Couple forced to take taxi to airport after bus breaks down - twice

A Letterkenny couple had to hail a taxi in Monaghan to make a flight from Dublin Airport on time after their Bus Eireann coach broke down.

Joanne and Charlie McLaughlin only made their flight to Portugal by the skin of their teeth after taking a taxi costing 250 with three others.

The bus was 70 minutes later than scheduled in leaving Letterkenny after encountering mechanical issues.

The Expressway route 32 service on January 18 was due to leave Letterkenny a 11.20am, but only departed at 12.30pm. Passengers were advised that the bus had to be attended to by mechanics.

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Just 20 minutes into the journey, those on board were aware that something was amiss.

“We noticed that the bus became very bumpy and we overheard the driver on the phone to his colleague, reporting the issue with the suspension,” Joanne told Donegal Live.

“He requested that another bus be waiting for us in Monaghan to complete the journey. We bumped and rattled our way to Monaghan and there was no new bus waiting for us.”

A Bus Eireann service supervisor told passengers that another mechanic would have to examine the problem.

No assurances were given at this point and time was ticking fast for those, including the McLaughlins, who had flights to catch.

Joanne said: “We knew we would miss our flight if we did not make alternative arrangements, so we told that lady who works in the cafe our story. We asked her if she knew any taxi driver and how much it would be to get to the airport.

“At this stage, three other people were looking to get the taxi too as they were in danger of missing their flights.”

They were quoted a price of €50 per person and they swiftly agreed – getting to the airport just in the nick of time.

Joanne said: “We got to the airport just in time to go through security and made our flight, but not without considerable stress and expense, which would have been totally avoided if we had had the service we paid for in the first place.”

Joanne was high in praise of Andrew Yates, the Head of Expressway, who she said 'went above and beyond' in endeavouring to help.

“He is new to the role and is dealing with grave issues with an ageing fleet. He is doing his best and understands that there is an issue with Donegal.”

While Bus Eireann have said they will be reimbursed for the expense, the angst caused is the latest tale of woe experienced by passengers using the beleaguered service.

In early January, 16 people had to scramble for the exit after a Bus Eireann Expressway coach burst into flames at the Dry Arch Roundabout.

Several people missed flights when a Sligo-Dublin service on New Year's Day was cancelled just minutes before it was due to leave, while others were left stranded at Dublin Airport recently to make way for pre-booked passengers having been allowed to board at Busáras.

On the day of the McLaughlins' arduous journey, the next 32 bus to leave Letterkenny also broke down.

Joanne said: “The whole service is an absolute shambles and a national disgrace. We have no alternative in Donegal as there is no train and the private bus company has a very limited service.

“We in Donegal need and deserve a functioning public transport system, especially if we are to reduce our carbon emissions as we are supposed to.”

In response, a Bus Eireann spokesperson said: "Bus Éireann is committed to the delivery of punctual and reliable service on all of our routes.

“On this occasion a mechanical fault was identified on the vehicle departing Letterkenny by our maintenance team which delayed its scheduled departure time. When the vehicle reached Monaghan the mechanical fault reappeared and the vehicle was taken out of operation.

“We recognise the frustration caused to passengers on this occasion and apologise for the inconvenience caused.

“Any passengers on this service are entitled to a refund for their tickets and we encourage customers to contact the Bus Éireann Customer Care department on 0818 836 611 or by email customercare@expressway.ie”