View Full Version : Intercity journey experiences
Mark Gleeson
10-01-2006, 11:17
What should be a stress free experience intercity train travel is far from enjoyable in Ireland. The absolute basics are rarely handled correctly
The platform the train will depart from is clearly shown in advance of the trains arrival, i.e. no random platform changes
All intercity services either the driver, guard or ticket checker will announce the next station unless an automated system is in place and working. This will be done in good time
Before the train leaves its starting point a clear announcement should be made listing all stops and all possible changes, as well as a brief safety message concerning proper stowage of luggage and the no smoking policy.
The presence of catering services and there location to be announced when they open
All working inter carriage doors will be enabled
If the train stops in the countryside for no good reason you should be told why
So if you are on a intercity service,
Where the announcement is made in the language known as train which you can't understand
Where the announcement volume is so low as to be inaudible
Where the catering doesn't show up despite being in the timetable
A train fitted with an electronic display (inside or outside) which isn't working
The computer driven announcement tells you the wrong or out of date information such as the wrong station or doesn't announce the station.
You can't hear the announcement or the electronic display is full of funny characters
Where you can't find a full route map
Where the inter carriage doors won't close
Where the heating system is defective
Where the seat you booked doesn't exist
Where you have a first class ticket but there is no first class despite it being shown in the timetable
Where the train is dangerously overcrowded
Post it here, we need the date, time and the service operated, one of the coach numbers would be handy (but is not essential) as then we could prove that its not just one specifc train but a fleet wide problem.
Mark Gleeson
10-01-2006, 11:37
Friday 6-1-2005
15:00 Dublin Cork
No pa made before departure, pa inaudible when annocuments made, no reference to catering which didn't reach the 2nd last coach till Thurles and the train was quiet by standards
Significant number of intercarriage doors where left open
Donal Quinn
11-01-2006, 12:24
this is a fantastic idea - i know there is a thread for suburban already but having a specific one for intercity is great as each have a specific set of issues
i might suggest that this thread form the basis of a leaflet campaign outside heuston and connolly
"Had a bad train journey? IE not listening to you? Tell us!" - with instructions on how to get to the site and give details (basically the first post on this thread)
irish people are increasingly learning to complain and IE give no satisfaction
it should be easy to get them to tell their stories here - might generate alot of traffic as well because it offers a specific reason to come to the site rather than a generic "come and visit us"
i know the committee has plenty of scheme's and plans - just thought i'd add this to the list
This is going to be a fairly busy thread ! Im going to print Marks original post and keep it as a check list for my next Sligo-Dublin journey on the 2900s. Im sure i'll get them on some cock-up !
What about the leaflets don mentioned Mark ? Is it a runner ? Shame IE into doing something....
9:00pm Dublin - Cork - Friday 13th.
1) Announcement before train departed completely ridiculous.
"Passengers who are not travelling please leave the train immediately as doors are about to close - doors are now closing please stand clear of the doors"
(didn't really give much chance if you weren't travelling and did actually have to get off!)
2) Large section of missing seats in one MK3 coach (just after the dining car)
3) Several seats in our coach had badly damaged arm rests. It looked like the front of the arm rest assembly had been knocked right off.
4) While the internal doors were checked by a guy in an IE uniform. One at the end of our coach (standard class 2 away from dining car) didn't work and remained open.
There were 2 problems, both of which I thought were handled very well however:
1) The train borded slightly late due. While the platform announcements didn't explain why, they did keep explaining that bording was slightly delayed and apologised. The ticket checker speeded things along by pre-checking all of the tickets in the queue. When the train did pull up, he simply opened the barriers and people rapidly boarded without any delay.
2) The dining car had a "technical problem with the boiler" ... however, the dining car person came on the intercom and she announced that she would be unable to serve tea/coffe/hot drinks due to a fault with the water boiler. I thought that this was quite reasonable as it saved people who wanted tea/coffee a long trip up the train.
1) The train borded slightly late due. While the platform announcements didn't explain why, they did keep explaining that bording was slightly delayed and apologised. The ticket checker speeded things along by pre-checking all of the tickets in the queue. When the train did pull up, he simply opened the barriers and people rapidly boarded without any delay.
2) The dining car had a "technical problem with the boiler" ... however, the dining car person came on the intercom and she announced that she would be unable to serve tea/coffe/hot drinks due to a fault with the water boiler. I thought that this was quite reasonable as it saved people who wanted tea/coffee a long trip up the train.
Wow, that sounds like a railway company with an actual ethos of customer service was running that train. I'm surprised and gladdened to hear that.
You got away lightly MrX, seeing that it was Friday the 13th :)
Still good to see the right annoucements being made.
Thomas J Stamp
23-01-2006, 14:03
Friday 20/1/06
6.55 train from Templemore (the Cork 5.30 now Mark 3 not 2d anymore...) a/c working VERY well in my carraige. Heating wasnt. Frozen. Thought it was the entire train till the ticketman said it was only our carraige and it was faulty.
BREL's Air conditioning's never been the best, even on the MK3s.
Seems to have 2 settings "sweat" or "freeze"
The 18:21 ex-Killarney to Heuston yesterday (29/01/06) was late arriving into Killarney by approximately twenty mins and didnt leave til 18:40. No announcement/reason or even apology for the delay was made at any point on the train or the station.
Secondly more than half the rear carriage of the train was reserved for a group leaving killarney who seemed not to show up.
After some time a passenger enquired if they could sit in the reserved seats, only to find out that these seats were reserved for a previous train (15:45 again ex Killarney??) and the guard hadn't bothered to take down the reserved signs?
Finally to add to matters the train was freezing most people were wearing their coats hats and gloves for the three and a half hour trip, while one lucky lady resorted to taking a sleepig bag from her bag and getting into it.
Typical IE an excellent service and all for only Euro60!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:mad: :mad: :mad:
Your story sounds all too familair Colm. The bit about the reserved seats is ridiculous. Id write to the line manager if i were you. This "service" is not acceptable in 2006 !
:mad: :mad: :mad:
I could post something similar to this every weekend I go home to kerry over the past six years.
It makes sitting in traffic on the N7 seem like heaven. at least your on your own time, you are guarenteed food, warmth, some degree of comfort, and I get to my own front door As with most other customers on intercity I aspire to have my own car soon.
I just figured I do 7360 miles a year minimum with intercity IE If that was Aerlingus or BA I would at least get the air miles and the odd free flight or first class seat.
End of Rant......................:D
Connolly-Sligo 29K :mad: Friday, Feb. 3rd 2006.
19:00 service - no announcements AT ALL except 2 "this train is for Sligo" before departure.
P.I.S. was dead as a doornail too.
But wait, there's more!
The train started and stopped an likely went really slow from Connolly to Mullingar, because we got into Mullingar the best part of 10 minutes late. S'posed to get there at 8:05 PM got there it was more like quarter-past.
Now this is where it gets interesting. The driver must have put boot down, becuase we got to Edgeworthstown only 5 min behind schedule, and by Longford, where I disembarked, the train was back on time.
Now let's stop and think about this for a second - the everyday timetable seems to be padded by the best part of 10 min and this is just the stretch from Mullingar to Longford!
Methinks its time to pitch the ridiculous "Customer Charter" as it seems to be doing more harm than good. And there seems to be a lot of unexplained stopping-and-starting of trains since the new timetable :( Can't believe i ***ing paid €30 for that "service"
What the hell is going there anyway.
I was on the 9:00pm service Dublin-Cork on Friday (03/02/2006). The train, a mark 3, boarded and departed approximately 10 mins late for no apparent reason. However, Heuston staff did make an announcment appologising for the delayed boarding etc.
The "fun" started after boarding.
A completely unintelligable announcement in a very strong cork accent came over the intercom mumbling something about Kent station. This was followed by giggling.
There was no doors closing announcement. The doors simply shut.
The first stop, Kildare was announced after the train stopped and the doors were opened.
The doors had closed before the announcement was made warning that they were about to close.
Now for the really fun bit.
The speakers went live and we heard "Watch yer wan, she'll steal the sugar and the milk.." followed by giggling / horse play.
then "Gerry's here.. .Gerry's here... Gerry's here!" (or something along those lines).
They then left the microphone on for about 45 mins !!
The rest of the announcements for the entire journey were completely farsical. They were deafeningly loud, the mic was never switched off at the end of them and they were completely unintelligable.
I cannot understand how any company that claims to uphold standards could stand over this kind of utter nonsense. I would even go as far as to suspect that the crew making these announcements were possibly tipsy / drunk.
If this happened on an airline the crew would be summarily dismissed without any explanation. You'd simply have to pack your things and find a new job, in a different industry.
I am just amazed that this kind of nonsense can go on.
The faster they come up with an intercity PIS and automatic announcement system the better. IE staff clearly can't be let loose with a microphone!:eek:
Mark Gleeson
04-02-2006, 18:42
Our man Derek reports a MK3 coach dumped in sidings in Kildare this morning it would have been some hassle to remove and would have seriously delayed services. Also the turnback in Newbridge is out of use forcing Newbridge terminating trains to run to Kildare out of service
Sounds like the PA in the dining car was left on. I saw my first fully powered up CDE set on Thursday and everything was working let just hope the software works
Derek Wheeler
05-02-2006, 01:15
"Our man Derek" had more on his plate today than a dumped MK3 coach in Kildare.
Arrived for the 09.28 service to Cork from Kildare. At 9.25 an announcement is made that the next train on Platform 1 is to Cork. Passengers for Limerick, change at the junction, Passengers for Killarney and Tralee change at Mallow. No mention of passengers for Roscrea and Nenagh, changing at Ballybrophy. Obviously, this particular service doesn't enter the mindset this close to Heuston!:confused:
Also announced was the fact that the train was running 10 mins late. The 10 mins late bit was announced 3 times, but alas, no apology at any point. Train arrives and departs 8 mins late. "Stand clear of all doors" announcement is made along with arrival at station announcements. (also included was the little "bing bong" bit. nice touch, but spoilt by background noise as usual. Who said they could'nt wait for automated announcements on the new CDE sets?)
Ticket checker was shabby on this service and catering guy(no uniform) insisted on calling me "mate". Arrive at Limerick Junction still 8 mins late. Fair enough. No apology.(obviously in betweeny stops don't matter) Its only 8 mins, but so what, say sorry anyway. It makes you feel better.
Return journey was 17.30 ex Limerick, direct. Listed as having trolley service. As usual, no trolley service or even any sign of a trolley or staff. But hey,this happens all the time and people don't even bother complaining. I didn't miss it myself, but if its meant to have one then it should as somebody (5 in my carraige) obviously cared as they asked about it. Anyway, no door announcements. 9 minute delay at Ballybrophy. No reason. Connection was on time. Fast stop and depart at Portlaoise and arrival at Kildare still 9 - 10 mins down. Pretty uneventful I know, but one positive..... the ticket checker was a non-national (is that PC?) He was turned out in impeccable fashion, smiled, was friendly and a credit to IE.
Ive taken this service before and its always empty. Its preceeded by a 17.10 connection to the junction, but onward stops are different. Seems like a bit of a stock movement feature. Any thoughts on that?
I would also have to complement the non-irish staff on IE in recent months. I have had fantastically helpful service from several ticket checkers, catering staff etc all of whom have been non irish nationals.
It's clear that there's "don't care" culture within IE's older staff.
There are some Irish staff on board who are quite helpful and nice too though. It's just a minority of them that give the rest of them a very bad name.
There are several catering staff who look like they've never heard of a comb, a shower and have zero ability to tuck their shirt into their pants. Calling customers "mate" etc.. just sounds crumby. I'm not suggesting that they call you "sir" or anything. But you'd sort of expect the same level of customer care as you get in your average O'Brien's sandwich bar or whatever.
I get the feeling sometimes that the train's being run by 1970s school kids who simply failed to grow up.
Also, I think IE should look at a uniform change. The current outfit has a bit of a "school uniform" from the local CBS look about it.
Something a bit smarter and more modern might help improve morale.
Also, perhaps something a bit more practical for those crew members who are clearly incapable of tucking in shirts, tieing ties etc etc.
IE should look at issuing scripts for PA Announcements too. These adhoc announcements arn't really acceptable. Particularly those relating to safety issues e.g. the doors.
I would suggest that they even could install a simple announcement device that would only play "DOORS ARE ABOUT TO CLOSE, PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF DOORS... DOORS ARE ABOUT TO CLOSE ... STAND CLEAR! and perhaps play a Luas style tone. This could be triggered automatically by the door system.
Surely something like that could be implemented very cheaply and would keep safety up. All you'd need is a single message PA announcement system tied into the PA. It could be operated either automatically or by pushing an extra button when you are about to close the doors.
Mark Gleeson
05-02-2006, 11:36
I'm told there is a new uniform coming
The catering is to be contracted out (thank god)
There will be no need for the doors closing PA on the new trains as they have the warning buzzer
James Shields
05-02-2006, 12:23
The train started and stopped an likely went really slow from Connolly to Mullingar, because we got into Mullingar the best part of 10 minutes late. S'posed to get there at 8:05 PM got there it was more like quarter-past.
Now this is where it gets interesting. The driver must have put boot down, becuase we got to Edgeworthstown only 5 min behind schedule, and by Longford, where I disembarked, the train was back on time.
Sean, I seriously suspect that the 75mph speed limit on the 2900s is a myth, and whether they are suppored to or not, drivers seem to regularly exceed it. I have been trying Mark's counting-seconds-between-quarter-mile-markers trick, and while I admit that my timing is likely to be less than 100% accurate, I have regularly counted 11 seconds between posts (81mph), and occasionally 10 secs (90mph). I have also watched out of service trains going through stations, and while I have no way of measuring how fast they go, they do really put the foot down.
Give them a clear line, and they can really fly.
Sean, I seriously suspect that the 75mph speed limit on the 2900s is a mythNo offense but you're kinda biased, you love those 29Ks :D I could easily say the same thing about the 071-Mk2d combo.
and whether they are suppored to or not, drivers seem to regularly exceed it.I would imagine there was some kind of safety control to prevent (or report after the fact) this happening.
Give them a clear line, and they can really fly.Shaking like a drunken monkey on steriods.
Actually this last time the ride wasn't that awfully bad, not as bad as it usually is.
But one thing I didn't like was that on the 4 coach train there were people standing and sitting on bags in the "general carriage area" a.k.a. "the floor" :mad: Hadn't seen that in years.
But I had taken Mk2ds up that day, and they too were in very fine form. A total joy to use as ever. Hard to believe these are possibly only days away from being pulled from mainline service.
I just have to stop taking the Sligo train becuase every time I do, I just end up getting more confused each time :confused:
Mark Gleeson
05-02-2006, 19:54
This fella had a bad experience
Train journey almost sent me off the rails
A DUBLIN businessman has written to the Minister for Transport Martin Cullen, the Health and Safety Authority and the Railway Inspectorate about what he claims was the "filthy, unsafe, unsanitary and uncomfortable" condition of a mainline train last weekend.
But a spokesperson for Iarnrod Eireann said that while they accepted trains could be crowded, especially at the weekend, the issue was one of comfort rather than safety.
They could not comment on the particular complaint and they had not yet received an correspondence, but they promised that the situation would improve in 2007/2008 when 120 new carriages would add comfort and allow greater frequency on inter-city routes - such as the one complained of.
Mr Owen Patten told the Sunday Independent that when he boarded the 2.25pm train from Westport to Dublin on Sunday last it was half full, but by the time it reached Ballyhaunis it was full.
"At Ballyhaunis, Claremorris and Roscommon, more and more passengers boarded, with the result that every gangway, every available space was filled with people and their luggage - even the spaces between the carriages," he said.
"Exit doors were blocked and the two toilets in the vicinity of where I was siting - carriage number 5223 - were locked and out of order. If there was any kind of emergency either on the track or in the train, I doubt if the rescue services would have been able to get to work very quickly.
"I talked to the ticket collector and he told me he had only got on at Castlereagh and couldn't do anything about it. At this stage I had given up my seat to an elderly nun who looked very frail," he added.
Mr Patten said that conditions were so bad that he and about 20 other passengers decided to get off the train at Athlone. "Some soldiers in uniform had to help a few elderly ladies off the train. We waited for the best part of an hour for the Galway train which was half full before we could continue to Dublin.
"I did asked to speak to the station master, but was told she was not available."
Mr Patten says he had a similar experience almost exactly a year ago so when he got home he rang some friends in Castlebar and Westport to ask them if there had been some special occasion that might have caused overcrowding.
"I was told there was nothing special, that this was a regular occurrence."
Willie Kealy
© Sunday Independent 2006
http://www.unison.ie/irish_independent/stories.php3?ca=9&si=1555741&issue_id=13638
Oh yeah you only need 1 door on each side
James Shields
06-02-2006, 00:16
No offense but you're kinda biased, you love those 29Ks I could easily say the same thing about the 071-Mk2d combo.
I like them - they do exactly what it says on the tin. The trouble is that it says "Commuter" on the tin in big letters. I'll be the first to agree they are not the right stock for InterCity services.
But one thing I didn't like was that on the 4 coach train there were people standing and sitting on bags in the "general carriage area" a.k.a. "the floor" Hadn't seen that in years.
I'm guessing a 4-car Intercity set would have loads of room for everyone to sit. But the 2900s are designed to pack in the maximum number of commuters, with an average of 48 seats per car instead of 70+.
I just have to stop taking the Sligo train becuase every time I do, I just end up getting more confused each time
Me too. But then, I'm going to Drogheda!
