Probe after driver leaves Limerick bus with passengers unattended
BUS ÉIREANN has launched a probe after passengers on a Limerick city bus were left without a driver and the vehicle unattended.
People travelling on the 303 service faced confusion and frustration after the driver left the vehicle, which was being driven in the direction of Southill, Janesboro and Rathbane.
The incident took place at approximately 4:50pm on Sunday with the bus stopped outside Our Lady Queen of Peace church at Roxboro Road.
The driver told the passengers another driver would be along in a few minutes and then departed. However, no new driver appeared, with the bus door left open, sparking safety fears among the passengers, some of whom were elderly.
“It's a joke, it's a disgrace, it's dangerous. Someone could hijack the bus,” said one woman, who did not wish to be identified.
“I've never seen the likes of it - he just got out and walked away.”
Aidan Fitzpatrick, who was travelling to Rathbane said: “I use this bus all the time. I find it quite reliable usually. I've never seen them stop here before.”
Another person quipped: “This wouldn’t happen on the 304. It’s only the 303 they think they can get away with this on as it goes to Southill.”
The 304 bus connects Raheen, Castletroy and University of Limerick to the city.
A Bus Éireann spokesperson said the driver was scheduled to perform “a routine shift change” with the bus depot close by.
“Unfortunately, due to a breakdown in our internal communications, the driver due to take over the route did not show,” they added, apologising for the inconvenience.
The following 303 service arrived on schedule 20 minutes later, and picked up passengers.
It meant the original bus was left unattended, its doors open.
“If it’s vandalised, it’s their own fault, Now we’ve all left, I'd not be surprised if it goes on fire,” one passenger added.