOQze.dpuf

At the bus stop

• Buses collect passengers at bus stops or bus shelters.
• While waiting for the bus, please queue in order of arrival.
• Please put your hand out to tell the driver that you want him/her to stop so that you can get on the bus. 
• As the bus arrives and leaves the stop, stand well back to avoid the side mirrors on the bus.
• As the bus approaches check if it’s the right bus for you by watching out for the destination and route number on the front scroll.
• If you need the bus to be lowered or to use the ramp, just ask the driver when the bus stops.  You will hear a bell/buzzer while the bus is kneeling or the ramp is being lowered.  Please be patient and stay clear until this has finished.
• The bell/buzzer will stop when the operation is complete; it is now safe to get on the bus.  For your safety, please do not attempt to enter or leave the bus from the side of the ramp.
• If you are vision impaired or are unsure whether the bus is the one you need, just ask the driver, who will be pleased to help you.
• Please allow other customers to exit the bus before you get on.
• Please queue and enter the bus on the left hand side if paying with coin or Leap Card and on the right hand side if you have a prepaid ticket or paying with Leap Card flat fare.

- See more at: http://www.dublinbus.ie/en/Your-Journey1/How-to-use-the-bus/Step-1/#sthash.2MXCOQze.dpuf