Conditions of Carriage

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STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF CARRIAGE

GENERAL CONDITIONS

All passenger tickets, whether sold on the bus at time of travel or in advance at booking offices or authorised ticket agencies, are issued subject to the bye-laws, regulations and conditions contained in the publications and notices of or applicable to Bus Éireann. Purchase of a ticket is deemed to imply acceptance of these conditions.

Tickets, which are valid for travel on the services of other transport companies, are in addition subject to the conditions of carriage of the respective transport companies concerned. Such tickets are issued by Bus Éireann as agents for such other transport companies and Bus Éireann and/or its staff are not liable in the event of any failure by other transport companies to operate as advertised. Additional special conditions apply to tickets issued by Bus Éireann for travel on international coach services to Britain and Europe. These conditions are contained in the relevant publications detailing such international services.

Tickets issued by Bus Éireann are not transferable. Break of journey is not permitted except at interchange points for completion of journey by another bus on the same day.

Claims for refunds in respect of unused tickets will be considered solely at the discretion of Bus Éireann and will be subject to such administration charges as Bus Éireann may deem appropriate.

Refund claims must be made no later than 30 days after the date of outward travel on your unused ticket.

Passengers boarding at intermediate points not listed on the schedule of fare stages will be charged as from the previous listed stage point. Passengers alighting between two listed fare stages will be charged the fare to the next listed stage point.

Passengers are obliged to pay the proper fare for their bus journey. If a passenger refuses or omits to pay his fare, he must give his name and address to the driver or conductor if so required. If he fails to do so, or gives false or misleading details, he may be detained until the arrival of the Garda Siochána and in that event, may be liable to prosecution.

Every effort is made to ensure accommodation on buses for ticket holders but no liability or responsibility is accepted by Bus Éireann for the inability of a passenger to use a ticket on any particular bus if there is insufficient accommodation on that bus.

Tickets must be retained for inspection, and must be produced for inspection on request by any authorised official of Bus Éireann. Tickets must also be surrendered if and when requested by any authorised official of Bus Éireann.

All tickets are valid for travel as indicated by the fare paid and/or other details printed on the tickets at time of issue. Passengers are obliged to ensure that these details are correct in respect of the journey intended.  If a ticket is spoiled or tampered with, it will be invalidated and if a passenger travels with it, s/he will be considered to have travelled without a ticket. In such circumstance customer will be obliged to pay full fare for the journey undertaken.  Bus Éireann reserves the right to suspend or withdraw the issue of tickets of a particular category or at a particular fare on any route or section of route as may be notified from time to time.  Minimum fares are charged on certain bus services as notified from time to time.

Tickets which are lost, lent or stolen will not be replaced. Refunds will not be issued on partially used tickets.

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PASSENGER TICKETS - CATEGORY VALIDITY

Children under sixteen years of age are charged fares at such special child rates as may be specified from time to time. One child under three years of age will be carried free if accompanied by and in the charge of a fare-paying passenger, provided that the child does not occupy a seat to the exclusion of another passenger. Where doubt exists as to the eligibility of a child for a reduced fare, it is the responsibility of the passenger claiming the child fare to produce evidence of age.

Unaccompanied Children
Children under 12 years of age will NOT be carried, except when they are accompanied by a responsible person aged 16 years or over, on the following categories of Bus Éireann services: All Expressway services - as detailed in Expressway timetable booklet. Non-Expressway services where the intended journey of the child passenger exceeds 50 kilometres. Where doubt exists as to the eligibility of a child for unaccompanied travel, it is the responsibility of the passenger claiming such eligibility to produce evidence of age.

Single Tickets are valid for one single journey on date of issue as shown by fare paid and/or other details on the ticket.

Return Tickets are valid for one outward and one inward journey only. They are not valid for two journeys in the same direction.

Ordinary Return Tickets (monthly validity) are valid for one outward journey on date of issue as shown by fare paid and/or other details on the ticket, and for return journey for up to one month from date of outward travel.

