Rail Users Ireland Forum - View Single Post - The Cork Dublin Express Train has entered service

MrX · 01-07-2006, 13:36

I was on the CDE this morning (9 am Dublin-Cork) and noticed a few problems.

1) The train departed >20 mins late. There as an apology announcement explaining that they were waiting on a signal.

2) The PIS system wasn't activated properly. The maps were working showing the train's position and the train was doing its default "welcome" message explaining that it was an express service and no smoking etc. It contained no information about the journey, no destination, times etc.

It also did a few announcements explaining that there was a snack bar at the rear of the train etc. although at least once it said it was at the front ... seems someone's pressing the wrong button.

The driver then made unintelligible door closing announcements which were basically deafening engine noise with something mumbled. It sounds like the 201 has its microphone mounted deep within the engine room. If the cab's really that noisy, I'd say we'll have train driver deafness claims in a few years time.

Anyway, I hope it's a minor technical glitch and not how things will be on the CDE from now on.

They didn't even bother to announce half of the stations.

On arrival at Cork it was announced as "we will shortly be arriving at Cork Station.. please mind the gap"

The manual announcements made by the guard/train manager and catering staff were clear enough though. Far clearer than they usually are on the MK3, the levels were set correctly.

01-07-2006, 13:36	#110
MrX Really Regular Poster Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 585	CDE P.I.S. does a "DART" I was on the CDE this morning (9 am Dublin-Cork) and noticed a few problems. 1) The train departed >20 mins late. There as an apology announcement explaining that they were waiting on a signal. 2) The PIS system wasn't activated properly. The maps were working showing the train's position and the train was doing its default "welcome" message explaining that it was an express service and no smoking etc. It contained no information about the journey, no destination, times etc. It also did a few announcements explaining that there was a snack bar at the rear of the train etc. although at least once it said it was at the front ... seems someone's pressing the wrong button. The driver then made unintelligible door closing announcements which were basically deafening engine noise with something mumbled. It sounds like the 201 has its microphone mounted deep within the engine room. If the cab's really that noisy, I'd say we'll have train driver deafness claims in a few years time. Anyway, I hope it's a minor technical glitch and not how things will be on the CDE from now on. They didn't even bother to announce half of the stations. On arrival at Cork it was announced as "we will shortly be arriving at Cork Station.. please mind the gap" The manual announcements made by the guard/train manager and catering staff were clear enough though. Far clearer than they usually are on the MK3, the levels were set correctly. Last edited by MrX : 01-07-2006 at 13:41.