Public transport?

So I was driving in my car this morning thinking that I should look into public transport options to get to work so that I could knit on the train again. I miss my knitting time and really haven't been able to get much done. Silly long hours.

I was listening to the news and then on comes a piece about public transport. Apparently, because of the increased petrol/gas prices, more people have started taking public transportation. Therefore, the trains are more full. The mayor's suggestion to fix this problem: take out some of the seats on the trains so that more people can stand and fit! Of course people are upset by this idea because they want seats on the rush hour trains. I also wonder why they can't add more trains because there always seem to be a lot of trains sitting around in the exchange areas when I'm on the train.

While I'm on the topic, last week, I heard a piece on the radio about the mayor's idea to help the buses. See, there is a common problem of bunching (which I learned is a bunch of the same route coming right after each other). The mayor's suggestion to fix this problem is to put GPS in all the buses and then have someone in a remote location watch to see the spacing between buses. If the buses get bunched, he suggested sending someone out in a car to tell the drivers to wait and fix the spacing issue! Why can't they use a 2-way radio instead of adding to the traffic congestion?????

Buses and trains...

Yesterday, I left work a bit later than I had planned and of course traffic was mental. I got on the first bus that stopped by work (not the route that went to my final destination). Since I was going to knitting group, I needed to get to the dart and was going to miss the one that would get me there on time (not that I need to be there on time but I had wanted the girls' opinions on some wedding stuff before the group started). So, the bus stops on O'Connell street and the driver announced that it was the next stop would be Trinity College. On a whim, I asked the driver if the Trinity stop was closer to Tara Street of Pearse Street station. He said it was about halfway between the two but he would be going near Pearse if I stayed on the bus. He then asked me to go check to see if there was anyone upstairs so I did. Still not sure why he asked that. He then told me to stay on the bus and dropped me directly in front of Pearse station. I looked up at the bus stop sign and it seemed to be on his route. Anyway, I got off the bus, into Pearse and up to the platform and the train that I thought I had missed was arriving! I got on the train and made it only a few minutes later than I wanted to be.

This morning, I was running a bit late and it was raining (of course). I was standing in city centre waiting for a bus. I had waited about 15 minutes (unusual for me) and saw one of the buses that I could take. I jogged down to the stop and got to it as the bus pulled away. It barely stopped enough for the people to get off the bus! A guy who was also waiting for a bus knocked on the door of the bus (I am sure that the driver had seen us running for the bus), the driver waved his hands at him and said something. He didn't look happy. He then paused a bit and I thought he was going to let us on the bus. Nope, he pulled away! A couple minutes later, another bus pulled up (two of the same route one behind the other of course) and I got on the second bus because it was emptier. At least it was one of the fast routes. :)

Another Misadventure

Yesterday, I met up with a friend who I haven't seen since before I moved to Dublin. She had emailed me to say she was in Dublin for a few days with her husband and wanted to know if I had any free time. We scheduled to meet up on Friday afternoon. I left work a bit early and thought I'd have plenty of time to get to city centre from Ballymun. Well, I saw a bus passing the stop as I walked out of the office. Then I waited. And waited. All taxis were full. The buses that went by were out of service. Then, finally, I saw a bus. It was full and not stopping. I waited a bit and finally saw a bus just labelled "city centre." It was pretty empty so I hopped on it. It was 30 minutes after I had left work. I was supposed to meet my friend at Molly Malone in 5 minutes and was still in Ballymun!

Needless to say, I was late. Luckily for me, however, the bus driver was a "speed driver." We got into town in amazing time and then I legged it to Molly Malone. I was only 20 minutes late! Anyway, I met up with my friend and we meandered down Nassau street and did a bit of shopping. We then headed to her hotel which was near Merrion Square. Somehow, we just ended up there. I didn't intend to direct us and we weren't paying that close of attention. We just got it right! I was quite happy by this. We then went into her hotel and chatted until she had to get ready for her dinner plans.

As I was leaving, my friend asked me if I was OK getting back home on my own. It was only 5:45 PM and Merrion Square isn't that far away from Temple Bar. I assured her that I was fine, that I knew my way, and if I didn't, I could just hop on a bus. Ooops.

