Thread: 2009 Timetable
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Unread 07-01-2009, 23:09   #5
Mark Gleeson
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Originally Posted by Cavanrailbus View Post
That's an interesting timetable though ferry passengers will suffer unless there is a connection (I'm referring to the evening Stena Line sailing at 2115 to Fishguard) And it would be disappointing for the connection to be abolished seeing as for several years it was impossible to connect with the ferry as the evening train from Dublin arrived too late. Perhaps a Waterford - Wexford - Gorey service? Though in the present economic situation the main thing is to hold onto the existing service. Many may say "so what" about the ferry passengers but the traditional rail sea package still has a lot to offer and there's scope for it to be promoted much more.
There has been a collapse in foot passengers over the last few years, its nothing like the 1980's when several hundred passengers travelled by train to/from the ferry daily. Blame or thank Ryanair for ending the over priced Aer Lingus/BA/BMI operation.

The timetable is dictated by demand which is directed to Dublin, the times must make sense at the Dublin end, its unlikely someone in Dublin will travel via Rosslare, since its easier/cheaper go via Holyhead. The other angle is why don't the ferry companies change there times, there has been a 18:35 Connolly Rosslare for at least the last 35 years

The real problem is if the ferry is late, in the 21st century the train can't wait since it would effect many many more people up the line leaving them late for work, in the old days it wasn't a problem, then again the bulk of passengers where from the ferry in the 1980's.

The emerging timetable is to keep long distance out of the peak hours, so the last train to Rosslare would become sometime after 7pm. People are crying out for a later service, anything even 5 minute later than current is a help

Where the business is south Tipp, Waterford, Wexford. Plans are afoot, well they where for a train every two hours via Waterford which would address the issue at hand without a problem.
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