City centre bus stops blocked by private operators
From the Galway City Tribune - An ongoing issue with private bus operators blocking up city bus stops in Eyre Square is ‘an accident waiting to happen’.
That’s according to the Secretary of the National Bus and Rail Union’s (NBRU) Galway Branch, John Hanlon, who said talks were ongoing with Bus Éireann management to address the issue.
“What’s happening is we have elderly people with walking frames, people with buggies and wheelchair users trying to get off the bus and we can’t reach the kerb – it’s no exaggeration to say there is an incident every day,” said Mr Hanlon.
“Our passengers’ health and welfare has to be at the forefront at all times.”
As a result of private tour operators and coaches blocking the stops, they were forced to off-load passengers on the road – and while the bus could be lowered to some extent, it wasn’t far enough for those with mobility issues, he continued.
Mr Hanlon said he was hopeful that Bus Éireann and Galway City Council could find a solution but said it could get to a stage that driver would be forced to continue to the next stop a distance away before unloading passengers safely.
“The tourist season hasn’t fully kicked off yet and it’s only going to get worse unless it’s addressed.”
Councillor Martina O’Connor (Green) said action was required and called on the Council to ensure wardens were patrolling the area.
“Decanting and pick up of passengers while double-parked is incredibly dangerous and does not allow for disability access at all. I have asked Galway City Council for an update on the warden service and to ensure there is activity in this area to keep the public and drivers safe while using the bus,” she said.