Demand on Irish Rail services during Bus Eireann strike?

[comcor]

Keeping this off the info thread...

Is there any word on an increase in demand on Irish Rail services during the Bus Eireann strike?

I'm thinking particularly of the thinner services that are in direct competition with Bus Eireann routes - Cork-Tralee, Limerick-Galway, Limerick-Waterford. The first of these carries 300+ bus passengers each way a day.

I'm surprised I haven't heard Irish Rail promoting themselves as an alternative service. It could even have longer term benefits for services.

As a side note, I assume the rail replacement service in South Wexford isn't functioning...

[ACustomer]

Irish Rail must be a bit worried in case the NBRU picket rail depots. Actively looking for Bus Eireann business might provide the more militant NBRU guys a pretext for spreading the strike. So my guess is that Irish Rail will stay away from any action which might backfire.

[Mark Gleeson]

South Wexford is dead alright

IE are not jumping up and down from a number of reasons.
1. More DFSA passes....
2. Don't want to risk trouble with Bus Eireann unions
3. Capacity is somewhat limited at peak times

[Jamie2k9]

Irish Rail must be a bit worried in case the NBRU picket rail depots. Actively looking for Bus Eireann business might provide the more militant NBRU guys a pretext for spreading the strike. So my guess is that Irish Rail will stay away from any action which might backfire.

This is just the NBRU trying to be tackful, IE staff know only to well what IE's financail suituation is and if they were to walk of the job they could see future cuts to wages so I expect they know better and they would never walk off.

[Colm Moore]

The flip side is that things like this tend to suppress the number of people travelling in the short term - people put off shopping and recreational trips and those with flexible work take days off or work from home.

Although that may be cold comfort for students who no longer have their college residence to save rent and are living at home.

[dowlingm]

Secondary picketing would be a mistake I feel. Would get Leo beating the war drums to break up CIE.

[Jamie2k9]

Secondary picketing would be a mistake I feel. Would get Leo beating the war drums to break up CIE.

On second thoughts breaking up CIE would be excellent news. Its needed as one company can stop 90% + of public transport if they want and it shouldn't be the case.