Overcrowding, capacity issues and the enforcement of face mask legislation were some of the main complaints raised to Bus Éireann over the course of the pandemic on one of its main cross country routes.
New figures released to the Shannonside fm newsroom under the Freedom of Information act show numerous complaints lodged with the state body over the course of the pandemic on the now-scrapped Bus Éireann Dublin to Galway route 20 and 20x.
As Ireland entered into the first lockdown, capacity levels on public transport were reduced to as low as 20 per cent, with service users warned only essential journeys could be facilitated.
Overcrowding and capacity issues were the most common complaints raised to the transport body from 2020 to present-day on the cross country route.
Members of the public had highlighted full buses passing stops along the route as they were unable to take on any more passengers due to capacity limits.
With the withdrawal of private bus services, this left many service users unable to access transport in the Shannonside region.
Following an amendment to legislation in July of last year, it became a requirement for people using public transport to wear face masks.
The enforcement of the new legislation was left in a grey area with Transport Unions declaring that it is not the responsibility of the driver of the vehicle to enforce the new health guidelines.
Files released under FOI show official complaints made by passengers over the non enforcement of the mask legislation on the Dublin to Galway route.
