Enterprise fleet refurbishment

[Colm Moore]

http://www.irishrail.ie/news/improvi...rprise-service

Improving your Enterprise Service
28 October 2014

Improving your Enterprise Service

A major upgrade of the Belfast to Dublin ‘Enterprise’ Carriages is currently taking place. The upgrade involves a significant overhaul of the train’s mechanical systems, new interiors, new livery, replacement of the Passenger Information System and a completely new electronic passenger reservation system and CCTV system. This mid-life refurbishment is designed to make rail transport between Ireland’s two largest cities even more comfortable and attractive for our existing and prospective customers.

To enable refurbishment works to these carriages, the regular Enterprise Train will be replaced by Irish Rail Intercity Diesel Railcars (ICR) on the following services from 17th November;

* 07:35hrs Connolly Belfast
* 10:35hrs Belfast Connolly
* 13:20hrs Connolly Belfast
* 16:05hrs Belfast Connolly
* 19:00 Connolly Belfast
* 21:35 Belfast Connolly

The 20:05hrs service from Belfast to Dublin Connolly will be deferred until 21:35hrs until further notice.

There will also be a new 10:30hrs service from Belfast to Connolly on Saturdays only in the run up to the Christmas period.

These services will have reduced 1st Plus and Enterprise capacity. More information is available at www.translink.co.uk/enterpriseupgrade , who are undertaking the refurbishment project on behalf of both companies.

http://www.translink.co.uk/enterpriseupgrade

Enterprise Refurbishment Programme

The Enterprise service has long been considered a relaxing way to go to Dublin whether you’re travelling on business or for leisure. Operating eight services in each direction, Monday to Saturday and five journeys in each direction on Sundays, it offers a high quality, value for money service which is convenient, comfortable and a safe travel option.

As part of our commitment to maintaining our high standards of quality and comfort on board, a £12.2million refurbishment program is underway to deliver the following enhancements:

* A significant overhaul of the train’s mechanical systems,
* Modern attractive new interiors / seating
* New 21st Century livery
* Replacement of the Passenger Information System
* A new electronic passenger reservation system
* New CCTV system

The scheme which is financed through the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), with support from the Department for Regional Development, is due to be completed by the end of 2015.

This is our flagship service and last year (2013 – 2014) almost 840,000 people choose to travel to Dublin on the Enterprise. This major overhaul will not only allow us to ensure the long-term reliability of the service but will deliver improved passenger features to enhance overall customer satisfaction and help encourage even more people to use the service.

We plan to carry out the work to the carriages on a rolling programme and will make every effort to minimise the overall disruption for our customers. Our colleagues in Irish Rail will also be carrying out major engineering works on the Enterprise Locomotives as part of this project.

The main overhaul work is now underway. During this time we are substituting one of the Enterprise trains with an Irish Rail Rotem train (On occasion we may also operate some services with our own modern N I Railways fleet).

A revised Enterprise timetable will be in place from Sunday 16th November.In order to minimize the impact of this project on cross border services, timetable frequency and journey times have been maintained.

We will keep our customers updated as this project progresses.

This scheme is a joint project with Irish Rail with Translink N I Railways leading the overall programme. In tandem there is a further EU funded scheme underway to carry out major refurbishment work to the Drogheda Viaduct also due to be completed during 2015. Our colleagues in Irish Rail are leading this project.

Upon completion, both projects will enhance one of our main cross-border transport links, thereby supporting trade and tourism development for a more prosperous and sustainable region.


Background
Enterprise Service first introduced September 1997


Project objectives:
* Engineered to meet the latest industry standards and support the remaining life of the train
* Maintain the safety of the Enterprise trains
* Maintain the reliability of the Enterprise trains
* Ensure that the Enterprise trains have the potential to achieve a full 30 year life
* Ensure that the Enterprise trains meet customers’ requirements and expectations in 2015 and for the next 10-15 years

Key changes: Interiors
* Existing seats retained but overhauled, re-engineered with grab handles, new cushions / fabric in modern design and trim
* New tables with attractive finishes
* New lighting and electrical sockets
* New carpets throughout to new designs
* Window trims repainted
* New window blinds fitted
* New pelmet design to incorporate new electronic seat reservation displays and new lighting units.
* New efficient eco lighting installed
* All interior trims replaced with new design
* Handrail refurbished/replaced to new colours.
* Vestibules/door interiors repainted
* Toilets revamped; Painted in new colours; sink units replaced
* Catering car revamped in new colours/new finishes. Redesigned to better service passenger demands.
* Signage upgrades to meet new standards

Key changes: Exteriors
* Attractive new livery
* Enhanced signage to meet latest EU standards

Key changes: New Systems
* New audio and visual passenger information system.
* New passenger alarm system
* New Public address system
* New Train Management System
* Upgraded saloon and forward facing CCTV
* New electronic Seat Reservation System