Midweek Return Tickets are valid for travel on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only. Passengers who wish to return on other days, within one month of the date of outward journey, must pay an excess fare equal to the difference between the Midweek Return fare and the appropriate ordinary return fare for the journey travelled. Midweek Return Tickets are not issued on certain services operated jointly with Ulsterbus and on other specified routes as notified from time to time.

Day Return Tickets are valid for one outward journey on date of issue as shown by fare paid and/or other details on the ticket, and for return journey on the same day. Day Return Tickets are valid for one outward journey only on date of issue as shown by fare paid and/or other details on the ticket, and for return journey on the same day. Passengers who wish to return on another day will not be issued with an excess fare ticket.

Family Return Tickets valid as Ordinary Return Tickets are issued to family groups consisting of one or two adults and up to a maximum of three children under 16 years of age. Family Return Tickets are not available on cross border services

Student Single and Return Tickets are issued at discounted fares on production of any one of the following forms of identification: a current International Student Identity Card (ISIC); a valid Student Identity Card issued by a recognised third-level College in the Republic of Ireland; a current Translink Student Identity Card; or a City Student Card or National Student Card (both issued by Bus Átha Cliath/Iarnród Éireann); but otherwise have the same conditions of validity as ordinary Single and Return Tickets.

Weekly (10 Journey) Tickets are valid for 10 journeys as specified, and as shown by fare paid and/or other details on the ticket for a period of seven consecutive days inclusive of date of issue and including Sundays. For example, a Weekly Ticket issued on Tuesday is valid up to and including the following Monday. When a public holiday falls within the period of validity of a 10-journey ticket, the expiry date is automatically extended by one day without endorsement of ticket.

Child 10 Journey Weekly Tickets are issued to children under 16 years of age on production of valid Bus Éireann Record Card showing child's date of birth.

Student 10 Journey Weekly Tickets are issued to students on production of valid International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or valid Student Identity Card issued by a recognised third-level College in the Republic of Ireland; or a current Translink Student Identity Card; or a City Student Card or National Student Card (both issued by Bus Átha Cliath/Iarnród Éireann). Apprentices over 16 and under 23 years of age may be issued with Student 10 Journey Weekly Tickets on production of valid Bus Éireann Record Card. In all cases where concession rate tickets are issued on production of the appropriate card or document showing entitlement to the concession, such card or document must be produced for inspection on each occasion on which the ticket is tendered for travel. Where Record Cards or other concession entitlement documents are used after the due expiry date, or are transferred to another person, or are fraudulently used in any other manner, they will be confiscated. In such cases the appropriate full fare must be paid for the journey undertaken.

Tickets issued at special reduced return fares, or for special services not listed in the published timetables, are valid in accordance with special conditions as advertised and notified from time to time.

Commuter Tickets are issued subject to the following additional conditions: Weekly and Monthly Commuter Tickets are valid only as specified on the tickets. They are not valid on special services not listed in the timetable. "Hop" tickets are valid only in the Dublin Region, in the Medium, Long or Giant Hop zones as notified. Short Hop tickets are not valid on Bus Éireann services. Commuter Tickets issued in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford are valid only in the city in which they are issued. Commuter Tickets must be presented with a valid CIÉ Photo ID Card of the holder with the corresponding validation number entered on the ticket. Tickets remain the property of Bus Éireann and must be produced for inspection at any time during a journey, or surrendered if demanded by any authorised official. Passengers failing to produce a current valid commuter ticket on request will be obliged to pay the full fare for the particular journey travelled and no refund will be payable by Bus Éireann to such passenger in any such case. Commuter Tickets are valid only for the period shown on the ticket. Out-of-date or non-current tickets, or tickets presented without Photo ID Card or with incorrect validation number, will be confiscated. Photo ID Cards remain the property of the Company and will be confiscated if presented with a non-valid ticket. Claims for refunds or extensions of tickets in the event of reduction or disruption of services will not be considered. Commuter Tickets are not transferable and do not confer any priority on the holder over other passengers. All Commuter Tickets are issued and accepted subject to the rules, regulations and conditions of the Company. Irregularities in the use of any ticket may lead to its confiscation.