I was on the 9:00pm service Dublin-Cork on Friday (03/02/2006). The train, a mark 3, boarded and departed approximately 10 mins late for no apparent reason. However, Heuston staff did make an announcment appologising for the delayed boarding etc.
The "fun" started after boarding.
I had a similar experience meself...
Was sitting near the front of the train, just behind the 1st class (non-citygold section)
It was the same 9am service, but on Tuesday (7/2/06)
Train left 10 mins late, but the best bit was a guy arrived on at 5 past 9 with a supermac's bag full of fried goodies. *and* he had an IE uniform on. He went up to talk to his fellow jobsworths, and the muppets had left the mike on again, because we could all hear the slagging that he was getting over some IE staff night out.
Presumably as the IE guy arrived late he knew that it wasn't going to depart on time (unless the train was waiting for him?). I do try my best to relax when on an intercity run but I have to admit this is hindered by the thought that IE have put more padding in their timetable than a wonderbra just so some of their more juvenile staff can feck around and take the piss.
My mood was mollified somewhat by the charming non-Irish trolley lady (I agree completely with the comments that the non-Irish IE staff are way more professional than their Irish equivalents btw) -- there was a guy in front of me who decided to sit in standard class, primarily because he could get a seat of 4 to himself. But he had a first class ticket, and perhaps because he hadn't travelled 1st class before, he innocently enquired of the trolley lady were there any benefits to actually travelling 1st class.
There being no in-seat catering that day (surprise!), she thought for a second before replying: "Curtains". Class...
Yer man with the Supermacs bag, probably with the shirt hanging out of his arse. That kinda of crap drives me mad. It shows that
A. IE dont give a crap
B. No-one seems to be in charge
C. Customer service is non existent in this organisation.
D. Professionalism doesnt exist in this organisation.
Think about it. If that was you or me, coming into my office, late for work, munching Supermac food in front of my customers and loud mouthing over an intercom for all to her about "da grea nigh las nigh". I wouldn't be long in my job or at least have gotton a yellow card !
Yer man Fearn has his head in the sand when it comes to customer service and basic professionalism. Giving IE 100 Billion Euro wont change this type of carry-on im afraid, especially when the boss man is not seen to be the boss and has no respect from his own employees. This is what really seperates us from the rest of Europe not the lack of money.
Yes Bring in the foreign nationals - the sooner the better. Maybe one day they will give Fearns job to one of them. Maybe then IE might start to deliver a SERVICE and not just run trains !
:mad:
Got the 8:50 AM ex-Sligo train at Edgeworthstown. Don't remember if it was an 8 coach or 4, but there were standees in all cars >_< fortunately I found a seat that everyone else either overlooked or didn't bother with ...
Then the toilets (sorry toilet) was on the blink. Dunno what happened, door malfunctioned or whatever. Seems to be commplace ... I guess that's what happens when you stuff a 6 coach trainload of people into a 4-piece rolling trashcan.
The ultimate kick in the nuts came at Connolly station where our Mk2ds were lying idle in Platform 4 - and when I came back at 1:20 PM (for other reasons) and saw said set leaving for Belfast :mad:
"Life expired" my rear end. Give us back our half-decent trains you idiotic, pathetic, inept, moronic CIE/IE tossers.
Signed; Irish Rail's #1 fan - right behind TSheridan and Metrobest.
James Shields
14-02-2006, 13:52
"Life expired" my rear end. Give us back our half-decent trains you idiotic, pathetic, inept, moronic CIE/IE tossers.
Just because they got pressed back into service for the Enterprise doesn't mean they're not life expired.
You would have gotten Mk3s if some Sligo polly'ticken hadn't shouted his mouth off about "second hand trains".
Yep the Mk2s are gone for good off regular Sligo services as of today... except for the Friday & Sunday relief trains.
The last down service was last night's 17.00 ex Connolly which I was lucky enough to be on.... sitting across from two people lying back in their seats and discussing how the new trains are "so cramped" and how the old ones are "so much more comfortable".
Little did they know that was their last opportunity to travel to Sligo in some degree of comfort for at least two years.
That's after hundreds of millions of euro of OUR money have been pumped into the sham that is the Sligo line
Let's hope Mitsui get their act together, the regional DMUs arrive well ahead of schedule, and Fearn, in a moment of uncharacteristic insight, allocates them to where they're most badly needed
As for the Mk2s being life expired - I still refuse to accept that they couldn't have bridged the gap until the Mitsuis arrive. Just like the early bird being cancelled "because no-one used it" even though everyone from Mullingar onwards had to stand each and every week. This suits IE and that's all that matters.
Besides what state will the 29ks be in come 2008, after two years of racing up and down to Sligo. They're already cropping up numerous failures, broken toilets, faulty doors etc are everyday occurrences.
Mark Gleeson
14-02-2006, 22:21
We tried but as usual IE wouldn't play along
http://www.platform11.org/campaigns/sligo/
In August 2005 Platform 11 contacted senior management in Iarnród Éireann with our concerns and offered a solution (using different trains) to Iarnród Éireann. In a written response but they chose to ignore the issues we highlighted. A face to face meeting followed. In response to Iarnród Éireann failing to even acknowledge our concerns we have contacted the Interim Rail Safety Commission (IRSC) highlighting our concern that the use of suburban rolling stock on intercity duties would lead to a reduction in safety and introduces risks that were not present before, particularly with relation to lack of storage for luggage and also nowhere to securely store the catering trolley. We note Iarnród Éireann had not provided the IRSC with a a copy of their internal safety assessment required by Company Safety Standard No. 6 at the time of our complaint 2 weeks after the new trains had entered service.
We even got close to getting the 29000 units declared unsafe for intercity use but where scuppered by the timing (had they been introduced now and not November it might be different)
The MK2d coaches are past it several coaches have already ben added to the scrap line. IE don't give a damn about Sligo (or Rosslare) and the Mitsui railcars are courtesy of the NRA being under budget last year not some long term plan from IE, the 36 new 29000 unis are also courtesy of the NRA. That said I expect to see them on Dublin Belfast first
This is not a closed issue just one where there wasn't enough bad feelings on the ground to cause a fuss that changes this week
Don't forget the trains are all new as pointed out in the 29Ks round 2 thread, so the real problems with crap ride quality are just going to appear gradually.
I for one would advise all Sligo line passengers to get the bus from now on
BTW, having just seen our Mk2d trains going to Belfast the other day, I'm starting to think Mark might be right about the IC DMUs going to Belfast rather than Sligo and Rosslare.
The question is, how do we deal with the circumstance where that happens? I could have sworn that the 29Ks had been doctored just enough to make them barely acceptable for long-term IC duty.
ACustomer
15-02-2006, 10:23
I don't buy the idea of the IC DMUs going to Belfast rather than Sligo. The extra 30 units ordered are (as far as I am aware) 3-car units and would not have the catering or the Premium/First Class accommodation necessary for Belfast services. Also would there be corridor connections between two 3-car units?
Having said that, nothing can be ruled out: I could be mistaken in taking a rational view of things.
James Shields
15-02-2006, 12:51
I don't think the IC DMUs can go to Belfast, except maybe for relief services when the regular enterprise breaks down. The Enterprise is a 50/50 venture, so IE are not going to put new stock on and give NIR a free ride.
I've heard talk of some Mk3s being put on the route to increase frequency. How would that work? Would IE be providing the coaches and locomotives and still giving NIR hald the revenue?
Thomas J Stamp
17-02-2006, 16:19
15/2/06 1730 Heuston Limerick
No announcement on board as to what train it was till we were past Park West or an announcement that we were pulling off soon. No pa until portlaoise and then in our carriage it was a whisper.
Between Ballybrophy and Templemore the guard came in and asked if we heard the pa. We told him it was very quiet. He said that was funny as people in the other carriages were giving out because it was so loud. He went off to try and fix it and but it was still on whisper coming into Templemore.
OT but half the train got off in Ballybrophy (remember the Nenagh Limerick Thread). Same apparently for the 1830 to Thurles. Now of only there was a railcar waiting for BOTH trains...............
I'm sure IE and NIR could hammer out some kinda deal to get the MK3s onto the route if they need them.
Mark Gleeson
19-02-2006, 17:32
OT but half the train got off in Ballybrophy (remember the Nenagh Limerick Thread). Same apparently for the 1830 to Thurles. Now of only there was a railcar waiting for BOTH trains...............
18:30 doesn't call at Ballybrophy
The reason you get off the 18:35 to Thurles at Ballybrophy is because the 19:00 to Cork calls at Ballybrophy Monday to Thursday and Saturday, its quicker to change as the 18:35 is held in the loop platform to allow the 19:00 overtake, I'm serious its a very strange setup
There is no notice in the timetable telling you to change, nor does the departure board in Heuston tell you to change, that said
The train in platform 4 is the 18:35 to Thurles, passengers for Thurles and Templemore should change at Ballybrophy :D
Thomas J Stamp
20-02-2006, 09:59
I ment the 1835........ in the station in templemore they've a handy timetable which does say you've to change at Ballybrophy on that Thurles train. I've never had to take it myself but it does seem a bit strainge. Maybe when the next timetable comes out it'll make more sense.
turnapin
24-02-2006, 11:13
Strange experience on the 18:00 Connolly-Longford yesterday evening when the driver appeared to reboot the train before departure (all engines and lights off). Displays and announcements worked a treat though.
Also, still seem to be 2 Mk2's on Connolly-Sligo at the moment.
James Shields
24-02-2006, 11:40
I've seen something like that happen on 2900s occasionally. I've experienced the train stopping in the middle of nowhere, wait for a minute or two, all engines go quiet and lights go off. Passengers look around thinking "uh-oh this doesn't look good." After about two seconds the engines start up again and the lights come back on, and a few seconds later the train moves off again.
Very strange when it happens, but it doesn't happen very often and when it does they don't seem to waste any time about it.
Despite the misgivings some people have about them, the 2900s seem rock solid, and I've only once been delayed by a mechanical problem with one of them - and even then, most of the delay was caused by people bailing out on to the tracks when they were perfectly safe in the train.
Red Alert
24-02-2006, 22:15
The DMU's are a travesty. They're good for runs like Celbridge or even Dundalk. But compared to the Mk3's they lose. They are loud (since they're a bus diesel engine and an automatic transmission) and uncomfortable. The internal styling seems to go for big curves and it looks to be honest like a public toilet on wheels.
I don't buy the scripted announcements thing (or even the automatic ones). The real human-being ones do add a personal touch. Let's keep them!
Mark Gleeson
24-02-2006, 22:29
The DMU's are a travesty. They're good for runs like Celbridge or even Dundalk. But compared to the Mk3's they lose. They are loud (since they're a bus diesel engine and an automatic transmission) and uncomfortable. The internal styling seems to go for big curves and it looks to be honest like a public toilet on wheels. There fine for short to medium distance commuting. The curved surfaces are following accident experience sharp edges and corners are not a good idea,
I don't buy the scripted announcements thing (or even the automatic ones). The real human-being ones do add a personal touch. Let's keep them!
Well you are going to have to put up with the rule book says you will have automatic announcements its a requirement. IE staff can't be trusted to make a clear pa in good time. A consistent common voice is of importance to those with a disability
The DMU's are a travesty. They're good for runs like Celbridge or even Dundalk. But compared to the Mk3's they lose. They are loud (since they're a bus diesel engine and an automatic transmission) and uncomfortable. The internal styling seems to go for big curves and it looks to be honest like a public toilet on wheels.
I don't buy the scripted announcements thing (or even the automatic ones). The real human-being ones do add a personal touch. Let's keep them!
That's, probably the best post of any new member on the P11 boards :) I refer to the DMUs (well really just the 29ks as the older ones aren't so bad) as "rolling trashcan," "garbage can on wheels" "drunken monkey on steriods" (in reference to the way some of them shake in action) or when I'm really annoyed, "s*** trains" but "public toilet on wheels" is also apt. you've also got a point about those announcements too IMHO.
Colm Donoghue
27-02-2006, 11:53
I was on the 18:15 from pearse to Drogehda on Friday, it was a 2600 and it was seriously bumpy and rocky, I was nearly thrown off my seat as we passed the points at the sidings south of Malahide at full speed.
I've never seen anything like it on a 29k
All th ewinging about the 29k ride pales to the discomfort of a 2600, which seems to be the normal train on the 18:15 since the new timetable.
James Shields
27-02-2006, 13:16
None of the DMUs have great suspension. I thinks Sean's aversion to the 2900s is the way they tend to "see-saw" as they're going around corners. This doesn't seem to be a problem on the northern line as it's all fairly straight and level, but west of Maynooth it gets a bit rocky.
The 2600s are the worst of the lot, though. They are the oldest, and interior is almost identical to the LHB DARTs. The lack of tables on facing seats is a nuscience if you're on the train for any length of time.
There doesn't to be a lot to choose between the different models in terms of noise, but all of the older ones have opening windows that let more of the noise creep back inside. The aircon on the 2900s means that the windows are sealed, which keeps at least some noise outside.
I'm not saying they're perfect, but they're pretty good at what they're designed to do, and if they were kept at what they're designed for, I would expect everyone would be happy(ish).
Hi! Can anyone tell me why yesterday's 09:30am ex-Heuston to Waterford left Heuston 90 minutes late? The onboard ticket-checker, in a good-natured manner, said that the Maintenance people had "more or less given up" fixing the rolling stock, such is its dreadful state.
While we appreciate new trains have been ordered and are currently being assembled for our future benefit, what are we fare-paying pax meant to do in the interim? [A friend of mine attempted to travel on this line 2-3 weeks ago, and just walked away from Heuston when told of a similar delay on the same line.] Is it jinxed? Thanks for any light any of you can throw on this for me.
Mark Gleeson
28-02-2006, 16:35
From our information the 9:30 to Waterford is/should be a MK3 push pull set built in 1988. It could be one of the 1972 built coaches as well but still at 9:30 there is spare stock knocking around that could have been used. It sounds like you got stuck with the 1972 built coaches. They tend to suffer from werid power failures at times. IE were refused funding to refurbish them in the late 1990's and as a result they have been left to rot (quite literally), once a coach gets badly broken its dumped
Currently the entire intercity fleet is required just to sustain daily services which is due to a screw up in IE, as the new Dublin Cork intercity trains are over 6 months late entering service, orignally there was mean't to be an hourly service from December then it became first train set of 8 in service in December (which became January, then February and its going to be March now, fingers crossed for Monday next)
You are entitled to a 50% refund as a result of the delay
http://www.platform11.org/passenger_info/refunds.php#their_fault
Alternatively pick up the form at customer services at Heuston
There where major delays on the 3rd of February due to a death on the line at Cherry Orchard other than that we have no further information we are relying on people to report in issues as Iarnrod Eireann (unlike Northern Ireland Railways) do not publish any details on service disruption on their website which is shamefull. Iarnrod Eireann management are not forth coming unless you can more or less provide all the details
Re the 2900 announcements, there seems to be a problem where the announcements happen prematurely?
Practically EVERY time I get the Longford service you get the automated guy announcing "the next station is Enfield" and before the train has even arrived at the station you get "the next station is Kilcock" followed by the driver saying "please disregard the last announcement".
This is repeated for each subsequent station.
The automated announcements are annoying enough when they're correct. What is the point if they aren't accurate.
I noticed that too with the Sligo ones, coming in to Mullingar (or rattling in as the case may be) it will say "the next station is Maynooth"
As an aside, the other day my mother took the train to Dublin, and, in attempt to avoid the 29ks, on the return journey, asked the conductor what would be on the return trains. He said he simply didn't know, but that he was "blue in the face" dealing with passenger complaints about everything to do with them and suggested writing to a local TD. Which might not actually be a bad idea.
Mark Gleeson
28-02-2006, 21:45
The way it works is when the doors open you get the destination pa, this train is for x calling at
Train moves off train will announce the next station and will then announce the next station again
There is a new software version on test for the Sligo line currently
The 2600s are the worst of the lot, though. They are the oldest, and interior is almost identical to the LHB DARTs. The lack of tables on facing seats is a nuscience if you're on the train for any length of time.
This is so true. The 2600s make the 2900s look like the Presidential train. Even a short commute on a 2600 is really unpleasant and the noise is in a league of its own.
Thomas J Stamp
10-03-2006, 11:15
Yesterday on the 1710 to limerick form Heuston there were the folllowing announcements made:
Take bags/coats off seats: 5 times
The restaurant car is open, it has full memus, and full bar, it's at the frount of the train: 8 times (at least)
There's a trolly making its way down the train: 4 times
There are lots of single seats still available: 3 times
Dont stand in the walkways: twice
The restaurant car (which is open, ect and is, you know) is only for people eating meals there, not for sitting; 4 times
Get off if you're not traveling as the doors will soon close: once.
But they never said what train it was!
This is so true. The 2600s make the 2900s look like the Presidential train. Even a short commute on a 2600 is really unpleasant and the noise is in a league of its own.
Oh good lord jesus help us!
They must be really diabolical at that rate :mad: three cheers for IE.
Donal Quinn
11-03-2006, 15:14
friday 10-3-06
19:05 service heuston athenry
carraige 5232 - did not hear a single announcment all the way to athenry
stood in carraige 5216 as we pulled in to athenry and could just barely hear the announcement from the speaker just above my head!
useless
no snack car again on this train,
no trolley service just a guy at the end of the train taking up four seats on an already packed train with crappy food and juice.
can IE ever sort out their on train food service, there wasnt even tea or coffee on the train.
