Exclusive: Dublin Coach Driver Blows Whistle Over Alleged Safety Failures, Warns of Potential Disasters

A bus driver employed by Dublin Coach, a major transport company headquartered on the Naas Road in Dublin, has sounded the alarm over what he describes as alarming safety issues that could potentially lead to catastrophic consequences.

In an exclusive interview with Kfm, the driver, whose identity is being protected for fear that he will lose his job, revealed a series of alleged recurring mechanical failures on Dublin Coach vehicles that have allegedly been neglected by the company, putting both passengers and drivers at risk.

Among the most disturbing alleged incidents reported was a near-disaster on a motorway when the steering wheel of a bus locked suddenly, leaving the driver fighting to regain control. "I managed to pull the bus over safely, but it could have been a serious accident," he said. "I had to use all my strength to steer the bus back to safety when the steering wheel shut down."

The driver's voice has been altered to protect their identity.

According to the driver, this experience is not an isolated case. 

He alleged a pattern of mechanical failures, including malfunctioning wipers, faulty brakes, and persistent steering issues.

The driver claims that despite these issues being regularly reported through the company's checklist system, Dublin Coach allegedly delays addressing them until the vehicles are on the brink of breaking down.

"They fix the buses just enough to keep them running, but the underlying issues remain," he said. "They want you to drive the bus up until it shuts down itself, then they can pull it, fix just enough so it can be put back in motion."

 

The driver admitted that he now operates the buses in constant fear, aware that a serious accident could occur at any time. 

He also stated that many of his colleagues share the same concerns but are too frightened to speak out, worried they might lose their jobs if they do. 

"What if something happened to the passengers? Maybe involved in an accident? The blame is going to be on the driver, not the company," he warned.

 

 

Kfm has contacted Dublin Coach for comment, outlining the allegations made by the driver.

These revelations come on the heels of another incident where a coach service operating from Dublin Airport to Portlaoise via Newbridge was temporarily taken out of service following safety concerns raised by passengers. 

Cllr Bill Clear said it is time that the RSA and the National Transport Authority (NTA) step in.

"There have been numerous complaints made to the RSA and NTA, but my biggest concern is what have they done about it?" Bill said.

In a strongly worded email to the National Transport Authority (NTA), Cllr Bill Clear questioned the oversight of Dublin Coach’s operations. "Dublin Coach operates several buses through Naas and County Kildare under a licence from the NTA. Are these buses regularly inspected for quality and safety? I've received numerous complaints from passengers who have been left stranded due to breakdowns of these buses," he wrote.

He said he expects these questions to be answered when the NTA attends the next full Naas council meeting in two weeks time.

He said he is going to present the NTA with all the evidence he has gathered.

Cllr Clear highlighted additional concerns about the cleanliness and maintenance of the fleet, noting that the buses are reportedly "filthy" 

He cited an incident where "a passenger disembarked in Naas, heard a loud bang" and saw what looked like parts left on the ground as the bus drove away. He said "alarms are constantly going off on these vehicles".

He also noted reports of Dublin Coach buses being stopped at Revenue and RSA checkpoints, where passengers are told to disembark because the buses are not deemed safe to travel on.

Recently, a coach service operating from Dublin Airport to Portlaoise via Newbridge was temporarily taken out of service following concerns raised by passengers.

The incident involved the 726 service from Dublin Airport to Portlaoise via Newbridge.

According to a spokesperson for the company, a passenger highlighted a mechanical issue with the roof latch on the coach.

Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the hinges on the roof latch were broken, leading to the problem.

The vehicle was removed from service, and repairs were carried out.

"We take feedback like this very seriously, as the safety and comfort of our passengers and staff are of the utmost importance to us," the spokesperson said.

This week, Kfm highlighted a number of concerns raised by passengers, including issues with the heating, ventilation, and general maintenance of the vehicles.

These images were taken by passenger Pauline Murray.

"I don't pay for it because I'm a pensioner, but people are paying 60 euros a week for this service," she said.

You can read that story.