Photo ID Cards for commuter tickets are issued at Bus Éireann Travel Centres at Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford; and in Dublin at the Bus Átha Cliath office, 59 Upper O'Connell Street. A charge will be made for the issue of Photo ID Cards.

Additional special conditions also apply to School Transport Scheme Travel Tickets issued by Bus Éireann and to Free Travel Passes issued by Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs and Department of Defence. These special conditions are printed on the relevant Travel Tickets and Free Travel passes as appropriate to each scheme, holders for the foregoing categories of tickets and passes are deemed to be fully aware of the conditions of validity applicable in each case and, in particular, that all such tickets and passes must be produced for inspection on request by a driver or other authorised official of Bus Éireann.

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CUSTOMS/SECURITY REQUIREMENTS

In order to comply with customs and/or security requirements it may be necessary as directed for passengers to alight from coach at ferry terminals, coach stations or other locations to have luggage checked and to present suitable identity documents for verification, All passengers shall be deemed to be fully acquainted with customs, police, security, censorship and immigration requirements applicable to international travel.

In the event of passengers being unable to satisfy the requirements of the relevant authorities before the departure time shown in the published timetables, services will not be delayed. Bus Éireann shall not be liable for any loss, damage, delay or expense arising as a result of such delays or inability to complete a journey

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TIMETABLE

While every effort is made by Bus Éireann to ensure the full operation of all bus services advertised by them at all times, Bus Éireann will not be liable for any delay or interruption in any of its services where such delay or interruption is caused by reason of matters beyond its control, including, without limitation, interference by labour or industrial dispute, machine break-down or interruption in supply by others of power, materials or finished goods.

Bus Éireann services may be subject to alteration or cancellation without notice for reasons beyond the control of Bus Éireann. Intending passengers are, therefore, advised to enquire before setting out on their journey for the latest information concerning the services.

On occasions where snow, fog, or other adverse weather conditions prevail, or the state of the roads is unusually difficult or if for any reason whatsoever roads or sections of roads are closed to traffic, it may be necessary to vary the times of Bus Éireann services, or to suspend their operation without notice. Bus Éireann shall not be liable for any loss, damage, delay or expense arising as a result of such circumstances outside the control of Bus Éireann.

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PASSENGER LUGGAGE/BICYCLES

Each passenger may carry one medium-sized suitcase or equivalent (maximum dimensions 80cms x 70 cms x 20 cms and maximum weight 15 Kgs) on a bus free of charge, which must be placed in the luggage compartment of the vehicle. In addition, each passenger may carry one small item of hand luggage free of charge inside the passenger saloon of the vehicle. Hand luggage carried inside the passenger saloon must not be placed where it could obstruct the gangway or any passenger entrance or emergency exit, but must be placed under a seat or in an overhead rack as appropriate. Any additional luggage may only be carried if, in the opinion of Bus Éireann, there is sufficient accommodation available. Such additional luggage, if carried at the discretion of Bus Éireann, must be placed in the luggage compartment of the vehicle and may be subject to an additional charge as determined by Bus Éireann from time to time.

Folding childrens’ pushchairs will be carried free, subject to accommodation being available and provided they are folded before placing in the luggage compartment. Folding bicycles which are packed and wrapped in a suitable carrier bag/protective covering will be treated as passengers’ accompanied luggage and carried free of charge in the luggage storage area. Folding bicycles which are NOT packed or wrapped as described above will be charged at the full cycle rate.

Bicycles, prams and non-folding childrens’ pushchairs or buggies will be carried only if sufficient accommodation is available; they must be placed in the luggage compartment or other designated area of the vehicle and are subject to a charge as determined by Bus Éireann from time to time.

On vehicles accessible to mobility impaired persons who are wheelchair users, a wheelchair must be parked in the designated area and in such a manner as the driver may direct. A wheelchair user has priority for use of this designated area at all times. One occupied childrens’ buggy or pushchair may be parked in this designated area when it is not occupied by a wheelchair.