I was on the train yesterday with three friends all of whom are soon moving away from intercity travelling to the motorway due to the poor service/cost/delays
When will IE wake up and see what is happening to their long distance service
sandraoh
31-03-2006, 13:05
I caught this train last Friday evening and everything was going well (I even managed to get a seat) until just outside Portarlington at 19:55 when the train stopped. We waited for about 10 minutes and then there was an annoucement that went pretty much along these lines.. "Bing Bong Bing, can I have your attention please. This train is stopped just outside Portarlington. This is due to the train in front of us breaking down. We should be on our way in approximately around about 20 minutes". Approximately around about 20 minutes later the train moved forward slightly and stopped. We were then told there would be a 4-5 minute delay. 4-5 minutes later the train reveresed and headed back towards Dublin. We sat there for a while so that a train heading for Dublin could pass us. We eventually moved off back to just outside the station and reveresed again for no apparent reason. Finally, after an hour just outside Portarlington we managed to move on. I arrived in Portlaoise over an hour late.
As I was exiting the train a large amount of water landed on my head from a light fitting over the luggage area that appeared to be leaking water - lovely!
I honestly think IE should be taken to task under consumer protection legislation. You cannot describe commuter trains as "intercity". The "intercity" branding implies a certain level of service. Charging intercity prices for extended trips on commuter trains, which are CLEARLY branded as "commuter" on the sides has to be legally dodgy.
If they're going to continue operating commuter stock to long distance destinations they should at least stop calling them intercity routes and take the PR consequences this will cause.
I have some sympathy for them at the moment as they've a serious shortage of servicable stock, however, once the new DMUs arrive this situation shouldn't continue.
Could you imagine if you were waiting for your Aircoach to Cork and, without any explanation, a 10 year old dublin bus double-decker pulled up instead. I can't imagine passengers would be quite so accepting!
Using Commuter railcars on the Sligo & Rosslare lines is an absolute joke.
Sure the six piece 2800 sets currently on the Rosslare line hold fewer passengers than the "old" MkII sets did !!!! They're far less comfortable, have feck-all luggage space and are quite simply not designed for or intended for long distance Intercity services. At the very least fares to Sligo & Rosslare should be reduced in line with the reduction in quality of service provided.
One can only hope that when the first of the new Rotem Intercity Railcars arrive IE might deploy the freed-up MkII & MkIII sets back on the Sligo or Rosslare routes.
I'm not holding my breath though......
At the very least fares to Sligo & Rosslare should be reduced in line with the reduction in quality of service provided.
To be fair, Sligo and Rosslare intercity fares are significantly lower than other intercity routes, viz: a single fare today to Limerick: €41.50, Rosslare: €19.00, Sligo: €25.00
Taking distances into account that's still almost half price. I appreciate 3 hours on a DMU must (literally) be a pain in the arse but I think it's fair to say that the Sligo and Rosslare routes are not treated like intercity routes, neither in price nor in service.
Would people be prepared to accept intercity fares (e.g. about €43 to Sligo and €36 to Rosslare, single) to have intercity comfort and service?
Just give us back our Mk2ds would be fine. Fares aren't exactly Ryanair-esque out here either, and there's no way the present "service" justifies it.
To be fair, Sligo and Rosslare intercity fares are significantly lower than other intercity routes, viz: a single fare today to Limerick: €41.50, Rosslare: €19.00, Sligo: €25.00
True enough, but the quality of service was clearly reduced & fares stayed the same !!!! :mad: :mad:
Just give us back our Mk2ds would be fine. Fares aren't exactly Ryanair-esque out here either, and there's no way the present "service" justifies it.
Is it just me or are Sligo line passenger numbers falling?
On Wednesday's 1700 Dublin-Sligo for instance, I had two coaches all to myself arriving into Longford. It's been a long time since I've seen that many empty seats on a Sligo train.
There's still the commuter traffic as far as Longford, but there seems to be very little after that, apart from at weekends - all the "optional" travellers must be taking to their cars or Bus Eireann.
They might yet have a case to truncate the line at Longford/Mullingar and cease this farce
Spent 24 hours of this week on 29000 class railcars.... commuting was always bad but since the Mk2s have gone it's unbearable.... ah well driving test must be coming up soon
I've noticed a linear falloff too.
Granted I'm only an occasional user so my observations may not tell the whole story.
But the first time I used the new-and-improved-:mad:-all-29K Sligo service, there were people standing at Edgeworthstown on the way in and things weren't much better going back.
Then I went to the city again on the day of the P11 presentation, no trouble getting a 2 seater to myself and keeping it the whole way in, considering the seat capacity of a 29k coach this would have seemed unbelievable back in the days of the Mk2d. There had IMO been some serious possibly permanent falloff up to that point.
As for empty trains, I'm well used to this: any off-peak Longford Commuter service will almost always be ghost trains with 1 or 2 people in each car.
I always wondered why they ran those trains at all. But back in Dec/Jan the 1700 ex-Connolly always had good patronage not great but decent. If you say it's now empty, then our line is in serious trouble.
Bring back our Mk2d is all I can say.
Spent 24 hours of this week on 29000 class railcars.... commuting was always bad but since the Mk2s have gone it's unbearable.... ah well driving test must be coming up soonAnd I'm afraid that's the attitude a lot of people seem to be taking.
I headed to Dublin on the 29k for the first time last week reluctantly. I was seriously contemplating the bus but the extra hour journey time swayed me towards the train station.
Got on board with a relitivley small case that was designed to fit nicely in the overhead compartment of an airliner and i looked around to see where i could store it. Hmmm. Tried overhead space - no too small....whereelse can i......nowhere ! I ended up lumping it on the seat beside me. I didnt want to but there was no choice. It was either that or leave it to dance around the carriage with all the rocking of the crap suspension ! Feckin crazy ! I pitied anyone with a large case/s.
All was fine until just before Ballymote when the train kind of jerked suddenly and violently to one side and you could hear a loud screech for a second. Passengers looked at each other in fright and then in anger. Anyone with a cup of anything in their hand was a gonner i thought. And it was on a relitively straight piece of track. So i wondered if the track was the problem as we had taken many bends before that and the carriage didnt rock as violently.
Yer man came through the train with his usual fair of tea/coffee danishes etc. Twice in fact, which surprised me. I suppose one good thing about the 29k is that the staff have nowhere to hide and have to look busy :)
The driver intercom was very low so i didnt hear a word he said only mutterings, the PIS seemed to work perfectly though. I wondered was it the new software version Mark talked about.
The train wasnt anyway full until we got to Maynooth and then surprisingly it stopped in Leixlip Louisa Bridge. Straight to Connolly from there.
All in all it wasnt as bad as i expected but i will hold off on the train as much as i can over the next two years until IE get those new railcars, designed for the job (It will probably be 3 years - an extra 12 months to pay off the job for life brigade unions ;) )
Yeah, three years .. by which time the Sligo line will be dead.
The job-for-lifers will probably try to milk the railcars like they did with the Greystones extension, the DART 8-coach project and the CDEs .. and by the time they're done doing us over a barrel. But when the time comes to lift the track :( they won't have to worry because CIE will probably give them jobs for life driving TRUCKS AND BUSES ... and pay for it all by selling the alignment for one-off houses.
Okay I know this is worst-case scenario stuff here but then again this is CIE :mad: and anything is possible as long as it's bad and you're a pessimist. Am starting to think Thomas S. might be on to something about CIE/Irish Rail ...
last saturday I rang IE customer service number to check the times of trains from Dublin to Farranfore Co Kerry. i was told there was a train at 15:00 and 17:00 so i went on my merry way and got the 17:00 heuston to cork changed at mallow got on the commuter for kerry. All going well. Next thing the train goes straight through Rathmore to the surprise of several annoyed passangers who had nobody to ask. These people got off in killarney
Again the train headed off somewhat early I was happy to say until we got to farranfore at which point it went straight on to tralee without stopping.
I was raging as I live 60 miles from farranfore and even more to tralee and there was a friend in farranfore waiting for me.
When I asked the station master in tralee why, he replied that this train never stoped in farranfore and IE had given me the wrong info (think he failed to realise he represented IE too) when I asked how I could get back to farranfore he told me to get a taxi charge it to CIE and it wasnt his problem. I asked him again saying this wasnt good enough at which point he walked away muttering a stream of words not fit for this message. I wasn't the only "CUSTOMER" stuck in Tralee but at least I had an obliging friend.
I am getting so fed up with being treated this way. I really dont know why I persist and get the train as opposed to driving myself. I am just sick and tired of IE's ignorance to their customers:mad: :(
Mark Gleeson
02-05-2006, 14:42
The timetable shows the 19:15 Mallow Tralee as being Millstreet, Killarney and Tralee only, runs every Monday to Saturday from 13 February until 9 December
Thus timetable correct, person who gave you information wrong. Station master Tralee correct on the service details. Oh yeah want his name http://www.iarnrodeireann.ie/your_journey/your_station.asp?letter=T&action=showdetail&station_id=126
IE liable yes as you made a inquiry where given wrong information, normal protocol is to stick you into a taxi, now the station master should have agreed a price and paid the taxi in advance and handled charging HQ
Now if I have a printed copy of the timetable which stated train calling at the station and the train failed to stop, communication cord baby:D There is even a rule in the rule book allowing this if you form an opinion that the train is running away, ok the communication cord on a 2700 doesn't actually do anything but still
I checked the online timetable the minute I got home to find the truth :p
but it was the station masters response more than anything that got me annoyed and the fact that somebody in IE customer service just looked up all the trains going to kerry for more than one customer inquiry and nevere bothered to give the full details
I know I am not going to get satisfaction from this :(
Thanks for the info Mark
Mark Gleeson
02-05-2006, 14:53
Put it down in writting send it in to customer complaints (you might get a suprise)
State clearly that you will take it further unless
A) Full refund of your ticket
B) Written apology
Wait 2 weeks, send it to
Steve Murphy
Manager Southern and Western
Iarnród Éireann
Heuston Station
Dublin 8
To be fair Steve is one of the few IE managers who will accept and admit the fallings in the system
sandraoh
09-05-2006, 08:34
We had a very funny train driver today.
When the train was approaching Portarlington he announced that passengers move up from the rear of the train so that they don't fall out and hurt themselves.
The funniest part was the following announcement made when we were approaching Heuston (not a precise quote but you get the idea):
"We are due to arrive at Hesuton Station DUblin in five minutes time. There are bus links from the station and the Luas too. We are keeping up with the times. The number 90 bus will take you into town and there is also an airlink service. On behalf of myself and all the crew I'd like to thank you for travelling with Irish Rail. We hope you arrive safely at your final destination. Thank you. I LOVE YOU ALL!"
Then as we pulled into the platform he just announced "DUBLIN" really loudly and cheerfully.
It left everyone in a good mood heading off to work.
Mark Gleeson
09-05-2006, 08:58
We do know some of the train staff on the Heuston links and some are seriously sound, so big thumbs up for the guy with the cheerful PA, chances are they read the board.
End of the day we want more of that, it costs nothing but makes such a difference to the experience. It costs nothing to smile
James Shields
09-05-2006, 10:18
You just reminded me. I was on the 20:45 Enterprise last Thursday. It stopped in Killester. It was there about two minutes when an announcement was made along the lines of, "We're really sorry for the delay. This is due to a signalling fault at Howth Junction. We'll be here for at least ten minutes, and we'll let you know as soon as we have more information."
This was followed by an announcement that they hadn't received any more information, but the doors had been released in case anyone wants to step out for a smoke.
It was still annoying to be delayed, but it made it a lot less unpleasent to be kept informed. I hope we can expect this to become the norm, but I doubt it.
Mark Gleeson
09-05-2006, 10:34
20.45 is staffed by NIR who have a vastly better customer focus, probably has to do with the fact they can't run a decent rail service so they are well experienced in dealing with disruption
Mark Gleeson
23-05-2006, 15:26
9:00 Dublin Cork (A202)
PIS working fine, apart from a bug which suggested it was the 9:30 Dublin Cork train when it was trying to tell us that it was the 9:30 departure from Kildare to Cork.
The PA was either too loud or too quiet
Before departure a PA was made with a large diesel engine in the background, didn't make sense but the words doors and closing seemed to be there
Somewhere beyond Kildare the PA awoke with an announcement about the catering trolley by the train manager, had extereme difficulty making out what was said
A few weeks ago on the 17.13 from Pearse to Dundalk (is that considered Intercity, though perhaps not given the 2900 Commuter milk cartons), all was fine (well, as fine as a 2900 journey can be) until we got about five miles outside Dundalk when the train stopped in the middle of a field. We stood like gombeens for about 7 minutes with no announcement, until we saw some activity outside: IÉ orange jackets walking by the carriages down below. About a minute later, an IÉ man, probably the driver, came into the carriage and right up to the doors I was standing beside. He then scanned them for a few seconds - there were 'not in operation' stickers or something like that on the doors. He then said out loud that everyone was to stay away from the door in case it opened, which needless to say was followed by a mass shuffling of feet over to the other side of the car :). The train got on its way again - no announcement was made for all of the other passengers.
I had noted as this motorised yoghurt pot, I mean 2900, was pulling into Pearse that the access lights over the doors on this car were red, while all others were the usual orange. How was this fault not spotted before leaving the station? And if it was, why was it let go all the way to Dundalk - what is probably the most overcrowded train in all of Ireland?
Thomas J Stamp
28-05-2006, 22:26
Was seriously thinking of creating a new thread called "My numb bum". If Phillip wants to do so after reading this please do.
This follows on from my LUAS tale elsewhere and it is the sort of thing that happens to me all the time cos i'm a wierdo.
Anyway, up to Dublin for work on Friday..... got the 657 from Templemore but on going onto the platform I thought krakatoa had erupted or someone had flung a bomb at me. Nope, just a 171 flying though the station w/o carriges frightening the s***e out of me. Saw another on the way up going south solo again made me wondered what had failed somewhere.
On the way home the fun began, Derek dosnt need to predict where the bumps are anymore between Dublin and Templemore: IE have a special Mrk3 carraige, 7170, to do it for him. On pulling out of Platform 2, on the 1705 to Ennis, sitting as i was right over one of the wheels, (Rear outside set) it felt just like when you're riding a bike with a flat. Even as we started getting speed up as we pulled away i knew it was going to be a bad ride.
Anyway, to take my mind off of it IE kindly provided some entertainment, as they let some Craven set out of i think platform 8 at the exact same time as us. I was wondering what was going on, as i use this train all the time and havent seen this before.
So, said Cravens dissapered behind yonder big blue building, but reappeared, more than slightly ahead of us, as i was in the top carraige and looking right over, a few feet away, at the rear carriage of the Cravens. The passangers over there were not looking too relaxed about it, I can tell you. So we raced each other under the first arch of the St. Johns road roundabout where the other train halted a bit sharpish. As we passed it out I saw two buffoons in the cab of the 171 hauling it grinning their faces off. Great fun lads!!!
Now, with that distraction out of the way we went off. Bang!!! Clondalkin. Bang Bang Bang!!! Why that was Hazlehatch. Everytime we came across one little bump the carriage seems the almost bounce off the tracks. Sallins was FUN, coffee cups flying, some lad grabing onto his laptop. Out between Kildare station and Cherryville Junction another great bit of bouncing around, then things started to relax a little. By the way, as well as this we still had the flat tyre on a bike sensation omnipresent throughout. Over one of the bangs it was so bad the waiter for the curtain classes nearly went flying with the tray of goodies for the over-privilaged.
From Portlaoise onwards there seems to be some sort of either dips or something wrong with the track because every two seconds, right on beat the carriaige reacted with more bum numbing activity. And it took bleeding forever for it to stop in Templemore.
I am not kidding, it was awful, the worst ride I've ever had. (Shouldnt have said that, god) Anyway, I know some of the Sligo lads are going to say "We have to out up with the 29ks" but as the mrk 3's are usually so good there must have been something seriously wrong with this one.
Going back to Dublin on Wednesday. What'll happen this time, will I end up on an island with Barry Kenny and thomasS where the numbers 7170 have to be typed into a bloody keypad every 29000 seconds?
Mark Gleeson
28-05-2006, 22:40
You can have great fun leaving Heuston, I've gone the wrong track the whole way beyond Inchicore at 60mph before regaining to right track, not unusual its well safe, it keeps things moving. It has gone so far on the DART as to have trains going the wrong way on both tracks, work that out!
You got a flat wheel, yes rail vehicles have tires.
Track between Ballybrophy and Lisduff is exciting I almost lost my footing on the CDE last week around that point
What a bummer - literally :p
I am not kidding, it was awful, the worst ride I've ever had. (Shouldnt have said that, god) Anyway, I know some of the Sligo lads are going to say "We have to out up with the 29ks" but as the mrk 3's are usually so good there must have been something seriously wrong with this one.Are we/me that predictable? Lol, I guess so. But you're right to make an issue of this. That coach sounds like it needs some serious TLC, ASAP.
Going back to Dublin on Wednesday. What'll happen this time, will I end up on an island with Barry Kenny and thomasS where the numbers 7170 have to be typed into a bloody keypad every 29000 seconds?
