Bus drivers describe ‘chaos’ as level 5 reduces public transport capacity

DUBLIN BUS DRIVERS have said it was “chaos” this morning as the 25% capacity rule went into effect for public transportation under the government’s Level 5 restrictions.

The National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) said its members experienced difficulties trying to accommodate passengers on various bus routes that operate primarily for the purpose of allowing those providing essential services to get to work. .

“There have already been several hotspots and locations where passengers have attempted to gain access to Dublin’s bus services in large numbers. Some drivers describe it as ‘chaos’ as an excessive number of commuters attempt to board buses through a variety of routes, ”said NBRU Secretary General Dermot O’Leary.

The National Transportation Authority said it is collaborating with the Department of Transportation and operators to identify particular pressure points in order to respond to and address them when possible.

“This morning there were problems arising from the reduction of capacity in some services, especially in buses in the Dublin area. We will continue to ask people to avoid rush hour travel and only use public transportation for essential purposes, ”said an NTA spokesperson.

According to the NBRU, no clashes or conflicts were reported this morning, “although we are extremely aware that frustration can lead to such a scenario, we cannot blame the passengers, who are struggling to get to their workplace, at the same time is tailored to your particular needs, as opposed to when services can or can be scheduled ”.

O’Leary said he has written to the CEOs of Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann and Iarnród Éireann to learn about their plans for additional services and how they propose capacity issues to the police, as he says “it’s not the job of a bus driver to the police public health guidelines ”.

In two separate submissions to Oireachtas’ Special Covid-19 Response Committee, the NBRU called for staggering the opening and closing times of schools, work, and retail stores, to manage the demand for public transportation.

“It is not fair or sustainable that those who operate the service (drivers) and those who use the service are in conflict with each other.

“The government should consider broader social measures during the second blockade to manage the demand for public transport.”

Under current guidelines, public transport should only be used for essential reasons. It is currently operating with capacity restricted to 25% with the goal of transporting essential workers to work (it was at 50% at Level 3).

People are asked to only travel within 5 km of their home to exercise, with a possible threat of fines if these rules are broken. One can leave the 5 km perimeter if it is for essential reasons.

Level 5 restrictions will be in effect for six weeks, and a review will take place after four weeks. Everything is going well, the level 5 restrictions will be lifted on December 1, when we are likely to return to the level 3 restrictions.

An Garda Síochana introduced a series of measures including a large number of checkpoints, high visibility community engagement patrols and ongoing support for the most vulnerable this morning to ensure compliance with Level 5 public health guidelines and regulations.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that people should not fear being fined if they travel beyond the 5 km limit if they have a reasonable excuse.