Quote:
Originally Posted by berneyarms
Just to add that the reasons for the collapse of the service with Northern Rail are:
1) Delays in delivering infrastructure improvements by Network Rail resulting in insufficient drivers completing route learning and rolling stock being cascaded elsewhere in line with contracted dates before the electrification is in place.
2) The existing rest day working with crews not being renewed.
3) A complete redraft of the new timetable being required with only 3 month notice - pretty much impossible
Both of the first two mean insufficient drivers to drive the trains and hence we have chaos.
None of these should apply to IE with regard to their new timetable.
|
I believe item 2) (or a very similar variant) may come crashing onto the stage shortly resulting in service cancellations.
Another major issue with IR's proposed timetable is not that the necessary infrastructure hasn't been completed but that a) it doesn't exist and b) that apart from the Grand Canal Dock improvements, much operational flexibility that once existed or could easily have been provided is missing e.g Dun Laoghaire loop and south crossover, Merrion crossovers, Howth Junction (north trailing crossover), Clongriffin (missing up loop), Skerries (north crossover) and Mosney (loop and crossovers).
Another significant recent change is the introduction of a penal 10 mph speed restriction at the south end of the loop line platforms at Connolly which adds greatly to congestion by increasing running time. (this was imposed shortly after the connections at that end of the station were removed).
I am not privy to new DART links but I imagine there will be even more crew changes at the Fairview staff platform, a ridiculous arrangement which unnecessarily reduces the limited track capacity available.
Ten minute interval DART might make off-peak DART marginally more attractive but risks diminishing the relevance, revenue and market share of the Connolly routes as a whole.