Hey, this is Irish Rail, and CIEs head office is about as far removed from modern Ireland as that island Lost is filmed on ... so it could happen.
craigybagel
29-05-2006, 01:56
Never could work out what was wrong with the Irish Mark IIIs as from my own experience most journeys on them down the cork line are fairly bumpy, especially when seated near the wheels. Spend every summer travelling extensively through Britain and ive never experienced the same problems. I know the Cork lines due for renewal fairly soon so is that the reason or are the carriages themselves just *******ed?
seamus kilcock
30-05-2006, 17:34
Travelled from Dublin to Westport Saturday 26 May. Due to late arrival of Galway up train at Tullamore, Westport train left (T'more) 15 minutes late at 0922. Arrived Claremorris 1057 1/2 - on time. On leaving Manulla an announcement was made requesting Castlebar pax to move forward as we will be arriving in 5 minutes; public timetable allows 12 minutes for this section. We arrived into Westport at 1137 - 8 minutes ahead of schedule. The cumulative station to station journey time was done in 37 minutes less than what is allowed on the public timetable.
I have no problem with a certain amount of padding to allow for the likes of the Galway train late at the Tullamore crossing point, or whatever else may happen, but 37 minutes of padding!!
I put it to an IR official travelling with me, they should tighten up the timetables to make it more attractive for pax to use trains instead of private cars. His response was it had a lot to do with the Public Charter on timekeeping. What is the solution?
Picked up the 0900 Heuston/Cork train recently at Kildare. Left Kildare at 0932 - already 4 minutes late.
Left Mallow at 1133 - 12 minutes late according to public timetable - arrived in Cork at 1154 - one minute early. Timetable allows 34 minutes; the train I was on did it in 21 minutes.
Just doesn't make sense - or does it?
Thomas J Stamp
01-06-2006, 09:32
After the bum incident on a mrk3 on Friday have to report that yesterday the 1100 Templemore Hesuton was perfecto, including lots of announcements and aplogies for getting held up outside Ballybrophy for engineering works. You'd be insterested to know, Seamus, that although we were told we'd be 20 mins late by the Guard on the train we were only 10 mins late on arrival.
On the way back got the 1835 Commuter to Thurles and have to say it was fairly packed to Kildare, light enough afterwards but very very plesent, all the windows were open (twas the mark3 push-pull) and very comfy on a fine sunny evening, the only drawback being the wait for the 1900 Cork train in Ballrybrophy which turns it into a two hour trip home, not bad on a night like last night, fairly crappy during the Winter.
James Shields
06-07-2006, 09:17
I was on the 8:20 Enterprise from Drogheda this morning. It was about 10 minutes late leaving Drogheda, but I've often seen it leave up to 15 mins late and still be on time arriving in Connolly (normally a couple of minutes after 9). This morning's train didn't reach Howth Junction until after 9:00. It stopped in Harmonstown for several minutes, and again at Kilester, and didn't reach Connolly until nearly 9:30.
I think I deserve a refund of 1/730th of my yearly ticket.
Cubassist
07-07-2006, 11:45
That was because the 8.11 Balbriggan - Bray was severely delayed yesterday. The train stopped south of Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush and Lusk and Donabate for about 5 mins each time with no explaination. Didn't arrive into Connolly until about 9.30.
Mark Gleeson
07-07-2006, 12:09
see http://forum.platform11.org/showthread.php?t=893
Mark Gleeson
11-07-2006, 15:00
9:45 Dublin Cork (B200)
Maps sat down near Templemore, volume was a tad low
PA made at Mallow inaudible got the keywords signal and waiting for
James Shields
12-07-2006, 08:22
The 8:20 Drogheda-Connolly was a 4-car 2600/2800 combination. Given that it wasn't terribly crowded, I presume it had originated in Dundalk, and that there's an Enterprise set stranded somewhere north of the border.
The Enterprise followed on about five minutes later....
James Shields
14-07-2006, 09:30
The Enterprise this morning was a 4-car 2900 set. Judging by the crowding levels, I'd guess it came from somewhere north of the border. The Friday morning train is usually lightly loaded on a Friday (though this time of year you get more people coming down for the weekend), but when you pack an 8-car train into 4 coaches, some overcrowding is to be expected.
The famous "Cú na Mara" heap of a train had a door problem in Athlone which delayed it 45 minutes. In the words of the train announcer the problem "proceeded" to Clara where maintenance was performed.
Nobody told anyone in Tullamore. Even station gaurd was sitting out on the platform with the Fasttrack and didn't know anything until the "down" Galway train left (15 minutes late) having run out of patience (it's a single line track)
No proper news and the train was always being promised until it actually rolled in 45 minutes late. Then there was no sandwiches left (on a lunch-time train) I bought the last can of softdrink, though it looked like there was plenty of bud.
Only person happy with the day was the taxi-man that got paid by me as I was too late to get where I was going by Luas.
The announcement also entertained the punters. The quicker they dump the 6202 series carriages the better. They are a heap of junk and worse than the slam door deathtraps, which at least don't have electrics so can't break down!
Ps does anyone know if you have to get a taxi to get to an appointment can you claim from IÉ? I have seen the info on the home page.
Mark Gleeson
18-07-2006, 20:34
Nope but if your train was so late as to arrive after public transport had shut down for the evening IE are meant to pay up
Thomas J Stamp
19-07-2006, 09:49
Which of course, isnt possible. Last Luas is 00.30. Nitelink is also public transport (I know it dosnt serve Heuston, but its the definition that courts) and they go till 4.00am......
James Shields
19-07-2006, 11:26
Which of course, isnt possible. Last Luas is 00.30. Nitelink is also public transport (I know it dosnt serve Heuston, but its the definition that courts) and they go till 4.00am......
I assume that if your train was scheduled to arrive in time for public transport to take you within a reasonable distance of your destination, and if no public transport is available to take you a similar distance, you should have a valid claim.
And if you have to get a Nitelink as a result of a late train, you should be able to claim the hefty premium DB charge for thouse services (though I doubt you can).
James Shields
06-10-2006, 00:33
5 Oct 2006, 7:00 Enterprise from Connolly had no lights working in coach B.
Actually, it might not be a bad idea to have some semi-dark coaches in the evenings, but there ought to be at least enough light that people can make their way through the coach without risk of tripping over unseen obsticles.
turnapin
13-10-2006, 06:45
12th Oct 09:40 Galway-Heuston
Halted Dublin side of Athlone for best part of an hour due signal power failure. Arrived Heuston 13:25, 65 minutes late.
Actually, it might not be a bad idea to have some semi-dark coaches in the evenings, but there ought to be at least enough light that people can make their way through the coach without risk of tripping over unseen obsticles.
That's a good idea now that you mention it. The dazzling interior lights of a 29000 class aren't particularly welcoming at six in the morning. Especially when you spend most of your working day under similar lighting.
In fact on 29000s I reckon IE could get away with fitting every second flourescent tube only (think they did this on the Mk2s?)
Donal Quinn
08-01-2007, 11:37
can't find the thread on reserved seating but had another great experience with reserved seating this weekend
sat 6 Jan 07 14:30 Dublin -> Athenry - seats not labelled
sun 7 Jan 07 18:18 Athenry -> Dublin - seats not labelled
what was really clever though was that the first class carraige (6202) (where my standard class seats were to be located) was absolutely freezing! like most others we quickly deserted it for the warmer confines of the normal carraiges
so not only have IE managed to make first class no better than standard, they now make it worse
i have booked seats about 10 times now and have yet to sit in my alloted seat.
also the irritating yet indicative (and probably influential) whats-hot-and-whats-not column in the weekend indo listed IE reserved seats as 'not' because you can reserve seats and yet have to queue with all the other punters... of course you could just sit in the pub and wait until the others had boarded and then go and fight for your unlabelled seat!!
ryanair have shown that priority queueing is a cheap and effective way to make people book ahead (online checkin) - could IE ever reach these heady heights of marketing competence?
Mark Gleeson
08-01-2007, 11:49
Appearently there isn't meant to be a notice above the seats with your name on it
We have complained about it and a before unseen notice with no name but clearly stating the seat had been reserved appeared in the last 2 weeks
I really really want to let loose and cause a scene but so far I haven't had the chance but god help the staff member the day it happens. I've been lucky recently but then again every time I board a train in Heuston in the last month or so the head of intercity business development has been standing on the platform
davidth88
09-01-2007, 15:13
Travelled from Killarney to Dublin on the 7th Jan , I was on the 12:30 Cork-Dublin which was one of the new trains.
Nice enough trip , however the seat reservations LED displays were not working , I have never ever seen these working , is the software working/available I wonder ?
On 10 Jan 2007 the 17:30 from Heuston to Limerick was delayed due to some failure of a train ahead of it. I was sitting in the "dining" carriage but did not hear any announcements. Apparently there were announcements made (to the tune of "we'll be moving shortly") but these announcements were only audible in some carriages.
This is a common situation on this train (not the delay but the inability to hear announcements).
Colm Moore
13-01-2007, 04:17
I've been lucky recently but then again every time I board a train in Heuston in the last month or so the head of intercity business development has been standing on the platformAre you a marked man on the booking system? He gets a memo anytime you reserve a ticket?
James Shields
18-01-2007, 01:52
I really really want to let loose and cause a scene but so far I haven't had the chance but god help the staff member the day it happens. I've been lucky recently but then again every time I board a train in Heuston in the last month or so the head of intercity business development has been standing on the platform
You must be too well known, Mark. Time to break out the false moustache and go incognito!
Friday 12 Jan 2007: 18:00 from Heuston
At 18:05 (we still hadn't pulled out of Heuston) all passengers were informed to disembark from the train due to the need to test the doors. We all got off.
We stood out in the cold wind while the doors closed and opened a couple of times.
We all got back on.
The train pulled out (late).
My question is why the heck we had to get off the train so that they could test the doors? (Mark Gleeson is going to have an answer for this one, I can feel it in my bones as I type) I reckon myself it's because there was a risk that when they closed the doors we would all be trapped in an unthinkable form of hell....:eek:
Also, why did they wait until 5 minutes AFTER the train was due to depart before testing the doors? We were on the train 20 minutes at that stage.:mad:
Mark Gleeson
18-01-2007, 22:16
You don't need to be a engineering guru to work it out
Door tests are different since guess what they have to open the doors on both sides now clearly that not good with passengers on board.
In an emergency every door has a release, its the red handle over the door, brake glass pull down then give the door a shove outwards
Of course the test should be done before the train hits the platform, time is allocated to do this
Apologies for my ignorance. I wasn't aware that they were testing the doors on both sides of the train - in fact when they tested the doors only the doors on the platform side opened and closed. I don't have the insider information that others appear to have...
Thanks for your explanation. And the safety demonstration. I didn't realise there were emergency door releases. Is this a new thing? Those guys come up with some really cool inventions.:rolleyes:
I must renew my guru card and sit the test again.
Flew in from Paris today. 747 to city centre. Met a friend. Got the Luas (jammed) to Hewston. Got the 17:50 Galway train to Portarlinton. Train left on time, good train journey overall. Was in a good mood until we got (or half got) to Portarlington:
Train crawls into the station. Myself and two other passengers were at the door waiting for the platform to appear. We were at then back of the 3rd last carraige. No platform appeared.
Looked out a half open window and noticed that we were at the station but the platform was too short, then noticed people at the front end of the carriage disembarking. No announcements had been made.
Quickly hauled my luggage to the front and got off the train. The inspector was at the door so I asked him was it normal. He said that there appears to have been a signalling problem and that the train had pulled into platform 1 (eastbound) instead of the usual platform 2. I didn't mention anything about the lack of announcements.
As I was walking to the exit it occured to me that there may have been people in the last two carriages unaware that we were at the station. I tried pointing this out to a Portarlington station staff member on the platform. This is our conversation:
Me: "Maybe someone should make an announcement because there might be people at the back who might't know we're at the station."
IE guy: (Shruggs shoulders) "Nothing got to do with me."
Me: (Looking at the Iarnrod Eireann logo on his jumper) "It does say Iarnrod Eireann on your jumper, doesn't it?" (I was a bit pissed off, hence the smart ass comment)
IE guy: (getting visibly angry) "Listen! I'm not a train crew member, so it's got nothing to do with me!"
My parents arrived at that moment, so I let it go. The train started pulling off.
Mark Gleeson
19-01-2007, 21:56
There is nothing wrong with the 17:50 to Galway using the Dublin platform, it ensures the 18:00 ex Dublin gets a clear run.
There should be a PA to indicate the platform is short. It is a safety critical requirement
The platform staff can control the situation by requesting the train to pull forward so the rear coaches line up.
For a train to leave it goes platform staff give go -> guard acknowledges -> guard gives go to driver. So it is the platform staff problem and failure to act on safety situation is unacceptable
From the inspector's response I got the impression that the 17:50 Dublin-Galway train does not normally stop on the eastbound platform at Portarlington. My parents told me that there was a bit of chaos at the station 2-3 minutes before the train arrived because passengers were waiting on platform 2 and the station staff were trying to get them over to platform 1.
Mark, how serious a safety breach was today's incident? Would IE even care?
Mark Gleeson
19-01-2007, 23:46
Its fairly serious
2Funki4Wheelz
22-01-2007, 09:22
17.50 normally stops on platform 2 - PA didn't even announce the stations when I was on it last Tuesday, nevermind short platform warnings.
IT-Girl!
22-01-2007, 10:48
About the short platform announcements - I'd say 50% of the time they'll announce the platform is short in Portarlington and advise people to move up. I notice it more on the trains that aren't so much commuter based, or in other words for the day trippers.
In other news - I remember seeing on a post ages ago about IE staff getting 'lifts home'. I was on the 21:00 cork train last friday (19th Jan) which is scheduled to stop 1st in Portarlington - at Kildare it slowed down and stopped briefly to let a member of staff in a big orange IE jacket get off the train.
Mark Gleeson
22-01-2007, 11:09
Any of the trains to/from Portlaoise/Thurles/Athlone are short enough to fit in Portarlington so no need for a PA.
The last two coaches of a intercity train will hang over the end of the platform. If there is no PA on one of those trains please advise us of date and time. As I understand it the new Cork train is on shaky legal ground stopping in Portarlington and Templemore
Despite over 1 billion euro of investment not one single cent was spent on the platforms or track in Portarlington.
The classic stop for staff purposes is a ongoing issue, I got it on Saturday evening seems we dropped a parcel off in Portlaoise. As far as I have seen no passenger train or DART has a timetabled non passenger stop for staff reasons of course we all know its a daily occurance
Donal Quinn
22-01-2007, 11:19
just for the record
21 jan 2007
14:55 Galway->heuston
first carraige (7114) was freezing (may or may not have been first-class - it's hard to tell...)
next carraige (7146) was warm but the volume on the announcement was so high that it lifted you out of it every time - the door wouldn't close all the way either and had stopped working at all by heuston
this thing of late announcements is silly too - not ush point in waiting until the train is at the platform in Clara before announcing it....
Mark Gleeson
22-01-2007, 11:22
this thing of late announcements is silly too - not ush point in waiting until the train is at the platform in Clara before announcing it....
Especailly since Clara has a tiny platform
2Funki4Wheelz
22-01-2007, 15:42
Despite over 1 billion euro of investment not one single cent was spent on the platforms or track in Portarlington.
It's coming in Feb allegedly (platform). Although I know it already got delayed a bit so we'll see whan it actually starts...
Mark Gleeson
22-01-2007, 15:48
Well the track was due to be sorted 2001, they only did half of it
Dublin bound is easy enough extend, Cork bound is way more complex, €30 million is the quote for everything
This train arrived in Heuston 6 mins BEFORE it's scheduled time today!
Now before we start celebrating, this rare time shift happened because it failed to stop in Sallins/Naas.
There were 2 announcements made telling passengers that the next stop was Sallins - unfortunately both came after we had passed through Sallins. In fact, one came between Clondalkin and Cherry Orchard. Just before we arrived in Heuston there was another announcement apologising saying that the train hadn't stopped in Sallins. But we all knew that already. :D
I actually became concerned when the train sped through Sallins and then through Hazelhatch (for some reason I thought it might stop there instead - perhaps the driver mixed up the stations) - I had visions of a driver slumped over the controls bringing us all to our doom (yeah - I know there's the dead man's lever/pedal/button but what if it failed...?) so I went looking for a guard/ticket checker and no-one was to be found. I went as far as the guards van and shouted into it but no-one responded. It was quite noisy in there anyways.
I know for a fact that this is not the first time that IE drivers have missed scheduled stops (I was on a train scheduled to stop in Kildare one evening a few years ago and it didn't stop - we all had to get out in Portarlington and wait ages for a train back... but that's a different story) and I assumed (maybe incorrectly) that signals should prevent a driver from missing a stop. If this is a case, this driver ran a red/amber light: which I believe is a serious offence in terms of health and safety.
I'm fed up writing to IE, so if anyone wants to raise this issue, feel free. By the way, the locomotive was emblazoned with the Enterprise logo and was called the River Clare.
IT-Girl!
23-01-2007, 09:13
Not sure if it was but I think the 17:50 last night from heuston either made an unscheduled stop at hazelhatch for 2 girls or it forgot to stop for them. Had the headphones on and didn't actually hear the announcement but there was a lot of shaking heads, tutting, and 2 frantic girls legging it off the train!
07:20 from Kildare was also about 5 minutes early - this one did stop in Sallins. Even better - there were seats on it from Kildare, while the 07:16 looked like it would be standing room the whole way in.