So, I started walking. Instead of paying close attention to where I was headed, I texted John to tell him about the amazing deal I got on a cashmere sweater at the Kilkenny shop. I also thought about going to the Louis Malcahy store to look at the pottery. Before I knew it, I had no idea where I was. I walked past Pearse St. dart station. It wasn't the side I was used to seeing and shouldn't have been on the way back home. I thought I still had a clue so I kept walking.

And then I saw a lot of Council housing. I knew that I wasn't in the right area. I called John again to try to help me figure out where I was. I walked down Pearse street and headed towards what seemed to be a bridge. It was. But it wasn't the river like I was hoping. It looked like it might be the Docklands (later found out it was). While talking to John and trying to figure out where I was and how to get back to Pearse station, I saw a bus that said it was going "an Lar." I hung up with John and waved the bus down. I wasn't exactly at the stop. The bus driver waved to me and I thought he meant to go to the next stop since many drivers won't pick people up unless they are at a stop. Well, I ran over the bridge which had the sidewalk closed so I was actually running on the road where the cars drove (but there were no cars since they had a red light).

I got tired of running and looked back to see where the bus was. He was slowly behind me. He stopped and opened his doors. I got on the bus and he asked where I was trying to go and why I ran off. I said I thought he wanted me to go to the next stop. He said that he was trying to wave me onto the bus. I said but he didn't open the doors. That is the universal get on sign. And I also mentioned that other drivers don't let people on if not at the stop. He told me the next stop was the end of his line! He also said that route 77 drivers are nicer. He was really nice. So, he let people off at the last stop and told me to stay on the bus and he'd help me get sorted after I calmed down (I was a bit out of breath from running). I explained where I was trying to go and he laughed. I was in the completely wrong direction (actually heading south instead of north). He also laughed when I asked if I had been heading north or south and reminded me that Dubs don't use north and south. While chatting, he drove into the bus depot and pulled up next to another bus. He asked the driver if she was going on her route soon as he had someone who needed some help. She said the bus in front of her was going out next. He pulls up next to this bus and asks the driver if he'd help me out since I have such a pretty smile and I was lost.

The two drivers joked around for a while and laughed. The other driver agreed to take me on the bus and help me get to where I needed to go. I then asked him where I was. He said I was in RingsEnd! Yep, I ended up near the Docklands and was walking away from city centre, not towards it. So, the driver had me sit in the seat closest to him and we chatted a bit. He got to another stop and two women got on who didn't know exactly where they were going. They asked him if the bus went where they needed to go. He said to get on the bus, sit next to me and he would get them near where they needed to go. Then, near Trinity College, another couple got on and again asked if his bus went where they needed to go. He tried to explain that they needed a different route but they didn't seem to understand his directions. He told them to get on the bus and stay up front and he'd get them to the other line.

So, we get to Dame street and I get off the bus. The driver tried to give me directions to Temple Bar but I assured him that I did actually know where I was at that point! He then told the couple who had gotten on the stop before to get off the bus and go a little bit up the road and what bus number they needed. There are some really helpful people out there and those two route 77 drivers really were friendly.

Public Transport Woes

In my interview for my current position, I asked about public transport in Dublin. The interviewers said that it wasn't a very good system by European standards and most people have cars and they are quite affordable. Hah!

First, cars are not affordable in Dublin. The cars themselves aren't really more expensive than other places but operating them is. Insurance is outrageous and petrol is also quite dear. However, more importantly, driving in Dublin is insane. Drivers tend to be quite impatient, traffic lights are timed to increase road congestion, and the roads aren't built to handle the number of drivers on them. Parking, especially in city centre, is also a pain and expensive.

So, we don't have a car and take all the available forms of public transportation to get to/from work. And since it is January, the rates are going up. According to the Minister of Transport, the bus and train company wanted to raise fares by 10%!!! They weren't granted this increase, but asking for 10% is outrageous, especially considering the buses don't run on time, are packed during rush hour, and frequently the buses have seats that aren't attached to the frame! So, buses are a mess and not a great value but only buses go to one of my work places.

