Comfort on the new 22k intercity trains

[KSW]

Not really a passenger issue but just a thought

Anybody else finding those new 22k Intercity Railcars uncomfortable. Would Irish Rail ever considering putting those small head pillows on the new 22k seats or is that only for First class passengers.

[PLUMB LOCO]

Puzzled - how is comfort not a passenger issue? :confused:

Anyway, you're wasting your time here - be happy IE actually remembered to specify seats as a requirement in the 22k's!

[sean]

Agree with this ^^^ A lot of people will just be happy to see the back of those rolling commuter garbage cans.

[ThomasJ]

Actually I prefer the 29ks.

With the 22ks, they are a more professional train but (I find) there is less legroom than the 29ks, (I find) no real difference in the seats and having had to stand on an intercity railcar recently, I can safely say they (the 22ks) were not made with standing passengers in mind and the 29ks win hands down on that front.

Having said that the one benefit for intercity passengers is they have a better chance of a seat than passengers on a commuter railcar.

Having said that, being on them plenty of times they are nothing special.

Just my opinion.

[EnterpriseUser]

Are all the six car sets in use yet? I have only experienced the three car set on its own or combined. I found the 22000s much quieter, better toilets and nicely laid out carriages. I agree they are fairly spartan in appearance internally but they suit the IE network outside of the Cork and Belfast lines much better.

[Mark Gleeson]

First 6 coach set went into service in November, there are at least 11 now in service

The 22k seats are fine, a lot more bearable after 2 hours than the Mk3 seats, arm rests lift up and the seats all line up with windows, table size is good. While the Mk4 interior looks better it suffers from small tables and seats not lining up with the windows

[EnterpriseUser]

Mark: you are a veritable mine of information! If there are eleven in service how many more are due to arrive? I believe there may be one for the Connolly-Sligo service but have not seen it on the route. I agree with your thoughts re comfort etc.

[Mark Gleeson]

There are 15 6 cat sets, 10 with first class and catering, 5 which are pure standard

Only 1 of the pure standards is in service currently, think 2 more sets to arrive and 2 more to go into service. There is no difference in passenger experience

[sublimity]

Mark:I believe there may be one for the Connolly-Sligo service but have not seen it on the route.

Can you enlighten us on this Mark? It was promised one.

[Colm Moore]

There are 15 6 cat sets

http://www.catangel.org/images/6cats.jpg

[/naughty]

[wobbles]

Mark: you are a veritable mine of information! If there are eleven in service how many more are due to arrive? I believe there may be one for the Connolly-Sligo service but have not seen it on the route. I agree with your thoughts re comfort etc.

One of the 6 car standard sets should be introduced on the Sligo line from the timetable change.

[sublimity]

One of the 6 car standard sets should be introduced on the Sligo line from the timetable change.

Why not the catering/premier class for Sligo? Or are you thinking a standard 6 car to be shared with Rosslare?

[Mark Gleeson]

I was informally told a long time ago that a 6 car set with first was going onto Sligo, never really believed it

[wobbles]

Why not the catering/premier class for Sligo? Or are you thinking a standard 6 car to be shared with Rosslare?

One six car all standard set for use on the Sligo line releasing two 3 car sets for use on the Rosslare line.

[Colm Moore]

this seems to be whats currently in service.

By mid May the status of the 22000 Class Inter-City Railcars was as follows: 22010 / 011 / 044 / 045 still to be delivered, 22042 / 043 being commissioned and all other sets now in traffic (22001-009 / 012-041 / 046). 22010 / 011 were delivered in July 2007 but were returned to Korea in May 2008 after it was found they had been damaged in transit.

[Mark Gleeson]

For reference set 46 is a 3 car, 31-40 are 6 car with first, 41-45 are 6 car without first

[seamus kilcock]

Having recently experienced 22k's standard to Galway and 1st on the return, fact is, the seating is the same both classes.
The only plus paying 12Euro extra for 1st class is, the Buffet is in the same coach - not far to travel for food/drink etc!
Am I right in thinking the only 3 across seating - guaranteeing extra room - is on the Dublin to Cork and Belfast 1st/Premier/City Gold class services.
All remaining so called 1st class services are 4 across seating - same as standard?
In fairness the comfort quality of the 22k's seating is very satisfactory.
However I find the auto announcements before and after every 'stopping' station in Irish & English vey annoying.
Very noticible on the Galway run with 9 stops within 2 hours between Galway & Kildare.

[KSW]

The seating is the same both classes.
All remaining so called 1st class services are 4 across seating - same as standard?

When I read the above I couldn't help but to reply , First class have 4 seats across. I wanted to ask you if they are the same in color or is the carriage different, Have the seats inseat radio, Are the seats adjustable?

[Mark Gleeson]

Its the same, but the table tops have a slightly different colour

Irish Rail are exempt from the piece of consumer law which would allow a challenge on the ground of not as described

[KSW]

I travelled on the new 22k sets today & the question still goes around my head for IE regards comfort on the sets.
It is a new train but those seats on the new trains are terribly uncomfortable. As one sits into the seats I find your head doesn't get comfortable you end up having a creak in your neck because you cant seat your head straight forward. Look at the picture I think best to describe the seat.
I think IE should have those little pillows to up your head in the head if IE want one to have a pleasant and comfortable journey:D :D :D

[Mark Gleeson]

I have no complaints after many journeys

The Mk4 seat in comparison is horrible