[article] Aiken Promotions in train rip off

[Mark Gleeson]

Originally Posted by Irish Independent

The train fares they are a-changin'

A train to take Bob Dylan fans to this weekend's concert in Kilkenny will cost twice the normal fare.

But concert promoters Aiken Promotions say they will make no profit from it.

The promoters hired the train from Iarnrod Eireann because the concert on Saturday is expected to finish late and normal trains will have ceased running.

However, the event train tickets cost €45 (not including €5.65 booking fee) while CIE day return tickets from Dublin range in price from €21.50 to €27.50.

"Aiken are not making any profit on this," said a spokeswoman. "You have to remember hiring a train is expensive and there are extra costs such as the nine level crossings to be manned late at night and security on the train.

"We are not doing this to make money, we are doing it to provide rail transport at a time when there wouldn't otherwise be any."

With 300 seats on the train and the basic ticket price of €45, Aiken will take in €13,500 if they sell all tickets available. Another €1,695 will be taken in booking fees.

Iarnrod Eireann refused to reveal the cost of train hire.
JASON O'BRIEN

© Irish Independent 2006
http://www.unison.ie/irish_independe...issue_id=14237