The train system is a bit better. They at least have boards telling you how long you have to wait and sometimes tell you why the train is delayed. Also, if you believe the ads from the train company, about 95% of trains run on time. I am not sure if I buy that because it seems my trains tend to be a few minutes late quite frequently. Well, except for the 8:00 AM one to Balbriggan. The trains themselves tend to vary a lot. Some are nice, others seriously need a makeover and cleaning.

Now, the Luas, which is a tram system. This is by far the most effective and possibly popular public transport system in Dublin. The Luas has very limited lines as it is the newest form of public transport. However, it runs on time. It has a board telling you how long you have to wait. It is quite frequent. It is nice. It is comfortable if you get a seat. It is usually full. And it runs a profit ahead of schedule. So, in the company's infinite wisdom, they are going to increase morning rush hour fares to discourage people from using it during rush hour!!!!!! How else are people supposed to get to work? Does the company want to encourage them to drive on the already overcrowded streets? Should they take the unreliable, but cheaper, bus system? Does the company think people can really flex their work hours that much (fare increase from 7.45-9.30 AM)? Or, is this simply a scheme to make more money? It seems to me that they are targeting people who depend on them the most.

People in this city need a reliable, affordable public transport system. An integrated one where you could buy one ticket to use on all systems would be helpful also. However, since there are three companies running public transport, that is unlikely to happen anytime soon. Either way, we need a reliable way to get to work and get around the city. Additionally, if there was a reliable, affordable transport system, I think it would alleviate traffic on the road. I do think the transport system needs to be off the roads. Part of the problem with the buses is that they get stuck in traffic. Yes, there are bus lanes but bikes and taxis also use the lanes. Actually, cars use them also. Further, there aren't always bus lanes. So, you can be riding along nicely in the bus lane, then it ends, the bus has to merge with traffic and everyone slows down again. Until the next bus lane...

Stinky Bus

The wheels on the bus go shake shake shake, shake shake shake, shake shake shake
The exhaust from the bus go stink stink stink stink, stink stink stink, stink stink stink
The seats on the bus are grubby grubby grubby, grubby grubby grubby, grubby grubby grubby,
The people on the bus go sit sit sit (right next to you when they don't have to)
The drivers on the bus go "speed speed speed," speed speed speed, speed speed speed
Because the buses are always late late late, late late late, late late late
Then the people go, "get me off, get me off, get me off"
All through the town.

But seriously, I think I need a holiday.

I sat in the back of the bus on my way home tonight. I got a nasty headache from the fumes. The vibration of the bus when it was stopped also made my MP3 player sound funny. Like the music was on a record skipping.

While sitting in the back of the bus, I kept thinking, "I should move forward but then I'd have to sit next to someone." I really don't like sitting next to people.

Soon I am getting a bike and may use that for transport instead.

taxi drivers

I have decided that taxi drivers are interesting people. Since I take taxis so often, I have met quite a few. Every now and then I get the same ones back. They often remember me, too. Maybe it is the accent.

There are a few things about some taxi drivers that annoy me, though. One, there is this guy who doesn't listen to my directions as to where to go even though he doesn't know where to go or how to get there. That bothers me. I have had him a few times now and it is always when I am late (because he is late picking me up) and then he takes the longest, most indirect route possible. It is annoying. I also get annoyed when taxi drivers take a longer route than is necessary. I understand that sometimes traffic is faster with the longer route. However, when the fare is 5 Euro more than other drivers, there's a problem. I haven't decided if they take the long way because of my accent or because I may not know better since I don't drive. I hope it is the first one.

I had a very interesting taxi driver yesterday. He had little model cars (a lot like toy cars) all over the dash board of the car. He then had a driver's prayer thing posted near the steering wheel. He drove so slowly that I was afraid he was going to cause an accident! He also kept putting on the emergency break and shifting into neutral when we were stopped even though he drove an automatic. As a tangent, why do people use their emergency brake so much here? If you are driving a manual transmission car, isn't that what the clutch and neutral are for?

