Go-Ahead Ireland is re-adding a bus service to its 33B timetable following complaints of repeated cancellations.
The transport provider has reinstated its 7.50 am service from Portrane to Swords in order accommodate students and workers. Go-Ahead Ireland previously introduced temporary timetables as a result of Covid-19 restrictions but says it is hoping to operate on a full timetable in the near future.
The transport operator said: “Go-Ahead Ireland appreciates feedback from local representatives. In response to this, we have reinstated the 33B 07:50 trip from Portrane in order to provide a service for pupils and workers, given the return to schools this week.”
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The 33B bus route has recently been criticised as a result of several cancellations which have impacted North Dublin commuters. The 33B service to Portrane at 8am reportedly did not arrive for a third day in a row this morning.
A local representative for Fingal previously told Dublin Live that she had received countless phone calls from worried passengers about recurring cancelled buses. The delays to morning commutes have made people repeatedly late for work, with some people receiving verbal warnings as a result.
Go-Ahead Ireland apologised to customers for delays to commutes, stating that the cancellations are a result staffing issues. The transport operator is currently training up new drivers and say they are hoping to rectify the situation soon.
Claire O’ Loughlin from Go-Ahead Ireland stated: “ Public transport operators, as with many other sectors, have experienced significant challenges with regard to staff recruitment, as we return to pre-pandemic levels of activity and work to deliver intended service improvements. Go-Ahead Ireland has not been immune to this. We are currently in the process of an unprecedented recruitment campaign and are deploying new staff across all of our services.”
However, full service is likely to resume following the completion of compulsory driver training. A recruitment campaign is also being carried out in order to deploy new staff nationwide.The transport provider urged any people worried about cancellations on the 33A or 33B bus routes to consult with Go-Ahead Ireland’s website or the app.
Go-Ahead Ireland took over the contract for the 33A and 33B routes from Dublin Bus in 2018. The 33A provides North Dublin commuters from areas such as Balbriggan and Skerries with access to the city centre, while the 33B connects Portrane to Swords.
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