Question 1

Is it always an Ashbourne Connect branded bus?

Accepted Answer

No, at times we use buses from other parts of our fleet and they may not be branded as Ashbourne Connect or may even be branded for another service.

Every bus will however always display Route number and Final Destination i.e. '194 RATOATH'.

Please look out for the destination display on the bus windscreen.

Question 2

How long does a 10 journey ticket last?

Accepted Answer

10 Journey Tickets last 8 calendar days from first use.

Question 3

How accurate are the timetables?

Accepted Answer

Timetables are a best case scenario. They are designed for a typical day, with typical road conditions. The timetables are intended as a guide.

Delays can be caused by traffic, weather, events and other situations outside of our control.

We recommend allowing time to complete your journey as depending on the day operating conditions can be unpredictable.

Question 4

How do I use Leap Card?

Accepted Answer

Please visit the Leap Card website for information on how to use your leap card. https://about.leapcard.ie/about/using-leap

Question 5

Do you operate weekends?

Accepted Answer

We are currently not licensed to operate at weekends.

Question 6

Who actually buys the ticket?

Accepted Answer

The employer buys the ticket from the bus company as a normal inter business transaction.

All matters to actual tax deduction and the amounts are between the employer and the employee. The administration of the payroll function is not within our remit. Ashbourne Connect have no control over this.

The contract for services is between Ashbourne Connect and the employer so refunds are a matter between the operator and the employer. Refunds will only be made to the employer.

Question 7

Where are the stops in Dublin City Inbound on Route 194A?

Accepted Answer

East Wall Road

Convention Centre Cardiff Lane Grand Canal - Treasury Building Mount Street Merrion Square Merrion Street Baggot Street Ballsbridge - Opp American Embassy UCD - Bus Park

Question 8

What are the stops on 193/194/194X inbound?

Accepted Answer

East Wall Road

Convention Centre

Eden Quay

Townsend Street

Westland Row

Merrion Street

St. Stephen's Green

Question 9

What ticket types do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer the following ticket types-

Cash Single, Cash Return (valid for 8 days)

Leap Single, Leap Return (valid for 8 days), Leap 10 Journey

We also offer taxsaver monthly, 3 month or annual tickets.

Child and student fares are only available with a child or student Leap Card.

Question 10

Is it always an Ashbourne Connect branded bus?

Accepted Answer

No, at times we use buses from other parts of our fleet and they may not be branded as Ashbourne Connect or may even be branded for another service.

Every bus will however always display Route number and Final Destination i.e. '194 RATOATH'.

Please look out for the destination display on the bus windscreen.

Question 11

How Do I order a Taxsaver Ticket?

Accepted Answer

Click here for our online taxsaver order form Dont forget the terms and conditions and other Taxsaver FAQs which are in this section. If you have any questions please email info@ashbourneconnect.ie

Question 12

Can I bring a bike on the bus?

Accepted Answer

We can accommodate bikes on coaches only. We cannot guarantee that we can carry your bike on every journey as low floor double decks cannot safely stow a bike.

Question 13

Where are the Outbound stops in Dublin City?

Accepted Answer

**Please Check timetable for services and times**

UCD - Coach Park (Peak Only)

Ballsbridge - Dublin Bus Stop 487 (Peak Only)

Grand Canal - Treasury Building (Peak only)

Mount Street - Dublin Bus Stop 491

Merrion Square - Dublin Bus Stop 493

Merrion Square West - Dublin Bus Stop 2810

Merrion Street - Dublin Bus Stop 2811

St. Stephen's Green - Dublin Bus Stop 790

Leinster Street South - Dublin Bus Stop 7586

Westland Row - Dublin Bus Stop 495

Custom House Quay - Dublin Bus Stop 407

North Wall - Hilton Hotel - Dublin Bus Stop 2499

North Wall - A&L Goodbody - Dublin Bus Stop 2500

North Wall - 3 Arena - Dublin Bus Stop 7623

Question 14

Do you take the Social Welfare/OAP pass?

Accepted Answer

Ashbourne Connect services are not presently members of the Free Travel Scheme.

Question 15

Where are the stops in Ashbourne?

Accepted Answer

Nine Mile Stone

The Briars

Alderbrook

Dublin Road - Bridge

AIB

Credit Union

Millbourne

Fire Station

Opp Pillo Hotel

Question 16

How do I get the bus to stop?

Accepted Answer

Please put your hand out in good time for the driver to see you. Don't assume the bus will automatically stop.

The drivers will scan the stops as they approach the stop for possible passengers but as they get closer and see no signal they will commit to moving the bus on. This means they may be looking in the road ahead or in their mirrors and may not see you.

At this stage it will be very dangerous to just stop the bus.

The onus is on the passenger to hail to bus, please keep an eye out for the bus.

Question 17

Can I bring animals on the bus?

Accepted Answer

With the exception of guide dogs we do not allow the carriage of animals on the bus.

Question 18

Do you operate on Bank Holidays

Accepted Answer

Ashbourne Connect services do not operate on bank holidays.

Question 19

What is your policy on hot food/drinks?

Accepted Answer

Hot food or drinks are not allowed on board at any time.