I also had another interesting taxi driver recently. He told me that he used to be a lawyer. We talked about a few things and seemed very smart and was an interesting guy. I wondered what made him stop being a lawyer and start being a taxi driver. I think I would rather be a taxi driver, though. I had another taxi driver a while back who kept complaining how lazy his wife and son were. He kept telling me how he had to go to the shops down the street multiple times a day for them (they were too lazy to do it themselves) and had to run errands for her even though she wasn't working and he was. There was also a guy who was a semi-professional photographer so we chatted about photography a bit.

Overall, I have had some very interesting conversations about life in Ireland, life in the States, politics, and real estate here. I like it when the taxi drivers talk to me and we have interesting conversation. I also like it when they take the fastest and cheapest route to go places and listen to me when I tell them where I want to go. Another really nice thing about a lot of taxi drivers is that they will round the fare. So, I have had fares that the meter said were 9.60 and they round down to 9.50. I have never had anyone round up.

May I see your ticket please?

Today I left work about 6:00 PM. It was a long day since I was on the train at 8:00 AM. Anyway, I was waiting for the bus and this car pulls up in the bus lane. It just sits there and has four guys in it. The guys are all wearing suits. Eventually, three get out of the car and have caps that look like pilot hats that they put on. I didn't think much of it. I just figured that they were pilots. I wasn't really sure why they were waiting in the car but thought that they were lucky since a bus came not a minute after they got out of their car.

I put my bus ticket into the reader and stood in an open area where people with strollers/buggies go or if there is a passenger in a wheelchair they go. So, one of the guys asks to see my ticket. I think that is strange since he just watched me put it into the reader not a minute ago. I dig it out and he then asks to see my bus/rail ID. I just got a new one this month because I lost my old one and the only way to get a monthly bus/rail ticket is to have one of these stupid IDs that cost 3.50. Anyway, he asks to see my ID so I take out my wallet and start digging through it. Normally, I only show it once a month: to get my new bus/rail ticket. I finally find it and get the guy's attention who is talking to the elderly guy behind me. I show him my ID, he looks at it, looks at me, frowns and hands it back to me. By this time, guy 2 went to the upper level of the bus.

The third guy is watching all of this and watching me. He approaches me and says in a quiet tone that when an Inspector asks to see my ticket, always show my ID with it. I probably should have been a bit deferent to him, but I just said I didn't know. He wasn't impatient but cut me off and said just for next time.

The same Inspector then told me that I had to sit on the bus since there were seats available. I told him that I didn't want to sit. He insisted so I explained that I hurt my back and it physically hurts a lot to sit on the seats. He then "excused" me from sitting and allowed me to stay standing. Besides, I had my (full) backpack (nice one that John gave me for Christmas) on my back, a big bag and my purse with me. It is hard to manage all that stuff and sit down.

Finally, the first Inspector finishes with the guy behind me and writes down some numbers. See, the guy behind me had a bus pass. This is different than what I get. A bus pass (as two mates told me as they laughed at me calling my ticket a pass this autumn) is for people who are elderly, disabled, or too poor to afford the bus. At least I think the last category is true since I see some young adult very able body people with bus passes. Anyway, you have a special ID with information in it. So the inspector was very interested in this guy's bus pass and I think the guy had to do some follow-up but I don't know since I wasn't listening. I was trying to relax to Shania Twain.

A while later, while Inspectors One and Three are looking at the bus tickets of everyone in the lower area, Inspector Two comes down with some One-Day Ramblers (one day tickets that can be used as much as you want but for a day) and puts them in the card reader to mark them. He also had a pad that looked like a ticket book. I guess some people upstairs didn't either pay the full fare or couldn't prove they paid at all. Funny since there is a place on the bus to throw away your slip that you get if you pay cash. So, its presence encourages one to throw this slip away almost as soon as you get it. And a lot of people do. I watch them daily.

So, after about 20 minutes, the three guys meet back up, tell everyone that they have to sit if there are seats available. Three of us are standing. One of the guys looks at me and tells me to sit because I stay standing. The Inspector I explained my issue to told the guy I was OK. The Inspector claimed that it was a safety hazard to be standing on the bus. Then why were they standing and why were they standing in the stair way? That isn't a very good example to set.

