Dear Reader,
It’s indeed a reassuring move seeing Dublin Bus take significant steps towards eliminating unruly behaviour through its trial initiative, an action that has been greeted favourably by both workers and patrons (as per the news from October 7th). Still, it evokes a melancholic feeling, acknowledging that our current state has reached this juncture.
Looking back, one can’t help but reminisce about the affable and proficient bus conductors who served diligently in our past. These individuals were brilliant representatives of both our public bus system and our majestic capital metropolis.
The relentless surge of technology replacing human beings in a myriad of public service sectors is a constant reminder that we live in a world obsessed with automated efficiencies. Undeniably, technology has served us well and continues to evolve, but it cannot substitute the valuable human interaction that comes with dealing one on one with another person.
A suggestion for Dublin Bus to ponder over could be the provision of some personnel to supervise seats earmarked explicitly for vulnerable commuters. As a regular patron of public transit, I’ve observed the sight of small children occupying these seats, whilst elderly, handicapped and at times gravid women clutch onto bus handrails tightly, struggling to reach their desired locations.
Best wishes,
Alice Leahy,
Head of Services,
Alice Leahy Trust,
Dublin 8.