Mark Gleeson
23-01-2007, 14:46
That makes 2 trains to miss stops for no reason other than lack of attention in the last week
On a railcar or indeed one of the push pull trains (ones with the automatic doors but openable windows) there is no guard, driver only, the safety systems will stop you no fear of that (well west of Athlone and south of Kildare if going to Athy there are no postive safety systems just the deadmans handle)
If IE are readling and I know they are the Gormanston accident of 21st October, 1974 should loom large in the mind, story goes train ran 23 miles out of control driverless guard didn't take action to stop the train, the report was never published as far as I can determine
Now I wonder what that communication cord will do if pulled ?
tigger1962
26-01-2007, 15:34
Hi,
This train arrived late and finally left at 15.35.. People were left standing in a queue for up to 50minutes with a freezing wind blowing. One passenger could be heard ringing customer support but he obviously didn't get much information! We eventually got boarded at 15.25. As per usual little or no information wss supplied to thse standing there.
:confused:
seamus kilcock
27-01-2007, 10:11
Travelled on Mark IV DUB/CRK/DUB on Fri 26 Jan. 0700 to CRK; 1030 return.
Set 4001; Loco 222. Coach 4102 to CRK; 4101 return.
Left on time. Arrived CRK 0945 i.e. 8 mins early. The timetable padding works!!!
Ride no better or worse compared to Mark III.
Found it very difficult to make notes on my laptop - hitting incorrect key with every lurch - on the Thurles/Lim Jun section.
The 100mph section Lim Jun/Charleville was excellent by comparison. Overall a lot of work is required on the DUB/CRK line. As for 125mph – dream on!
Seats comfortable. Info scroll u/s one end of coach. Dining announcements had microphone distortion.
Return journey required an unscheduled stop at Lim Jun; pax bussed from Limerick due failure of DMU set and missed the earlier connection one hour earlier. Despite this arrived DUB 3 mins early. God bless timetable padding – again!!!!
Irish Rail has come a long way during the last 8 to 10 years. Prior to this it got no help from the government – it was starved of funds for investment. The result of the investment is there for all to see – whether it’s intercity, commuter or Dart.
Overall I came away with a good impression of the DUB/CRK/DUB service yesterday. Hopefully the rest of the services will reach the same standard asap.
It is so easy to be critical but credit where its due – everyone please!
My next report may not be as favourable – I am a realist; I’ve been using trains for over 50 years.
Mark Gleeson
27-01-2007, 10:18
Hope you enjoyed your 40 minutes in Cork :eek:
BlahDeBlah
21-02-2007, 16:40
21 Feb 2007. 05.20 Galway > Heuston.
No catering car. No trolley service.
Not a single announcement anywhere along the journey until pulling into Heuston.
StephenM
21-02-2007, 22:40
14:15/14:25 service Ballina/Westport - Dublin no catering for the past 2-3 weeks.
How about this:
Scrap trolley service when the cafe/bar is open, you save on a staff member and put them on a train that has neither a trolley or a cafe/bar instead!
Thomas J Stamp
23-02-2007, 10:49
It has been mentioned to me by a regular long distance passenger that "proper" food is not being served after 9/10 am on services with restaurant cars. Can anyone confirm this?
StephenM
24-02-2007, 18:55
It has been mentioned to me by a regular long distance passenger that "proper" food is not being served after 9/10 am on services with restaurant cars. Can anyone confirm this?
I dont think Westport has ever had this kind of a service, they sometimes have the Bacon & Sausage rolls and once you could have a bacon sandwich I think.
Mark Gleeson
24-02-2007, 19:35
Only trains with full catering are
7:00, 8:00 Dublin Cork
6:30, 7:30 Cork Dublin
7:35 Limerick Dublin
7:00 Tralee Dublin
7:10 Dublin Galway
7:35 Waterford Dublin
7:15 Galway Dublin
All Dublin Belfast except the 20:10 Belfast Dublin
All others are limited to catering trolley/shop
Only trains with full catering are
7:00, 8:00 Dublin Cork
6:30, 7:30 Cork Dublin
7:35 Limerick Dublin
7:00 Tralee Dublin
7:10 Dublin Galway
7:35 Waterford Dublin
7:15 Galway Dublin
All Dublin Belfast except the 20:10 Belfast Dublin
All others are limited to catering trolley/shop
So snack foods on your 3 hour trip then. Not exactly consistent with the governments anti-obesity policy. Oh wait, they don't really have one, do they?
StephenM
25-02-2007, 22:51
14:25 ex Westport - Dublin Heuston, Mk.2 Dining car, closed as usual. Nice to see we are half way back to getting some sort of catering service on the 14:25!
Listen its been 4years since the Rosslare so called InterCity route had an InterCity train. Its now Oct'07 and with the 14sets of new 22000 railcars in Ireland why dont Iarnrod Eireann make it up to Rosslare and Sligo users by this Christmas. Maybe if Rosslare and Sligo services ended in Hueston then just maybe it would make these lines but thats never going to happen so there's no point talking about this. Why Iarnrod Eireann dont treat the Sligo and Rosslare lines like InterCity route's is just crazy I mean why?.. I think seeing as there is only 2intercity services that operate in the republic from Connolly, there should be more on these services at connolly station and not just for Enterprise as anyone can see entering connolly. Belfast has its own departure gate. The Gorey commuter services has i'm going to say literally thousands of free minutes added onto it, Espically the 17:25 ex Connolly. How many users live in Gorey and the entire line and are on this site. Even if you have travelled on this route tell us your experince. In regards to the new 22000 stock, Why introduce the trains in April what is the hold up. I have read that the signalling is the main factor but the signalling isnt causing the delay of 4months in 2008 lets be honest. When can we see the signalling working. The Rosslare Gorey services are in need of help as in the Sligo Longford services what if there was a direct service from Sligo to Wexford and Wexford to Sligo. Calling at starting from Wexford-Ennoscorthy-Gorey-Arklow-Rathdrum-Wicklow-Greystones-Bray-Connolly-Maynooth-Mullingar-Edgeworthstown-Longford-Dromod-Carrick on Shannon-Boyle-Ballymote-Collooney and Sligo. No stopping at DART,COMMUTER stations along the way just InterCity. THANKS ALL
Evertype
09-11-2007, 17:44
14:25 ex Westport - Dublin Heuston, Mk.2 Dining car, closed as usual. Nice to see we are half way back to getting some sort of catering service on the 14:25!
Thermos of tea and something to nosh. Never leave the station without it.
Dublin/Rosslare
15-11-2007, 22:13
I like the Rosslare line its just a pitty that there is no Intercity train to run this Route. Sorry but on the timetable doesnt it say Intercity and not Commuter its false advisement.
Thomas Ralph
16-11-2007, 19:47
I think you'll find it says Railcar.
Sorry Tralph but it only says Railcar on the IE website nothing on the timetable booklet itself only InterCity on the bottom left of the page. I agree with Dublin/Rosslare on this one.
Thomas Ralph
18-11-2007, 11:48
Only trains with full catering are
7:00, 8:00 Dublin Cork
6:30, 7:30 Cork Dublin
7:35 Limerick Dublin
7:00 Tralee Dublin
7:10 Dublin Galway
7:35 Waterford Dublin
7:15 Galway Dublin
All Dublin Belfast except the 20:10 Belfast Dublin
All others are limited to catering trolley/shop
The new Cork/Dublin timetable has the knife and fork symbol for a full restaurant on quite a lot of services. Maybe things might improve*.
*When I say improve, it should be taken in the IÉ sense of improving for a couple of weeks/months before sliding back to its old standard.
Mark Gleeson
18-11-2007, 11:55
Well they have pulled the trolley service off the 21:00 to Cork
Problem really is the price of the food on offer and as we all well know the weird opening hours will apply
Bear in mind most of the trains which now have the restaurant symbol on them lost them last year so its really just restoring things to the way things where. Everyone on the 17:05 to Limerick/Ennis will be happy we get food again
Thomas Ralph
19-11-2007, 22:14
They've pulled the trolley service off of just about every train going. The only trolley I've seen in operation in the last three months was on a mid-afternoon Rosslare-Dublin.
Trolley both ways on Sligo train weekend before last. Mind you, it seemed to spend most of the trip in the carriage I was in - every time I looked up it had moved another 6 inches.
Thomas Ralph
20-11-2007, 21:45
And of course if the route is being run by 29000s then the trolley is stuck within the four-car set where it started.
EnterpriseUser
17-06-2008, 11:14
It's a small point but illustrative of poor attention to customer servive: in the last few weeks on both the Enterprise and the Dublin-Cork service there has been no ice in the restaurant cars for drinks etc. It is a minor miracle that the Enterprise manages gin, tonic and ice!! Invariably one component is missing.
netlordr23
24-07-2008, 11:16
HI
I will be travelling from Dublin to Waterford with a quite large samsonite suitcase, and I just wanted to know if there is a baggage stowing zone in each car, because I don't want to be going down the aisle with a large bag...
thx
Mark Gleeson
24-07-2008, 11:20
There is a luggage rack at the end of each coach, its generous in size
netlordr23
24-07-2008, 11:37
There is a luggage rack at the end of each coach, its generous in size
Ok, thanks.
One can sit wherever one wants in standard class, right? Even if the ticket is numbered.
Mark Gleeson
24-07-2008, 12:26
If you have a reservation you should sit in the seat and coach as indicated
Reservations are in coaches A and C
netlordr23
24-07-2008, 12:36
If you have a reservation you should sit in the seat and coach as indicated
Reservations are in coaches A and C
My reservation just says seat A1 in Std. So that would mean coach A, isn't it?
Mark Gleeson
24-07-2008, 12:51
Seat 1 in coach A
Its highly unlikely the seat will be marked reserved so you can move to another if you wish, of course not knowing if its been reserved by someone else
The online booking system gives a graphic of the train allowing manual selection of the coach and of your seat on board, telesales seem to randomly allocate your seat
brianw82
24-07-2008, 16:33
I'd just like to say that I had a very nice journey on the 9am Sligo - Connolly. Got on at Collooney, one of the new 6-car trains. I worked on my laptop and charged my mobile on the way. Love being able to do that! :) Only noticable delay was at Mullingar, but it was only 5 minutes. I think it was a wheelchair user getting on. Still pulled in to Maynooth (my stop) on time.
Ticket inspector was one of the guys from Sligo, nice guy, been on the train for 5 years or so, never had a problem with him or seen him having a problem with anyone.
Trolley was in the back section of the train for the first part of the trip (I was in the first carriage), and was very slow in working its way up to the front. I believe it switches to the front section after Longford, but a LOT of people got on after Longford, most likely due to the 10e return offer for July. This was probably why it was so slow. I didn't want to get anything anyway, so I didn't mind.
The moral of the story is, it's a helluva lot better getting the Sligo - Dublin train now than it was when I was colleging it up in Maynooth from '01 to '05. (still remember being told to "pile on there, lads!" getting the Friday evening train back, when there was NO room to do so!)
It is possible to have a nice journey with Iarnród Eireann.
Donal Quinn
18-11-2008, 16:12
another twist in the seat reservations tale
went to athenry and back last weekend
new train on the way down - seats not marked - ahh well. i was there early so sat in them - grand
on the way back up, cu na mara type train (18:28 from athenry to heuston) the A carriage was at the front of the train - hopped in - seats not marked - ahh well, sat near enough
it would normally end there but i was thirsty so i went to the dining car which was the next one down. shop was closed. saw someone with coffee and asked them where they got it - they pointed down the back of the train. i walked all the way down and sure enough there was a second dining car. i had to walk to the end to queue and i saw that there was another carriage beyond it - sure enough that was also marked A and when i went in there were my seats marked with my name and everything! needless to say there was people sitting in them regardless! - i didn't bother moving
so the moral is that if your seats aren't marked in the first A carriage, check the other one!!
Reading this thread I decided to post my InterCity(Commuter) experience on the Dublin/Rosslare route as far as Gorey.
I took the 11:35 service to Gorey it was the usual 2800 commuter set. We departed Connolly station at 11:35. The train went the right speed limit right through to Grand Canal Dock, I thought after the inner city speed limits the train would have reached a higher speed to Dun Laoghaire. The train stood just after Sydney Parade for about 5mins. I noticed a DART train had left Connolly at 11:09 the next service was the 11:35 to Gorey followed by a 11:39 DART service. I would have thought that the 11:35 service would travel at a faster pace to DunLaoghaire/Bray. This service is I believe always like this it crawls to Bray. We arrived in Bray at 12:11 waited 5mins then departed again. We arrived in Greystones at 12:26 followed by Kilcoole 12:32 then Wicklow 12:42. We arrived in Rathdrum 12:59(17mins) But after Rathdrum it took just 15mins to Arklow 13:14 just one minute late. From Arklow to Gorey the signal was green and the train departed, Arrived in Gorey at 13:25( 2minutes early arrival and 10mins journey time )
The question I want to ask is way do all Gorey/Rosslare trains have so much padding on the timetable affecting journey times. We could have arrived into Gorey at 13:15 even 13:10.
I think Irish Rail are going to seriously feduce the amount of padding on all its South-Eastern services.
Dublin Connolly
Bray
06/12
11:09
11:52
0
DART
Dublin Connolly
Bray
06/12
11:35
12:16
0
Railcar
Thomas Ralph
05-12-2008, 19:37
Remember that it's single-tracked; the trains have to be synchronized in order to pass each other.
First post:D
I have to agree with KSW. 15 to 20 min could easily be knocked off the times of Rosslare services. The 11.35 always seems to be waiting around stations ahead of time. The 0600 train from Gorey is another one for waiting around. I have been on this service when it was almost 20min late and still got to Tara St on time.
Slightly off topic but do staff get training on how to use the PA? Today it was more like grunt than an announcment.:mad:
Mark Hennessy
05-12-2008, 21:33
Slightly off topic but do staff get training on how to use the PA? Today it was more like grunt than an announcment.:mad:
I get surprised when the driver makes a clear audible announcement!
It can be done, but why only a very few drivers?
Welcome to the forum by the way.
Thank you Mark.
There seems to be no standards when it comes to the PA. Im sure it would not take long to train the drivers how to use it correctly.
I have to say I am cleary a fan of the new 22k trains. Yesterday at Heuston Station I seen these new 22k trains at every platfrom the mk III sets from what I seen yesterday are cleary gone. Travelling from Dublin to Galway on these new trains I have to say I am very happy about them going on the Rosslare line. The train departed Galway at 15:05 and arrived in Heuston at 17:35 The train was going fast the entire journey which helps:D:D..
PLUMB LOCO
07-12-2008, 12:10
I have to say I am cleary a fan of the new 22k trains. Yesterday at Heuston Station I seen these new 22k trains at every platfrom the mk III sets from what I seen yesterday are cleary gone. Travelling from Dublin to Galway on these new trains I have to say I am very happy about them going on the Rosslare line. The train departed Galway at 15:05 and arrived in Heuston at 17:35 The train was going fast the entire journey which helps:D:D..
I am afraid that I am not particularly happy to see the imminent (?) arrival of the 22ks on the Rosslare line - granted they will be better than the present collection of awful Commuter railcars on the route - they will be grossly inferior to the MkIIs as originally supplied. No 1st class, no dining car, no Fastrack, little space for bicyles, excessive lighting and I am reliably informed that Rosslare services may be operated by 3-piece sets. Can this latter point be correct?
Several hundreds of million spent on the route and the standard of service is going to be inferior to that provided in the 1980's - where is the sense in that or indeed value for money?
I am afraid that I am not particularly happy to see the imminent (?) arrival of the 22ks on the Rosslare line - granted they will be better than the present collection of awful Commuter railcars on the route - they will be grossly inferior to the MkIIs as originally supplied. No 1st class, no dining car, no Fastrack, little space for bicyles, excessive lighting and I am reliably informed that Rosslare services may be operated by 3-piece sets. Can this latter point be correct?
Several hundreds of million spent on the route and the standard of service is going to be inferior to that provided in the 1980's - where is the sense in that or indeed value for money?
I do agree that the 22K will be a step up from the current 28K trains.
Just a few points.
First class facilities were never available on the MK2 trains on the Rosslare line.
There is indeed Fastrack facilities (ie a cupboard). This is in use on the Sligo 22K for Fastrack.
New bicyle racks are being fitted (at the expence of seats).
Rosslare services will be operated by just 3 coach 22K sets. Main issue is the length of most platforms on the route. The present six coach 28K is the longest trains that can be used at present.
If 3 coach trains are the best we can hope for then the number of services need to be increased however in the current climate I doubt this will happen.
Mark Hennessy
07-12-2008, 13:54
Several hundreds of million spent on the route and the standard of service is going to be inferior to that provided in the 1980's - where is the sense in that or indeed value for money?
The same could be said for a lot of the rail network.
Billions on new track and trains yet journey times have decreased and customer service is poor on the whole.
sublimity
07-12-2008, 14:09
Rosslare services will be operated by just 3 coach 22K sets. Main issue is the length of most platforms on the route. The present six coach 28K is the longest trains that can be used at present.
.
As already discussed, this can be overcome with selective door openings on 22ks. So 2x3 coach is feasible.
What about the mk2s that used to be on this line? they seemed longer (071 engine + generator van + 6 coaches)
I really don't think a 6 coach 22k should cause any problems.
In my opinion IE should have ordered 6 coach sets only.
I do not like the idea of trains becoming shorter for Intercity routes.
As already discussed, this can be overcome with selective door openings on 22ks. So 2x3 coach is feasible.
What about the mk2s that used to be on this line? they seemed longer (071 engine + generator van + 6 coaches)
I really don't think a 6 coach 22k should cause any problems.
In my opinion IE should have ordered 6 coach sets only.
I do not like the idea of trains becoming shorter for Intercity routes.