Where it is necessary to transfer to another vehicle or vehicles before completion of journey, the availability of sufficient accommodation for additional items of luggage or for bicycles, prams or pushchairs, cannot be guaranteed.

All luggage must be securely packed, fastened and locked before being placed in or taken on vehicles. All luggage must also be clearly labelled with the name, address and destination of the accompanying passenger. Passengers are required to place a string label on items of luggage placed in the luggage compartment of a vehicle and will be required to produce evidence of identity to a Bus Éireann driver or other authorised official on request. All items of passengers' luggage as described in the foregoing are carried by Bus Éireann at owner's risk, irrespective of whether or not they have been handed to a Bus Éireann employee or agent and without regard to the part of the vehicle in which they are carried or by whom they have been so placed in such vehicle. Bus Éireann, its employees, agents, and/or sub-contractors shall not be liable for loss of and/or damage to passengers' luggage or any passengers' personal possessions, unless such loss or damage is proven to have been caused by the negligence, breach of duty or breach of statutory duty of Bus Éireann, its employees, agents or sub-contractors.

In the event of Bus Éireann being proven liable for loss or damage under this clause the liability of Bus Éireann shall be limited to a maximum of €127 in respect of each claim, and also to a maximum of €50.80 for any one item contained within the luggage lost or damaged.

Personal effects or items of luggage of a relatively expensive nature should not be packed in luggage placed in the luggage compartment, but should be kept in a passenger's hand luggage or on the person of that passenger. Bus Éireann will not be liable for any loss of or damage to such articles if placed in the luggage compartment.

Bus Éireann will not be liable for financial loss involving cash, currency, cheques, credit/cash/charge cards, or for loss of travel or identity documents of any kind. Bus Éireann will not accept any claim for loss of or damage to property from a third party or made by a passenger on behalf of a third party, irrespective of whether a passenger's luggage contains items belonging to any such third party.

In the event that a passenger suffers any loss of or damage to luggage, the passenger must report such loss in full to the appropriate Garda Síochána Station so that any subsequent claim can be fully investigated. Bus Éireann will not consider any claim for loss unless the Garda Síochána have been notified and a report filed by them in respect of such a claim.

Any claim in respect of loss of or damage to property must be made to Bus Éireann within 24 hours of the journey on which the loss or damage is alleged to have occurred. A full written report detailing such loss or damage must be submitted within five days of that date to the relevant office in Bus Éireann which deals with such matters as notified from time to time.

The foregoing Conditions of Carriage of Passengers Luggage are applicable on Bus Éireann services within Ireland. Carriage of passengers' luggage on services operated jointly with Ulsterbus Ltd. is in addition subject to the Conditions of Carriage of Ulsterbus Ltd.

Separate conditions apply to the carriage of passengers' luggage on Bus Éireann services to Britain and Europe. These conditions are contained in the relevant publications detailing such international services.

Separate conditions also apply to the carriage of unaccompanied freight, parcels and letters on Bus Éireann services. These conditions are contained in the relevant publications detailing such parcels services.

Customers are not allowed to take onto a Bus Éireann bus, or any bus operated for or on behalf of Bus Éireann, any hot food or hot drinks.

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DOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS

Guide dogs accompanying passengers who hold a Registered Blind Person's Pass are carried free of charge on Bus Éireann's services. Apart from the foregoing exception, dogs, cats or any other animals or live fowl of any description WILL NOT be carried.

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LOST PROPERTY

Property found in or on Bus Éireann vehicles will be deposited at the nearest depot of the Company. A handling fee per article will be charged when lost property is claimed. If lost property is unclaimed for a period in excess of two months, such property will be sold and the monies obtained will be used to defray any expenses incurred by Bus Éireann in holding such property. No responsibility will be accepted by Bus Éireann for loss of or damage to property belonging to a passenger which is lost or stolen on Bus Éireann premises or on Bus Éireann vehicles.

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