Dublin-Belfast Rail Passengers "plummet"

[Jamie2k9]

1. Reliability. This was suppsoed to be fixed by solving the failing engines. It appears this solution, introduced at christmas, is failing.

EGV's are due back full time in June. No problems when the loco is pulling but its the DVT that is causing issues.

2. Frequency. This is the proposed hourly schedule. It was to rely on the deployment of Mark3 stock, currently mothballed for that purpose and awaiting total refurbishment. They dont have the money for it though.

Is an hourly schedule needed, I see no reason why hourly each way in mornings and two hourly outside this.

They should be looking towards a schedule like this:
Belfast-Dublin
6.15, 7.15, 8.15, 10.00, 12.00, 14.00, 16.00, 17.00, 18.00, 20.00
Dublin-Belfast
6.30, 7.30, 8.30, 10.30, 12.30, 14.30, 16.30, 17.30, 18.30, 20.30

Inniskeen: your numbers raise an interesting point. The Sligo route, which had numbers falling by 8.5% has had its service reduced in the recent timetable revision. The Galway route (down by 36%) has had an increase in services.

Can anyone explain?

One would hope that 2012 figures started to button out. I can't see how IE see a case to add extra services to Galway in fact they should be reduced.

Revenue per passenger must be very high to justify 9 daily services while numbers have dropped almost 40% when the route has less services.

If numbers have not picked up over the last while on the 18.30 I will be surprised if it stays for 2014 schedules.