Termonfeckin based Labour Councillor Michelle Hall says that the 168 bus service through the village, a route on which she campaigned for increased frequency, is falling short of expectations and she is urging users to bring their complaints to the attention of Bus Eireann.
She says that she is inundated with complaints about the service, the most serious of which are from wheelchair users complaining about the lack of accessibility on many of the buses.
“People have missed interviews, are late for work or having to resort to getting last minute taxis to or from Drogheda because of the poor service on this route” she said.
“Bus Eireann’s Customer Charter states that it aims to deliver a “safe, reliable and punctual service” yet locals who are travelling on Route 168, the improved Drogheda to Dundalk service through the coastal villages of Termonfeckin and Clogherhead are often found to be waiting for up to half an hour or find that the bus isn’t running at all” she said.
“I am inundated weekly with complaints of delays or no-shows on Route 168.
“The live app which is supposed to locate the bus doesn’t seem to work either. I’ve highlighted this with both Bus Eireann’s North-East manager and inspector but I need locals to log complaints to provide evidence in order to improve this service.
“There are more than sufficient numbers using this route, which in my opinion still hasn’t enough buses provided, but the buses that are running need to be reliable and punctual.
“I’ve also heard that wheelchair users aren’t being provided with accessible buses, even though they have rung ahead to say they are needed. It’s hard to believe that we are living in the 21st century and accessibility isn’t universal.”
Complaints can be logged on Bus Eireann’s website https://buseireann.ie or LoCall 1850 836 611.
