BUS company Translink has admitted a blunder after it told a customer the quickest way from Derry to Donegal was to go via Belfast.
The unusual travel advice was issued in response to a query on Twitter by Michael McFadden who asked the bus company, “I was wondering if there is any buses to Ballyshannon from Derry because the app has been confusing me.Thanks.”
In response Translink told the Derry man that his “quickest bet” would be to go from Derry to Belfast, Belfast to Enniskillen and then Enniskillen to Ballyshannon. An alternative route, Translink added, would be Derry to Omagh, Omagh to Ballinamallard and Ballinamallard to Enniskillen.
Calculations show that the distance from Derry to Ballyshannon is approximately 60 miles. Following Translink’s advice would have taken Mr McFadden all the way across Northern Ireland and back again, a journey of some 180 miles – three times as far as the direct route.
The exchange drew laughter from other Twitter users with one retweeting Translink’s response and saying, “A friend enquired about a direct bus from Derry to Donegal. They told him to go via Belfast! Incredible reply, appalling customer service.”
Another Twitter user added, “As the crow flies! A drunken disoriented crow.”
Translink has now admitted that the directions given were not the “quickest bet” and that they should have been clearer in their advice.
A Translink spokesperson told the Donegal News, “We have investigated this and recognise on this occasion we should have given further information by directing this customer to Bus Éireann who could have provided a more direct travel option.”
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