Question 20

How much are Ashbourne Connect Taxsavers?

Accepted Answer

The Taxsaver Tickets are priced for 2019 as follows

Monthly €190.00

3 Month €510.00

Annual €1850.00

Question 21

Is every stop served?

Accepted Answer

Restrictions are set on certain times by Dublin City Council so if there is no time beside the stop the bus does not have permission to use the bus stop.

Ashbourne Connect do not have any control over these restrictions.

Question 22

Will I actually save that much?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The taxsaver scheme is one of the best ways for a PAYE worker to save on tax.

Depending on how much you earn you will save on the price we sell the ticket for and you will not have the hassle of buying tickets or topping up Leap Cards. Stress free commuting.

Question 23

Where are your stops in Ratoath?

Accepted Answer

Meadowbank Hill

Woodlands Estate

Steeplechase

Auld Stand Pub

Ballybin Roundabout

Question 24

How do I top up my Leap Card?

Accepted Answer

You can top up your Leap Card on our bus. Simply present your card to the driver and ask them to top up your card to any note value. You can then buy a ticket and later use your credit to buy tickets on any other Leap scheme member.

You can also find out more about top ups on www.leapcard.ie

Question 25

What is your policy on E-Cigarettes?

Accepted Answer

E-Cigarettes or smoking are not permitted at any time on our buses.

Question 26

What is your change policy?

Accepted Answer

Where possible the driver will facilitate you with change for a purchase but the do not carry a float and if the driver has not got any change available the onus will remain with the customer to pay enough for their journey.

If the customer wishes to overpay, please retain your receipt and email a copy to info@ashbourneconnect.ie to arrange a refund.

Please note we will not accept an overpay of more than €10.00.

Question 27

What is your policy on alcohol consumption?

Accepted Answer

Alcohol consumption is not permitted on board at any time.

Question 28

Can I bring a bike?

Accepted Answer

We will accommodate bikes but as we operate low floor buses without underbody storage we cannot always guarantee we can accommodate you.

Question 29

Are all your buses wheelchair friendly?

Accepted Answer

50% of our buses are now wheelchair accessible. Since 2017 all buses purchased are now accessible but we need 24 hours notice to ensure services are available with the necessary provisions.

As a company we are committed to transport for everyone and we are working towards providing 100% accessible services in the near future.

Question 30

What is a Taxsaver?

Accepted Answer

The TaxSaver Commuter Ticket Scheme was established in Ireland in 2000 as an incentive for workers in some parts of the country to use public transport. You can avail of public transport commuter tickets if you are travelling for work by public transport bus or rail. The scheme is not confined to State-owned forms of public transport and can include private operators if they are approved transport providers.

The TaxSaver scheme is operated by approved transport providers in conjunction with the Revenue Commissioners. The scheme involves employers providing employees (including company directors) with bus and rail commuter tickets while saving on employer PRSI payments. Employees participating in the scheme benefit from reduced income tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge (USC) payments.

Employees receive tickets either as part of their salary package (salary sacrifice), in lieu of an annual cash bonus, or as a benefit-in-kind. Savings arise because tickets are not subject to tax, PRSI or USC. Employees only have to pay tax, PRSI and USC on the “money” portion of their salary. Employer PRSI is also calculated on the “money” portion of the employee’s salary.

Question 31

What if I want to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Taxsaver tickets canceled by the employer before the 20th of the month prior to issue.

As an alternative if you are sick on extended leave we can 'pause' your ticket until you return once we have notice before the 20th of the previous month.

Question 32

Taxsaver Terms and Conditions of Taxsaver Tickets

Accepted Answer

Terms and Conditions of Taxsaver Ticket.

1. Tickets are only valid on a personalised Leap Card. Fraudulent use of the ticket will result in cancelation on without refund.

2. Tickets are valid from the 1st of the month un l the last day of the month for the period selected.

3. Annual tickets can be cancelled by giving notice in writing or by email by the 20th of each month. Refunds will be for the remaining clear months on the ticket minus a 10% admin fee.

4. Refunds will only be made by EFT to the bank account nominated by the employer.

5. We only accept payment by EFT. Paper payments are not acceptable.

6. We can ‘freeze’ annual tickets for periods of more than 3 months if your situation changes e.g. birth of child, sickness, relocation. This in an alternative to a refund.

7. The ticket will not be valid if we have not received payment. If payment is not with us within the required timeframe the ticket will commence on the 1st of the month following payment.

8. The customer must have their personalised leap card prior to first use of the ticket. The company will not refund for any portion of ticket not used due to the customer not having a personalised leap card.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE REJECTED, IF EVERY SECTION IS NOT FILLED IN WE WILL NOT PROCESS THE APPLICATION.

Question 33

How do I retrieve lost property?

Accepted Answer

If you think you have lost property on our buses please email us info@ashbourneconnect.ie with the following information.

Description of item

Date and time lost

Bus service you were on (time and boarding stop)

If we find your item we will either try link it up with your next bus journey or you can collect during Monday - Friday from 09.00-16.00 from our garage at Primatestown Cross.

We will store items for 30 days and then dispose of items not claimed.

The company accepts no liability for lost property.

Published by Ashbourne Connect