Ken, I am trying to get to the bottom of that rumour but am certain that it’s true…

Noticed as well that it’s marginally cheaper to get a five day return (return within five days) rather than a monthly return.

@Evert – Don’t suppose you’re going to have a word with Kavanagh’s as well about that rumour?

Not all of the Kavanagh buses have WiFi, only a limited number that have it.

Regarding Wifi on the train service, I don’t think having this available would make me change back to using the train. The cost of the train is just way to expensive now. €32 for an open return from Kilkenny to Dublin is ridiculous, and don’t get me started on the inability to buy a day return on a Friday!!!

Now if the journey time was cut down to an hour, I might consider going back to the train.

@Evert – Best of luck with the trial, hope it goes well.

You confirm one of the arguments we have made for the availability of wifi on Irish trains. It will significantly increase the traveler numbers.

As for JJ Kavanaghs busses, I’ve just these myself several times recently and there was no wifi service at all even though it was advertised. I emailed Kavanaghs about this but have so far not received a reply. Trying to find out what exactly the story is but rumour has it that they’re replacing their current service..

Nice post.

I’ve stopped using the train to Dublin for almost a year now, due to the cost. I just couldn’t justify it when I could get an open return ticket with JJ Kavanagh for €14 (over half the price of the train). I’ve found Kavanagh’s to be a great service, and the 6.25am bus get’s me into Dublin City Centre (not Heuston!!) about 15/20 minutes before I get in via the train & Luas – worth the sacrifice of getting up that little bit earlier.

The final straw for me was another price increase last January 2009 (the 3rd consecutive price hike). My wife was on maternity leave and I was looking to cut costs, so the journey’s by train had to go. She has since gone back to work, but I’ve just got used to the bus, and don’t feel it’s worth going back to the train. The only time I use it now is when I can claim back on work expenses as part of a work trip, which are few and far between these days.

I can’t see train prices dropping anytime, so I don’t think I’ll be changing my travel habits.

On another note, sticking to the topic of your post, I’ve tried using the WiFi service on Kavanagh’s and most times it has been extremely weak and/or constantly dropping. On the rare occasion it does work, it just takes one person to stream a YouTube video, to grind everyone’s access to a virtual standstill.