Main problem is the 22K are not fitted with selective door opening. The MK2 did indeed operate in longer formation. Now Health and Safety have put paid to that.
Mark Gleeson
07-12-2008, 17:13
There will be 6 coach 22k services to Rosslare. Only one station is a problem, Rathdrum and as it stands it means only 1 door will be unusable.
Three options exist
1. Old fashioned public address warning
2. Get the ticket checker to use his/her key to set the door to out of service when the train leaves Wicklow or Rathdrum
3. Use the train computer to provide selective door opening, the computer certainly shows the state of every door in the train, I've had a play around with it
They will have 370-380 seats a train which is about 20 more than the Mk2 sets of old, plus it can carry 4 wheelchairs and 4 bikes. The CIE Mk2d must go down in history as one of the most horrible passenger coaches ever to grace these Islands
Curiously enough the Rosslare line has shown the greatest reduction in journey times of any route when you compare 1974 against today
PLUMB LOCO
07-12-2008, 19:03
Yes - Point taken the MkIIs - despite having 1st class compo carriages as part of the train make-up never officially had 1st class accomodation but why should the line not have 1st class?
Second point - as far as I know the Sligo line no longer has Fastrack - due to a lack of guards on the trains. Somebody please advise me?
Coming to Mark Gleeson's point that the checker could lock-off certain doors to get around problems of train lengths at Rathdrum. Again, as I understand it the days of regular ticket checkers are also numbered and this will leave the driver as the only IE employee on the train!
Another point that concerns me: I have noted that the Rail Gourmet staff regularly retire to the back cab on railcars when finished their shifts - should a non-IE staff member have access to the driving trailer of a service train? Health and Safety how are you???:mad:
Thomas Ralph
07-12-2008, 21:57
There will be 6 coach 22k services to Rosslare. Only one station is a problem, Rathdrum and as it stands it means only 1 door will be unusable.
I think the off-side platform at Enniscorthy may be a problem as well. It just fits six 2800s and I suspect six 22000s are longer.
Thomas Ralph
07-12-2008, 22:02
Yes - Point taken the MkIIs - despite having 1st class compo carriages as part of the train make-up never officially had 1st class accomodation but why should the line not have 1st class?
I think it's partially a case of lack of demand and partially that the trains are suburban for a good part of their run, so having a first-class section would just reduce the seating accommodation for regular passengers.
Second point - as far as I know the Sligo line no longer has Fastrack - due to a lack of guards on the trains. Somebody please advise me?
At the moment it does not but it could be back soon as there is a recently-discovered parcel cupboard on the 22Ks. Don't know if there's any demand to speak of though.
Coming to Mark Gleeson's point that the checker could lock-off certain doors to get around problems of train lengths at Rathdrum. Again, as I understand it the days of regular ticket checkers are also numbered and this will leave the driver as the only IE employee on the train!
I don't think ticket checkers are an endangered species in any way, especially on that line as none of the stations south of Bray have validation gates.
Another point that concerns me: I have noted that the Rail Gourmet staff regularly retire to the back cab on railcars when finished their shifts - should a non-IE staff member have access to the driving trailer of a service train? Health and Safety how are you???:mad:
The console is locked off so it shouldn't be a big issue.
PLUMB LOCO
07-12-2008, 23:04
'At the moment it does not but it could be back soon as there is a recently-discovered parcel cupboard on the 22Ks. Don't know if there's any demand to speak of though'.
The discovery of a parcel cupboard on the 22ks, or the demand for Fastrack have no bearing on the matter. As I have stated before no guards - no Fastrack. It is that simple.
Given that some in Railusers Ireland seem to think that freight (incl.Fastrack) is mutually exclusive from passenger trains I don't know whether there is much point in my going on about it but here it is again made simple for certain members of the committee. More revenue from freight (in this case Fastrack) 'should' help keep fares down. Encouraging freight on to the railway makes the case for investing in the railway more acceptable - especially to that large part of the population who never use a train from one end of the year to the next. Given that CIE/IE were charging as much and, in some cases, more to send a letter by train than a passenger it would seem to make sense to remove some of the railcars seats and put in a proper parcels compartment. Will it happen - never! Time to bring on Michael O'Leary or someone like him not some semi-state bureaucrat like the present incumbent at Heuston Station. :mad:
PLUMB LOCO
07-12-2008, 23:17
'I think it's partially a case of lack of demand and partially that the trains are suburban for a good part of their run, so having a first-class section would just reduce the seating accommodation for regular passengers.'
Yes, the current Dublin/Rosslare Harbour service is partially suburban and this needs to be addressed. There is a good case to be made for making Greystones the first stop out of Dublin and the last stop in the Up direction. Why should inter-city passengers have to put up with commuters sitting all over them once the train reaches Bray in the Up direction or until they reach Bray in the Down direction. It makes the whole 'inter-city' experience wholly unpleasant. It doesn't happen on any other inter-city service.
1st class is the standard setter - even if little used - and services without it soon become 'sub-standard' class rather than standard class. The whole business class of traveller tends to be put off rail travel when 1st class is not available. Not from a snobbery point of view but more in terms of having somewhere quiet and slightly more spacious to work in.
The bloody awful catering also needs to be urgently addressed. The poxy, grossly overpriced trolley service simply is not acceptable. :mad:
Derek Wheeler
07-12-2008, 23:26
Fastrack service has been the lifeline for Irish businesses for many many years. Why? Well because it was the quickest and cheapest method to send goods on a sameday service. A basic parcel can be sent to Cork from Heuston, station to station, for a mere 25 Euro. Get a courier to do it and its 400 euro! Don't even mention a taxi!!!!
The run down of the fastrack service is a disgrace, because it is not like the traditional freight traffic that people think of. It is actually a rail users facility on a very simple level. I have daily dealings with fastrack and I can safely say that if you think its a service that only "businesses" use then you are sadly mistaken. This service is utilised by many individual people in the movement of items. Regardless, the small business use, is paramount and it is a "railusers" facility, due to the multitude of private use. One should not get confused by the term "RAILFREIGHT". Fastrack is very different and very unique.
The Sligo line has a fastrack service, but Mullingar is ommitted, because the station people wanted more dosh, to pick up parcels, after the service had been done by van, during the use of commuter railcars. The sign in the fastrack office in Connolly clearly states that Mullingar has no fastrack service.
Fastrack should be a railusers issue.
sublimity
08-12-2008, 00:06
Yes, the current Dublin/Rosslare Harbour service is partially suburban and this needs to be addressed. There is a good case to be made for making Greystones the first stop out of Dublin and the last stop in the Up direction.
:
I see your point and agree totally.
It will hopefully be restored to its 'Intercity' status by Spring /Summer next year. First stop will be Bray though.
Thomas Ralph
08-12-2008, 10:44
The bloody awful catering also needs to be urgently addressed. The poxy, grossly overpriced trolley service simply is not acceptable. :mad:
Catering is an issue fleetwide. Of course with just two of the daily trains having even a trolley, it's that bit worse again on Dub-Rosslare.
Yes, the current Dublin/Rosslare Harbour service is partially suburban and this needs to be addressed. There is a good case to be made for making Greystones the first stop out of Dublin and the last stop in the Up direction. It makes the whole 'inter-city' experience wholly unpleasant. It doesn't happen on any other inter-city service.
The Dublin/Rosslare has been a suburban since July2004 when the 2700 commuter railcars entered service on the line then later de-coupled outside Wexford. When the new 22k trains come on the line I think Greystones should be considered as the first stop in each direction. It would make the word INTERCITY on the Rosslare line more desireable maybe knocking of 5-10mins in approching bray/ stopping/ departing gaining speed again.
There will be 6 coach 22k services to Rosslare. Only one station is a problem, Rathdrum and as it stands it means only 1 door will be unusable.
Curiously enough the Rosslare line has shown the greatest reduction in journey times of any route when you compare 1974 against today
It seems pointless to me when IE were re-doing the platform lenghts down along the line when if they just lenghtened the platforms by another 20feet this wouldnt be a problem.
Mark you say the Rosslare line has shown the greastest reduction in journey times compared to 1974 im guessing this is by about 10mins:D. I would love to see the journey times of the years that past and just see how Irish Rail's new track upgrading / signalling have reduced their journey times !!! :):)
Just curiosity how long does the train take from Wexford to Enniscorthy compared to what it should take without padding. Gorey to Rosslare would it take 1hour rather 1hr10mins and Wexford 40mins rather 50mins.
Mark Gleeson
08-12-2008, 12:04
About 25 minutes reduction was over 3:15, best today is 2:47
Colm Moore
08-12-2008, 15:45
One important thing about Fastrack and other non-passenger services.
Passenger numbers is the key indicator when the CIÉ group goes to government looking for money, parcels, bikes, etc. probably aren't counted.
Dublin Bus had to instruct their drivers to ensure that all season ticket holders and social welfare pass holders were manually recorded if automatic recording failed (theres a button to press on hte ticket machine).
dowlingm
08-12-2008, 17:58
Why should inter-city passengers have to put up with commuters sitting all over them once the train reaches Bray in the Up direction or until they reach Bray in the Down direction. It makes the whole 'inter-city' experience wholly unpleasant. It doesn't happen on any other inter-city service.I understood that that is absolutely the case on the northern line to Dundalk/Drogheda :confused:
which is easy to fix by having Newry the first stop.
which is easy to fix by having Newry the first stop.
Of course it's not as easy as that. What about people going from Dundalk/Drogheda to Newry/Portadown/Belfast. Do you honestly expect them to back-track the whole way back to Dublin?
The least you can get away with is a stop in Dundalk.
Colm Moore
10-12-2008, 17:16
Or reserved seating only on most Enterprise services.
Of course it's not as easy as that. What about people going from Dundalk/Drogheda to Newry/Portadown/Belfast. Do you honestly expect them to back-track the whole way back to Dublin?
The least you can get away with is a stop in Dundalk.The two things that REALLY grind my gears about how Irish Rail is run, are the things that I've seen done right in the U.S. and to a lesser extent Germany, that IE completely phail at.
The first is my well known pet hate of train floor heights that don't match the platforms.
The second is the fare structure, and the case highlighted here - how to turn the Enterprise into an actual Intercity train - is but one of many reasons why IMO Irish Rail should lift wholesale the fare structure from the MTA Metro North and Long Island Railroads from New York City.
That fare structure is simple, transparent, organised and properly implemented. It provides a clear fare structure that's easy to understand, has simple and effective peak/off peak designations and - relevant to this debate - a method of stopping to pick up and set down passengers only, by way of R/D restrictions on stops in the timetable.
What this means is that a train can stop at a station, going into the City to drop off passengers only, or leaving the City to pick up only.
This is useful as all Metro North trains start/terminate at Grand Central terminal, but all stop at Harlem 125th St and some New Haven and Harlem Valley-bound trains stop at Fordham in the Bronx to pick up passengers on the way out, or drop them off on the way in.
The fare rules are such that if you use such a train to travel between GCT and 125th St or Fordham, you will be liable for a full fare to/from the next stop on the train's journey - for example if you board a train bound for New Haven, 1st stop Stamford, but stops in Fordham to pickup passengers, with the intention of getting off there, you will have to have a ticket for Stamford, and if you don't the on board fare surcharge is very steep, in that case you could pay up to $20 (peak time and onboard purchase both drive up the fare cost) where the Subway would have got you there for $2.
Departure boards at GCT do not list "Pick Up Only" stops, giving the 1st stop as the first non-restricted stop.
The purpose of these restricted stops is to allow people working in or travelling onwards from the Northside of the city to access their jobs, connections etc from the area the trains are meant to provide suburban service to. That the trains are not to be used for intra-city "rat running" is made very clear.
Obviously this component would have extreme value on long distance services ex-Connolly and to a lesser extent, ex-Heuston here, Enterprise trains could make any stops near Dublin deemed useful for long distance travellers, ditto for the Sligo line (Drumcondra Metro, Clonsilla Pace line), Rosslare (Bray/Greystones anyone?) without the trains becoming overstuffed with short-haullers.
Colm Moore
11-12-2008, 22:34
Not unlike the Dublin Bus minimum fare scheme then.
shweeney
16-12-2008, 11:19
Yes, the current Dublin/Rosslare Harbour service is partially suburban and this needs to be addressed. There is a good case to be made for making Greystones the first stop out of Dublin and the last stop in the Up direction. Why should inter-city passengers have to put up with commuters sitting all over them once the train reaches Bray in the Up direction or until they reach Bray in the Down direction.
In my experience the majority of passengers on any Rosslare train leaving Dublin are actually going to Bray or Greystones - there just aren't that many actual "inter-city" passengers on that line. The reason it has been commuterised is because most of the passengers (Wicklow, Arklow, Gorey as well) are commuters. Any time I've been on it south of Greystones theres been a lot of empty seats (and thats on a 4-car train).
WRT to the running time - the Rosslare and Gorey\Enniscorthy trains invariably seem to get halted after Sidney Parade to wait for the Merrion Gates to close. DARTs don't suffer from this presumably because the gates are closed while the DART is actually in SP station. The express trains should be given more priority here.
In my experience the majority of passengers on any Rosslare train leaving Dublin are actually going to Bray or Greystones - there just aren't that many actual "inter-city" passengers on that line.
Do you ever wonder why there are less people on this line.
(1) No Intercity train since July2004 we got a 2700 set train which departed outside Wexford, we got stuck with the 2800 sets which are really uncomfortable.
(2) The length of time between Gorey and Dublin on the train is really insane.
(3) Every train takes 40+ mins plus from Bray to Connolly thats a DART journey time.
I haven't used the train service from Gorey in about 7months and it is literally heaven:):). I used to travel on a daily basis but Now and many other people have DERAILED THE TRAIN:D:D
sublimity
16-12-2008, 12:20
Any time I've been on it south of Greystones theres been a lot of empty seats (and thats on a 4-car train).
Iarnrod Eireann can only blame themselves for the empty seats
They chose to make the line a commuter route in July '04, now they're paying the price.
When the new trains finally travel the Rosslare line I gurantee passenger numbers will increase. Why? Because it will be an Inter City route again.
The bottom line is;the commuter trains deterred people from using this line
Mark Hennessy
16-12-2008, 12:59
Iarnrod Eireann can only blame themselves for the empty seats
They chose to make the line a commuter route in July '04, now they're paying the price.
Long, long ago (well 6 years :D ) when P11 was first founded, IE wanted to close the line south of Wexford. I think it has been pretty much their policy to neglect this line for a while.
The best journey time on the Rosslare service from Bray to Connolly is without a doubt the 17.40 from Rosslare. The train left Bray at 20.01 and arrived Dun Laoghaoire 20.15 and stormed to Pearse arriving 20.26 then tara street 20.28 connolly 20.30.
So in order for this to become the real Intercity journey time between Bray and Connolly DART services from Bray would leave 17mins before which is ok for the time of night. When the DART arrives at Connolly the Rosslare train would arrive in Pearse. I think if this would apply to Connolly Bray then IE would have a hit on their hands in terms of time, Knocking of at least 14+mins of the Rosslare time.
Bray
Dublin Connolly
08/01
19:43
20:25
0
DART
http://irishrail.ie/images/your_journey/euro.gif Bray
Dublin Connolly
08/01
20:01
20:32
0
Railcar
Donal Quinn
09-02-2009, 10:11
after a while where things had gotten better on the trains last friday was a nightmare
17:50 to galway, queues in heuston were completely screwed up, people joinoing the wrong queues and when boarding finally started a bout 100 people skipped ahead of those patiently queueing - such a simple thing and IE can't manage it
got worse on the train - a stag party were going mental - pissing off everyone - especially when stag started exposing himself - IE staff did nothing as usual
17:50 to galway, queues in heuston were completely screwed up, people joinoing the wrong queues and when boarding finally started a bout 100 people skipped ahead of those patiently queueing - such a simple thing and IE can't manage it
I got the 17.45 to Athlone and thought the same. The concourse was a disaster, it wasn't obvious which queue was for which train. How come they can't clear part of the floor and install permanent queues, cinemas manage it.
PLUMB LOCO
09-02-2009, 22:43
Long, long ago (well 6 years :D ) when P11 was first founded, IE wanted to close the line south of Wexford. I think it has been pretty much their policy to neglect this line for a while.
I think you mean south of Arklow! It was CIE policy to close everything south of Arklow and why it didn't happen when NET closed is anyone's guess! :)
I think you mean south of Arklow! It was CIE policy to close everything south of Arklow and why it didn't happen when NET closed is anyone's guess! :)
They also planned to close Killarney-Tralee! (Obviously no one in the organisation had the brains to know that Tralee is indeed the largest town in Kerry.) I guess, as far as IE are concerned, one has to be thankful for small mercies!
Colm Moore
10-02-2009, 20:48
A friend did Cork-Dublin recently and was happy witht he train and delighted with the attention of the train host - polite, attentive and even brought him right through the train looking for an available power point. :)
Is there someone new?
Thomas Ralph
11-02-2009, 09:41
There's two very good train hosts, Joe and Tommy if I recall the names correctly.
Few times I saw train host is sleeping while duties. Can they do so?
Mark Gleeson
11-02-2009, 14:54
Don't think so, as they are required to be onboard, a sleeping host is as good as no host really, they won't here the driver to host tone on the pa system
Was on the 19.25 Gorey to Connolly last night operated by 22001. Displays all working but the journey was so slow. It took the train 14mins to Arklow(19.39), 21mins to Rathdrum(20.00) another 14mins to Wicklow(20.14), Another 15mins to Greystones(20.29) 10mins to Bray(20.39), 20mins to Dun Laoghaire(20.59) then another 13mins to Pearse Station(21.12). I honestly have to say why on earth are the trains on this line so slow..
