Bus Éireann issues free phone helpline for parents/guardians

  • Over 34,000 families have registered to date using the online school transport system
  • Over 13,200 families have made payments of over €3 million to date
  • Over 18,500 medical card details have been submitted
  • Free phone helpline will be operational tomorrow (Wednesday, July 23) and payment closing date extended

Bus Éireann’s upgraded online school transport payment system has processed a large number of ticket payments, which are ahead of last year’s figures at this time, and remain ahead of target for this year.

The company has acknowledged that some users are experiencing difficulties with the new system, and while most of these are resolved, we are listening to customer feedback to improve others.

A free phone help line number 1800 945 945 will be in service tomorrow morning (Wednesday, July 23 2014) from 0900 to 2000 to assist with any technical issues or difficulties being experienced.

It should be noted this helpline can only provide assistance for those having technical difficulties with the online system. Anyone with local school bus queries regarding pick-up locations or timetables etc. should call their local school transport office for this information. This helpline will remain open until 1 August, including across the course of this coming Saturday and Sunday – when it will be in operation from 0900 to 1730.

Bus Éireann have extended the closing date for receipt of payments or medical card details from Friday, 25 July next, to Friday, 1 August next. The company’s move towards on online system is led by customer demand, as last year, 70% of payments were completed online. Once a customer has registered they can manage their own accounts, and by locating their home on the online map, are also given an immediate preliminary assessment of eligibility for the school transport scheme, which is determined in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Education & Skills.

While the online payment system is convenient for most people, we will continue to accept payments in the post to our local school transport offices via cheque/postal order/bank draft. Those who want to use a medical card/s for students will need to submit this in lieu of payment. A family ID number should also be quoted.

This is the first year of online registration and an upgraded payments system, and we apologise for any delays or inconvenience as a result. We also ask for patience as the remainder of technical issues are resolved.

Tuesday, 22nd July, 2014