Anyway, they finish their inspection and get off two stops later. The next bus driver gets on at the stop as the Inspectors get off. The new bus driver gets on, the old one gets out of his area, and they exchange a look. I couldn't quite see it since the Inspectors were blocking my view. However, the bus driver who was done glanced at the Inspectors and the other one laughed. I bet they don't like them on their buses anymore than we like them on the bus.

Ok, so that is my story. Now, I still want to know why I have to have this stupid special bus ID. I think it may be 1) to make a bit of money and 2) to prevent people from sharing the monthly ticket. However, there is another monthly ticket that doesn't require an ID. If you were going to share (which you aren't supposed to), wouldn't you just use that one? By the way, I would get that one but it doesn't come with bus and train. Anyway, I digress again. If the intention is to cut down on sharing, what is to stop people from paying the 3.50 for the ID, getting Month C's ticket and sharing it with the people who bought tickets for months A and B? Besides, wouldn't people want to use the tickets about the same time? That is assuming that you are a commuter. I think that there has been an increase in Inspections on the buses and trains. Maybe that is where my extra 5 Euro a month for my monthly ticket is going.

You didn't pay for this far

Today I went to the chiropractor to get my spine assessed. My friend M has been going to one and she really likes it and said that it has helped her a lot. Since I have back problems and fell a couple weeks ago, I thought I would get it checked out. So, I went before work and the chiropractor said that I needed an x-ray to make sure that I didn't fracture my tailbone when I fell (which I didn't).

I went to get the x-ray after work. On my way home on the bus, the bus driver pulled over and stopped the bus. He got out of his little driver area (there is glass and a door between the passengers and the driver). He walked all the way to the back of the bus and told a lady that she asked for how much to Fairview and she passed Fairview. She either needed to get off the bus or pay an extra 95 cents to go to city centre. The lady protested but the bus driver said that she was going to city centre and needed to pay the whole fare. He then went back up to his driver area and waited. Eventually, she dug out more change and went up and paid the extra fair.

I suppose I should explain how the bus system works. You pay a base fare, 95 cents at the moment. That fare gets you a certain distance. If you want to go farther than that, you have to pay more. However, you don't pay 95 cents more. For example, if I didn't have my bus ticket (I buy a monthly one) with me, I would have to pay 1.35 each way to get to work and home on the bus. So, the lady shouldn't have had to pay another 95 cents. She should have only had to pay 40 cents. I think that the driver was mad (obviously) and wanted to prove a point that she paid for a certain distance and since she didn't pay the whole way, she had to pay 2 base fares.

doh!

I had to go up to Balbriggan. I had a hard time getting up since I didn't sleep well last night. So, I almost ran to the train and almost missed it. I ran up the ramp to get to the train and had to push lots of people out of my way since their train just let them off at the same basic platform (other side but shares a walkway). Some people didn't want to move so I had to push them out of my way. I know it isn't very nice, but I had to catch the train...

I finally realized, that there are people on the train when I get on so this can't be the first stop. On a whim, I decided to check to see if the train stops at my local station, which is a 7 minute walk instead of a 15 minute walk. The train does stop at my local station 4 minutes earlier than the station I've been using. That means that I can leave about the same time and not have to 1)walk as far, 2) walk as fast. While I don't mind walking fast, I usually have a heavy bag and it makes my back hurt to carry it. So next week, I get to use my local station which is also easier to navigate since it is much smaller.

good day

Today I had  long train ride to get somewhere outside of Dublin.  My train ride was about 50 minutes. It was a really nice ride since I got to see farm land and the sea lots. At one point, the sea was on both sides of the train. When I got off the train, I saw that the train stop overlooked the beach! Even in the rain it was quite pretty. After I was done with my task and back at the train station, I got to watch the sea and smell the fresh sea air for half an hour because I missed the train I wanted. Normally I would be frustrated but I was actually glad since it meant I got to spend time by the sea.
 

Today was cold and rainy. When I got in the taxi this morning, it said it was 9 degress. That is 48 degress Ferenheit. I think it got colder throughout the day, not warmer. :( I turned the heat on a bit and am curled up in a nice wooly blanket.