After the trainleft Gorey the announcements said L&G IE Welcomes you onboard this is the 20.05 from Enniscorthy to Dublin Connolly serving.... Then leaving Rathdrum an announcement said this train will be departing in approx 2mins(20.03) Im guessing as the train was set to 20.05
In my option the train from Gorey to Bray should take 1hr exactly rather than 1hr to Greystones. Then Bray to Connolly roughly 30-40mins.
Gf travelling to Westport today with a group, went through a whole rigmarole earlier this week trying to get her booked into a seat beside her friends who had already booked.
Of course they boarded the train at lunch time to find a girl asleep in 'their' seats, no indication anywhere of reserved seats, and a general free-for-all.
Still, it meant they all got to sit together anyway, which is good.
This is the same line on which two years ago I had to ask two people to move out of our reserved seats, who then sat opposite us, and when I complained to the ticket inspector that the seats hadn't been resreved, he told me in front of them that it's impossible to book seats on that line, which was a bit embarrassing. And a lie.
Seriously, why do they bother with a seat reservation system at all?
roamling
27-03-2009, 13:34
they should use the reserved seats system in a way that you display on what part of the journey the seat is reserved, e.g lets say "Castlebar-Dublin"...than somebody boarding the train in Westport is aware that this seat might be occupied later in the journey.
Mark Gleeson
27-03-2009, 13:45
Thats the theory, to see it working is a different thing entirely
they should use the reserved seats system in a way that you display on what part of the journey the seat is reserved, e.g lets say "Castlebar-Dublin"...than somebody boarding the train in Westport is aware that this seat might be occupied later in the journey.
That's the big problem with them not marking the seats, and the reason I asked two people to move last time despite there being loads of other free seats around. Because while I could easily have sat somewhere else, then I could end up with someone getting on at an intermediate station and turfing me out of their seats.
Miffed to that booking online incurs a €2 booking charge, not much point if you don't get the seats you've reserved.
Mark Gleeson
27-03-2009, 17:01
If you book and get no seat you can claim your fare back, been there done that and got my refund.
You can avoid the 2 euro with a laser card, I'm assured the bugs with laser cards where resolved ages ago
on the move
28-03-2009, 00:14
Yes, the current Dublin/Rosslare Harbour service is partially suburban and this needs to be addressed. There is a good case to be made for making Greystones the first stop out of Dublin and the last stop in the Up direction. Why should inter-city passengers have to put up with commuters sitting all over them once the train reaches Bray in the Up direction or until they reach Bray in the Down direction. It makes the whole 'inter-city' experience wholly unpleasant. It doesn't happen on any other inter-city service.
You can't blame commuters for skipping DART stops by using the Rosslare service. But the route is so slow, because south of Bray, it's all single track, so there has to mad waiting times at stations waiting for train coming from the opposite direction. This is 2009 not 1909. :mad:
In fairness the service has improved. As recently as 1993, steam trains used to operate the line. :D :eek: :rolleyes:
PLUMB LOCO
28-03-2009, 11:13
You can't blame commuters for skipping DART stops by using the Rosslare service. But the route is so slow, because south of Bray, it's all single track, so there has to mad waiting times at stations waiting for train coming from the opposite direction. This is 2009 not 1909. :mad:
In fairness the service has improved. As recently as 1993, steam trains used to operate the line. :D :eek: :rolleyes:
In what respect has the inter-city service on the DSER line improved? Commuter carriages instead of inter-city carriages, no buffet car, slower timings......
Don't get your point about commuters skipping DART stops. Of course commuters will board any train that they can, I used to myself, but if the train no longer stops at Bray, Dun Laoghaire etc the option is not there.
What has 1909/2009 got to do with anything?
Your point about steam trains being to operate the line until 1993 is rubbish so why put it in? Incidentally, the RPSI (Railway Preservation Society of Ireland) still run occasional steam trains on the route - is this what you mean?:rolleyes:
Mark Hennessy
28-03-2009, 13:52
Does anyone know if the seat reservations are applied on the Enterprise?
I plan to take advantage of the very good online booking day returns IE are offering in the next few weeks.
Mark Gleeson
28-03-2009, 13:57
Don't tell anyone its only 20 euro day return...
Getting there is no problem, its the getting back since Translink don't understand standard class reservations
Big thing to remember
Free Metro Bus to and from Belfast City Centre
Passengers with a valid rail ticket can travel between Belfast city centre and Belfast Central Station (East Bridge Street) free of charge on the following services: Metro 4A; 4B; 6A; 18; 19; 23; 27; 28; 31; 78 and 79, and all Ulsterbus services 500 - 599 passing East Bridge Street.
on the move
29-03-2009, 09:11
Don't get your point about commuters skipping DART stops. Of course commuters will board any train that they can, I used to myself, but if the train no longer stops at Bray, Dun Laoghaire etc the option is not there.
All trains going through Bray must stop there. It is a major station. Dun Laoghaire is another major station, where all trains stop. I give preference to the Rosslare train if it's a choice to Dun Laoghaire/Bray/Greystones over haggling through Booterstown, Sandycove, and Shankill on the DART. I'm sure many others do the same.
What has 1909/2009 got to do with anything?
It's in reference to the third-world single line track system, still in use in a lot of the country. Having to wait for trains to arrive before leaving because of the track layout, is a joke. It belongs in the flintstone age or third-world countries, not in a EU country where so much money has been invested in the railway system.
You wouldn't tolerate a single lane motorway, so why tolerate a single lane track?
PLUMB LOCO
29-03-2009, 12:16
It's in reference to the third-world single line track system, still in use in a lot of the country. Having to wait for trains to arrive before leaving because of the track layout, is a joke. It belongs in the flintstone age or third-world countries, not in a EU country where so much money has been invested in the railway system.
You wouldn't tolerate a single lane motorway, so why tolerate a single lane track?
There are many thousands of miles of single track railways throughout Western Europe and they operate successfully - it's called operating to a timetable - novel idea??. The idea of doubling the DSER is nonsense and shows that you have little appreciation of the terrain through which the line runs, the costs associated with such a massive proposal and the return on same - we not talking a few packs of Hornby track! ;)
sublimity
29-03-2009, 12:36
All trains going through Bray must stop there. It is a major station. Dun Laoghaire is another major station, where all trains stop.
Stopping at Bray YES, stopping at Dun Laoighaire NO. The whole point of an intercity journey is to cut out the amount of needless stops along a DART/Commuter route with the first major town being the first port of call I.E Bray.
It's the same with Sligo;first stop is Maynooth and indeed with the majority of InterCity journeys ex Heuston, the first stop is Kildare Town.
Up until a few years ago the Rosslare train's first stop was always Bray. Then the fools put commuter carriages on the line and gave them the excuse to stop at numerous stations on the DART line.
Dun Laoighaire is for DART and COMMUTER stops only.
Stopping at Bray YES, stopping at Dun Laoighaire NO. First major town being the first port of call I.E Bray.
It's the same with Sligo;first stop is Maynooth,Heuston the first stop is Kildare Town.
I totally agree Bray YES, Dun Laoghaire NO same with Pearse & Tara Street. Connolly right through to Bray no stops.
You wouldn't tolerate a single lane motorway, so why tolerate a single lane track?
Single track isn't really the issue, You just need good timing. Trains on the line could go faster say Rosslare to Dublin 2hr30mins & Gorey to Dublin 1hr30mins. Its all there the line has the potential already just if IE would let the trains lose.:rolleyes:
News trains, New signaling, Give the customers something to remember after 5years of the Commuter trains.
Mark Gleeson
30-03-2009, 10:41
Dun Laoghaire is the biggest town on the entire route really and a ferry port, the stop should be there, Tara Street is the one to drop. Pearse stays given the interconnector is coming
Colm Moore
30-03-2009, 20:29
Stopping at Bray YES, stopping at Dun Laoighaire NO. The whole point of an intercity journey is to cut out the amount of needless stops along a DART/Commuter route with the first major town being the first port of call I.E Bray.
It's the same with Sligo;first stop is Maynooth and indeed with the majority of InterCity journeys ex Heuston, the first stop is Kildare Town.
Up until a few years ago the Rosslare train's first stop was always Bray. Then the fools put commuter carriages on the line and gave them the excuse to stop at numerous stations on the DART line.
Dun Laoighaire is for DART and COMMUTER stops only.Maynooth, Kildare and Bray are the outer ends of their respective commuter lines (yes, I realise that some commuter services go beyond those points).
7, 7a, 45a, 46a, 46x, 58c, 59, 75, 111, 746 buses all operate to Dún Laoghaire.
sublimity
31-03-2009, 12:27
Dun Laoghaire is the biggest town on the entire route really and a ferry port, the stop should be there, Tara Street is the one to drop. Pearse stays given the interconnector is coming
Totally disagree Mark. Dun Laoghaire is a suburb of Dublin. Having it as an Intercity stop would be taking away the whole concept of the word 'Intercity'.
A Lot of people think Bray should be the first stop and rightly so. I agree with Pearse being a stop though.
You seem to be forgetting those folks who work along the southern DART line especially seen as how bad the timetable. For those folks that extra stop is a lifeline.
Forget about looking for a 20-minute gap between the Rosslare train and the DART before it because if this stop is removed these people need a connection to Bray or the city!
I remember working in blackrock and my evening train to maynooth would fly pass, it would annoy alot of people. So I had to travel to town to make the connection. No bother seen as though MY LAST TRAIN WAS NOT 18:30!!!
Its not fair when a timetable is so infrequent to have to put the onus on people to rely on a connecting train with a fairly big distance!
sublimity
31-03-2009, 14:59
You seem to be forgetting those folks who work along the southern DART line especially seen as how bad the timetable. For those folks that extra stop is a lifeline.
The 2 evening commuter trains to Gorey will look after them folk won't they?
The 2 evening commuter trains to Gorey will look after them folk won't they?
True but given that the last train heading ESE will be 7ish there should still be a connection.
There is still a perception that people finish at 5. Even think of those passengers coming from cherrywood/leopardstown and sandyford.
sublimity
31-03-2009, 15:11
Maybe an exception could be made for the last train to Rosslare.
The rest: First stop Bray.
Maybe an exception could be made for the last train to Rosslare.
The rest: First stop Bray.
Fair enough!
I think its an absolute disgrace that with services such as the Rosslare is still so backwards that anyone finishing after the evening peak hour cannot get a train that way. At least Bus eireann have woken up and realised that!
10:00pm to gorey should be the last!
Dun Laoghaire is the biggest town on the entire route really and a ferry port, the stop should be there, Tara Street is the one to drop. Pearse stays given the interconnector is coming
Eh no thanks that's my stop!! I'd never make it from work to Connolly or Pearse for the 16.43 back home so would end up working an extra half hour each day until the next one. What would you gain cutting out that stop, 3 mins maybe?Its blackrock and lansdowne that could go!
Eh no thanks that's my stop!! I'd never make it from work to Connolly or Pearse for the 16.43 back home so would end up working an extra half hour each day until the next one. What would you gain cutting out that stop, 3 mins maybe?Its blackrock and lansdowne that could go!
Theres a difference when someone has a 2 minute connection with frequent services to get from tara street to connolly or pearse or someone who has to take 20-30 minutes to get from Sandymount or Blackrock or Dun Laoghaire to Pearse/Connolly or Bray. [ps The Rosslare train doesn't stop at Blackrock or Lansdowne in the evening!]
There seems to be a perception that everything happens 9-5 in Dublin City Centre! How backwards is that thought! Connolly/Tara/Pearse or Bray is not the best option for everyone!
Certainly not for someone working in Sandyford!
The intercity passes through Bray at 08:05 and the next DART from Bray is then 08:10 so can people who need to get off before Pearse not swap over? The Intercity gets into Pearse at 08:43 and the DART at 08:49 so there's not a huge difference?
My gf got the 8.20am Heuston to Westport this morning only to discover that the seat displays were turned off (although leaflets were left on the seats) and that her seat didn't exist. There were no staff on the train and the man on the platform (who later turned out to be a ticket inspector) just waved and told her to sit anywhere she could get a seat.
One short chat with the customer care staff in Heuston later and it turns out that that particular carriage is numbered properly (1-36) while the rest are numbered wrong (9-45) and the reservation system assumes they're all 9-36 so they put leaflets on the seats so passengers should know anyone with a reservation in A can sit anywhere in A.
*rolls eyes*
How hard is it to get this stuff right?
Mark Gleeson
12-04-2009, 13:21
Problems continue on the Dublin Belfast route, ok so the trains no longer breakdown but everything else seems to go wrong
7:35 Dublin Belfast 10th April, the curious case of which coach is coach D, is the one next to C or the one two coaches further down with the D label? The information screen wasn't working and not one single announcement was made throughout the journey
16:10 Belfast Dublin, same train so repeat the coach D problem, no seat reservation cards, but the information screen and pa was working
Thomas Ralph
28-07-2009, 15:03
Was on the 1100 Heuston-Cork this morning. Packed to the gills, primarily due to the €10 fares one assumes. With coaches C, D, and E almost booked out, there really needed to be someone directing people without reservations to the far end of the train. Train host was, however, camped in first class for most of it (there's money to be had there from selling upgrades).
There were at least three sets of people laying claim to seats C7 and C8 as well, although they had no names on them.
Mark Gleeson
28-07-2009, 15:06
To be fair its probably due to the U2 concert, Cork folks tend to stay the night and travel down the following day
The entrance on platform 5 in Heuston puts all passengers facing a door on coach C
Thomas Ralph
28-07-2009, 15:11
The entrance on platform 5 in Heuston puts all passengers facing a door on coach C
Indeed. Surely it's not too much of an inconvenience to stand a person (or even a display board) there to tell people without a reservation to head down to carriage F?
I don't usually have a reservation (my journey Sandymount to Cork isn't bookable) and I go down to the right carriage, but surely it would reduce customer inconvenience to do this?
Because most trains on the Galway/Mayo Lines "off peak" are now 3 carriage, the increase in passengers in the run up to Christmas has led to very busy trains.
While most days there are still just about enough seats, last Friday 30+ passengers were left behind in Tullamore by the 15:35 (Westport-Dublin) and had to wait the hour for the 16:35 (Galway-Dublin) Luckily 6 carriages were provided, it being a Friday.
If this happens, are passengers entitled to 50% refund (arriving 60+ minutes late at destination)?
1200 Dublin Mallow Enterprise on Sat. 5 December 2009.
Booked a first class single [ 54.00 single + 20.00 fc supplement ] ... Sigh.... too bloody expensive for what you get.
Train left on time, arrived on time, seats clean, carriage quiet.
No at-seat meal service, 1x trolley run for Tea + Coffee.
sublimity
08-12-2009, 00:48
Because most trains on the Galway/Mayo Lines "off peak" are now 3 carriage, the increase in passengers in the run up to Christmas has led to very busy trains.
While most days there are still just about enough seats, last Friday 30+ passengers were left behind in Tullamore by the 15:35 (Westport-Dublin) and had to wait the hour for the 16:35 (Galway-Dublin) Luckily 6 carriages were provided, it being a Friday.
If this happens, are passengers entitled to 50% refund (arriving 60+ minutes late at destination)?
I'd imagine they are.
Its December 8th today which (traditionally) means a significant increase in passengers travelling to/from Dublin for xmas shopping. Will Irish Rail put on extra carriages for some services? I certainly hope so but wouldn't hold my breath. More 6 carriage 22ks over the Christmas period please. Nothing worse than having to stand after a long days shopping!
Thomas Ralph
21-12-2009, 20:13
This train set off late due to obsessive ticket checking (what need is there to check everyone's ticket at the end of the queue when they've already been through the ticket gates?) and there was a vast number of people ignoring reservations and sitting in the wrong seats. The train host focused on getting seats for people standing. Due to line speed restrictions it arrived in at 1435.
Thomas Ralph
21-12-2009, 20:14
Lots and lots of train host announcements on this one (at least the automated announcements only scrolled over the screen and weren't broadcast out loud). Lots of requests to keep quiet in the quiet carriage too. Some of the reservations didn't work properly. Priveless was the announcement at the end: "We apologise for the late running of this train, this is due to the additional stops brought in in the new timetable".
Yesterdays 18.30 Dublin/Rosslare service operated by the new 22k fleet I noticed just after the DART service to Greystones the Rosslare train comes into platform 5 on time. All the outside displays showing Rosslare as its destination were on,but as you enter the carriage there is no internal displays showing its stopping stations. Now I know the train is scheduled to depart at 18.30 but how can it depart on time when 4-5mins before there is a DART to Greystones on the same platform.
When the train approached Tara Street the announcement said Tara Street. Then calling out the stations in Irish down to Rosslare Europort but it never said anything in English,You would have to know your station name in Irish off-hand.
After the train left Pearse Station the writing on the display just said "This is coach A". Just arriving into Dun Laoghaire the announcement said Dun Laoghaire please change here for ferry services. What cant the train display the next station after it leaves Pearse.
Shortly after Bray it displayed "Next station 9.1km" arriving at Greystones "Na Clocah Liatha-Greystones"
It never displayed the distance after Greystones to Wicklow but it did display Wicklow-Rathdrum. It didnt display the distance for Rathdrum-Arklow and the same to Arklow-Gorey. Why cant it display the distance after every station along with the welcome onboard.This is the 18.30 from Connolly to Rosslare serving... Taking a station off it as it travels on...
I think what IE need to do is to introduce the time onto the display screens.
I enjoyed the journey on the new train,it is a very nice train to travel on.
sublimity
25-01-2010, 18:10
I was on this service just before Christmas (sorry should've reported earlier).
The automated announcements were very annoying. As it left Connolly it basically never shut up. It kept saying "this is the 13.30 hours train to Rosslare Europort calling at... There was a woman across from me going absolutely crazy as she was trying to sleep!
There is no need to keep repeating the same message and it was also very loud. It died down after Pearse but bloody hell was it irritating! I assume this happens for every 22k service to Rosslare? Sort it out Irish Rail.
Today's 0750 Rosslare to Connolly had no destination on the front or sides and the internal PIS showing 'This is coach....'. Driver made manual announcements but were barely audible with much speaker noise. When this service was turned over to intercity railcar the PIS worked with no problems lately all I have seen on this service is 'This is coach...' and no announcements at all. Last week on the 1330 from Connolly in a space of 10 minutes before departure there were 4 'Welcome on board' announcements and no other announcements except two 'Shortly arriving at...' ones for Tara Street and Bray. Irishrail need to sort out the PIS almost 2 months since these trains started working the Rosslare line there is no excuse for this shoddy half working PIS.
Mark Gleeson
25-01-2010, 20:07
As of December 1st 2009 failure of the CIS is now a punishable offense and Irish Rail stand to lose part or all of the payment from the NTA if various standards are not met
This evenings service I have to admit was very comfortable, The PA system or whatever it is called:)displayed the next station when we reached the nearest station. But it did not call out the stations the train serves. You couldn't really hear the announcements because it was set to low.
The points mentioned above show be addressed by IE but tonight there is no complaints from this customer. :)
I think this might have been 18:10 from Westport.
The scrolling display and Public Address seemed to be in a world of it's own. After Tullamore it was announcing 7.8 Km to the next station, which was announced as Tullamore. Somewhere near Geashill it did the whole welcome to Tullamore thing, and then welcomed people on board. Similar thing happened at Portarlington.
Wouldn't like to have been not Irish. It was pitch dark outside so would never have managed to get out at the right station.
This mornings 08.56 Gorey/Dub service was operated by the 29k fleet. I was actually glad to get this train, It was so much more comfortable than the 22k. It was faster and took 1hr35mins to Tara Street. The 22k seating is really starting to hurt my back than any other previous train on the line.
I was told this morning by the ticket officer that the train drivers are refusing to drive the 22k trains. Their engine performance is not great. The engines keep cutting out or something, 2/3 engines are working from the 3 engines on a 3 car 22k set.
Is anybody else finding the new 22k trains very uncomfortable to seat on. They may be new trains with lovely bright interior and nice looking seats, But when you seat on them they are most uncomfortable.
PLUMB LOCO
04-02-2010, 11:05
Is anybody else finding the new 22k trains very uncomfortable to seat on. They may be new trains with lovely bright interior and nice looking seats, But when you seat on them they are most uncomfortable. [/QUOTE]
While I have, thus far, little mileage up on the 22000s I find them a hundred times better than any of the 'Commuter' rubbish. Still the same useless catering facilities on the Rosslare route but that has nothing to do with the 22000s. On my most recent trip No 1st class so I had to put up with a group of reasonably well behaved adolescents discussing the merits of Head shops and what sort of highs are available (at least from Enniscorthy - Bray). Try as I might to concentrate on my book I found it a trying experience - that's why for people like me who value our own space or business people etc who want to work 1st class is essential! Proper catering would be nice too but I suppose we should be thankful to have wheels on the train. :rolleyes:
Thomas Ralph
03-04-2010, 10:18
The rugby return special last night could have done with some STT or any sort of on-train staff presence. There was a substantial contingent of drunk and disruptive passengers, singing at high volumes and intimidating and blocking in other passengers. Seat reservations were also not honoured.
I was imagining that IE would contract STT to supply as many bodies as possible for that train, considering how late it was, that it was relating to a sports event, and that it would no doubt be carrying many people who had visited Limerick for its special exemption yesterday.
But clearly such obvious facts elude IE management. It must have been a scary experience from the sounds of it.
Connolly Station, 3rd April 2010
I bought my ticket here and the ticket buying process was straightfoward. Although the person serving me did disappear for about two minutes for some reason during the transaction.
I asked if there was a timetable to accompany the ticket and she said no and pointed to the information desk.
They didn't have timetables either, he said they were being reprinted and seemed genuinely sorry. When he saw my ticket he mentioned that a timetable would have been perfect for me, and then pointed at the individual timetable stand. Ho hum. Not the end of the world.
0830 Dublin Heuston to Galway, 4th April 2010
Dublin Heuston was a much more pleasant station than I recall from my last trip there (I was going to Millstreet) - I remember then it was incredibly noisy and dark - but then I wasn't there on a Sunday morning in Easter!
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Boarding started at about 0810hrs, there was quite a queue at Heuston with no one using the barriers. At first I thought the barriers were only for a certain kind of ticket, so I queued, which was weird for someone like me who has been conditioned into using barriers in the UK. I was a bit bemused by the queue of people handing their tickets to the ticket checker, who inserted it into the reader and then handed it back. At this point I walked over to the barriers and was through straightaway.
I was impressed that my ticket worked the barriers - the number of times in the UK that certain tickets are rejected by the barriers is quite annoying, so glad this wasn't an issue here.
The train was two x three car 22 sets, standard class throughout. I found the seats comfortable throughout the journey, although I did have a bay of four to myself. And the plug sockets were great as I was able to charge my phone and camera during the trip.
Another major plus point was that the seats align with the big windows throughout the train. Something that has escaped the designers notice for many recent trainbuilds in the UK.
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A trolley service went up and down a few times, tickets were checked and I settled back with a coffee.
There were repeated automatic messages asking passengers not to sit in pre-reserved seats, and to their credit I noticed the passengers checking this.
I did find the first few stations from Dublin (Adamstown etc. ) to be very bleak looking affairs. The more traditional stations on the line seemed to have lifts and footbridges foisted on them: I know that the installation of lifts at stations is a legal requirement but I got the feeling that there was no sense of integrating this with the existing heritage of the stations. Most of the stations I travelled to today felt very stark in their design.
At some point past Clara the information system had a minor breakdown. And messages would appear like "This is the train for... 20.7kms" or something similar. At Athlone the information system announced that passengers for Galway should stay in the first three coaches, as the train splits for Westport.
There then followed a broken announcement from the driver (?) which I think was saying to ignore that automatic message, but it came out as
"Passenger... train... 'scommon and .... Port change at Ath....". Seriously. Finally someone came through the train asking if anyone needed Westport and advising them to change at Athlone. So, potentially some confusion caused by a malfunctioning computer, but dealt with by a real person double checking with the passengers.
The rest of the journey was uneventful.
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Had about an hour in Galway before commencing my next train... to Limerick.
Galway to Limerick Sunday 4th April 2010
Galway Station doesn't seem to have any departure boards or any signs indicating where trains are leaving from. Now I know it has just the two platforms, but I still think a small sign for "Limerick Service" would have been welcome.
Compared to Limerick and Cork, Galway Station was a bit ... naff. Very little for passengers, and it didn't feel very welcoming.
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A two car train was waiting at the station, at the very end of the platform and I was interested to see how busy the train would be.
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I was amongst the first to board...
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We left a minute late, with about ten people on the train as far as I could tell, which was branded "Commuter". The stations on the line where again very stark affairs, with the exception of Ennis.
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At each station, there were passengers boarding and disembarking, but a one car train would have sufficed. (Ignoring the perception of overcrowding that a one car train would create). However the train was busier than the one I got from Limerick to Limerick Junction for the connection to Cork.
For some reason, I can't recall any ticket checks taking place but given the amount of travelling I did in two days I may have forgotten.
Before long we arrived at Limerick.
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I think Galway to Limerick could be a "grower". The service didn't feel 'slow' despite its two hours duration. Bus Eireann at Galway were agressively advertising their Galway - Gort service "in 90 minutes" whereas Irish Rail's noticeboard appeared to be some photocopied sheets.
Next journey that day... Limerick to Limerick Junction
dowlingm
10-04-2010, 19:45
BE's poster is exactly why CIE needs to be broken up. IE's "sister company" is it's biggest competitor. Instead IE should be running its own buses to feed their network, expanding their catchment.
06:30 Cork-Dublin 12/04/2010. Coach C.
On the plus side, the train departed on time and arrived early.
The minuses:
The PIS only operated between Cork and Mallow. After that, nothing. Not even an announcement from the train host.
After Kildare, the speaker system made a continuous, irritating crackling/buzzing sound.
I wanted to buy a one day Dublin Bus ticket (I need to make 4 bus journeys in Dublin today. I couldn't work out where to buy one in Heuston, if it is even possible.
The gates in Cork were only opened about 10 minutes before the train was due to leave, ruching people onto the train (also makes a bit of a mockery of the bit on the online booking which says you should take your seat 20 minutes beforfe the train leaves).
After Cork, no attempt was made to enforce reserved seating. In Mallow, there was a free-for-all. In Limerick Junction, people got on to find their reserved seats occupied.
Some staff members were only semi-presentable
The train waited for around 10 minutes in Mallow and took 45 minutes to get in from Kildare. Given that it was early, it would make you wonder how fast they could do the journey
On another note, the coffee shop in Kent Station sells a decent capuccino for less than the muck that is peddled as a coffee on the train. This can't be doing any favours for the sales.
Thomas Ralph
12-04-2010, 10:10
We are hearing a lot of complaints about reservations lately and it is something we are going to take further with IÉ.
You cannot buy Dublin Bus tickets in Heuston. You can get a one day bus/Luas ticket from the Luas vending machines, €7.50 I think.
One thing I forgot to include there.
My ticket, which was issued by the collection machine in Kent Station at around 6:10am, failed at the barriers at Heuston at 9:10am. It had been kept in my shirt breast pocket the whole time, so hadn't been subject to any extreme conditions.
I don't know if that's a rarity or a more regular problem.
Limerick to Limerick Junction
Limerick Station is another that has improved since my last visit - which was in the late 80s.
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My day continued, with a chance to spend some time at Limerick Junction, a station I have only ever travelled through.
I was surprised to find that I was boarding the same train I had alighted from 50 minutes previously, the very one that had taken me from Galway. I think it waits 50 minutes because to make a better connection at Limerick Junction for the Cork service.
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Three people, myself included, boarded.
No ticket checks on the train, but I did get my favourite picture of the trip at Limerick Junction.
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Next trip... Limerick Junction to Cork.
Thomas Ralph
12-04-2010, 13:10
One thing I forgot to include there.
My ticket, which was issued by the collection machine in Kent Station at around 6:10am, failed at the barriers at Heuston at 9:10am. It had been kept in my shirt breast pocket the whole time, so hadn't been subject to any extreme conditions.
I don't know if that's a rarity or a more regular problem.
There are several ticket collection machines which don't encode the magnetic stripe.
Mark Gleeson
12-04-2010, 13:48
There are several ticket collection machines which don't encode the magnetic stripe.
That will be sorted in the next few weeks, every machine in Cork will be able to handle collections. The existing collection machines will be taken out to have coin/cash equipment installed as they currently only have credit card ability
It does depend on the correct ticket type being used, the multicolor reservation tickets cannot be encoded, the plain white/brown ones can
PLUMB LOCO
12-04-2010, 14:20
Sealink - excellent couple of posts there. Illustrated descriptions of journeys undertaken on the network are just what is needed to add a bit of life to this site as well as being an excellent way of highlighting good and bad points. If I ever get the chance to escape from the Sunny South East you can rely on me for something similar - warts and all!
Sealink - excellent couple of posts there. Illustrated descriptions of journeys undertaken on the network are just what is needed to add a bit of life to this site as well as being an excellent way of highlighting good and bad points. If I ever get the chance to escape from the Sunny South East you can rely on me for something similar - warts and all!
Thank you very much. I have updated my Dublin - Galway report as I had forgotten the pics for that one.
Limerick Junction - Cork Sunday 4 October.
The departure from Limerick Junction was late, there were no announcements at Limerick Junction; a rather cold day and the long platform made it feel a rather desolate station. It did have a nice waiting room however and it was staffed. There were three passengers waiting on the platform, including me.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4496806493_21ccd4483c.jpg
Even looking at this pictures makes me feel cold!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4496807251_2fce7bd928.jpg
The Cork train arrived and I found a seat in an empty table of four and settled down for the journey. The seats on this train didn't line up quite the same as the Galway one, but you could still see the scenery.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4497444852_4da6ea276b.jpg
Again, it was uneventful - there were announcements to say not to sit in pre-reserved seats, but at this point in the journey no trolley service, and no ticket check.
We arrived in Cork on time or late, I didn't know, and I was suitably impressed with Cork station. More on this in my final leg : Cork to Dublin.
Cork - Dublin Heuston 04 April 2010
So my last journey of the day (excepting a dander around Dublin and a packed DART from Tara Street to Lansdowne Road)...
First impression of Cork station: good. Further impressions: good. Several ticket machines, coffee shop and Everything a mainline station should be: bright and airy, and a big steam engine!
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2733/4497448482_2a87ccf0d5.jpg
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http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4496812225_bef4ee5bf1.jpg
I had a while to have a wander around the station, it's a lovely redbrick affair with some "retro" features...
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4497446108_9f7ace08d8_m.jpg
My carriage awaits...
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It was the train that I had just arrived on from Limerick Junction. On the return journey, I decided to try First Class, the ticket office told me just to pay the supplement on the train.
The tickets were checked at the barrier in Cork, resulting in quite a queue, and I was directed to one of the Standard Class coaches. I explained that I wanted to pay for first class and was then directed to the front of the train.
I think IE, like UK rail companies, missed a trick here, by not mentioning the upgrade at any time during the call for boarding or any publicity at the station. The First Class carriage was virtually empty, but worse was to come...!
So I settled in to my seat, pleased that there were power sockets, and surprised to find audio channels (although only one channel worked).
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4496816519_7eb24ff9f4_m.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4497450628_72c63faf19_m.jpg
I liked the aqua theme on the train, it felt very relaxing.
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4496817203_e1cc704514.jpg
Very soon we were on our way, and I spent far too long trying to take artistic photographs... ;-)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4497451470_f45cb694a4.jpg
Some train announcements followed: don't sit in seats with reservations attached, a list of stops and then one to say that the buffet/shop was open. There was no trolley service which was a shame but I made my way to the buffet area and ordered a cheeseburger and a beer, the burger was quite tastey given it was a microwave job and was served with plentiful condiments. The server was alright, not especially friendly. I don't expect conversation but maybe a smile would be nice?
I settled back in my seat for the rest of the journey, waiting for the ticket inspection and the chance to pay the upgrade supplement.
Which never occurred. No one visited the first class carriage, and even when I disembarked at Heuston, there were no staff to be seen.
I had paid €100.00 for my three days of DART and InterCity rail services. Excellent value, but IE didn't want my extra €20.00 :rolleyes:
I enjoyed my experiences, something I want to repeat on different lines again, I felt that with IE, there was something lacking. I am not sure if staff morale is good or not, but the whole experience felt very functional, none of the IE staff I encountered smiled, a bit like Ryanair in that regard.
But that wouldn't put me off using them again - every train I was on was on time, give or take a minute, I think the customer service could be better. (Still a lot better than I encountered on Irish Ferries, who didn't seem to have an Irish member of staff amongst them!).
The next day I went to Dublin Airport the long way: DART to Malahide and bus from there to the airport. Malahide station is very pretty.
Finally, a quick comparison to show that it isn't all bad on IE.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/4497641544_423f3e7231.jpg
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4497005795_e3a461e399_m.jpg
Cramped, isn't it? And it smells of loo. And the seat reservation displays rarely work. This is the First Class compartment on a Virgin Train. Virgin operate on the West Coast Mainline with these new trains.
THE END!
PS: This is Irish Rail's "dodgy" leaflet image promoting the Trekker ticket. I am sure they could do better than this!
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4527919469_5f51cc6782_o.jpg
Colm Moore
17-04-2010, 19:21
But that wouldn't put me off using them again - every train I was on was on time, give or take a minute, I think the customer service could be better. (Still a lot better than I encountered on Irish Ferries, who didn't seem to have an Irish member of staff amongst them!).Essentially they don't. Although I would have thought that would improved things.
http://www.google.ie/#hl=en&source=hp&q=irish+ferries+redundancy&meta=&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=aeef7398de6bf56f
PLUMB LOCO
25-04-2010, 21:49
Had the dubious pleasure of travelling on the 10.25 Enniscorthy/Connolly ICR this morning and while I appreciate the greatly reduced engine noise and generally better layout of the carriages I was somewhat alarmed by the filth of the carpets throughout the set - both in the central gangway and under the tables. Beer stains and gum much in evidence. On the return trip I boarded in Dun Laoghaire and attempted to wash the childrens' hands (contaminated by the filth in Dun Laoghaire station) - no water - somethings never change. Incidentally, this was my first visit to a 22000 toilet and I was left wondering were they designed for dwarves? In some ways, while being a damn sight better than the 'commuter' railcars they replaced, the 22000s are a continuation of CIE/IEs ongoing quest for aesthetics over utilty. I also noted that Rathdrum (unmanned) is experiencing an attack from the village idiot grafitti artists - can anything be done?
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