[article] Luas passenger numbers fall by one million

Mark Gleeson · 30-12-2008, 15:27

Quote:

Luas passenger numbers fall by one million

One million fewer passenger trips were made on the Luas this year, the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) revealed today.

But the agency insisted the light rail system was performing well despite the economic downturn.

Some 27.4 million passenger journeys were made on both the Red and Green lines over the past year, down significantly on the 28.4 million made in 2007.

However, the figure is still up on the 25.8 million trips in 2006.

RPA chief executiveFrank Allen said the performance was encouraging in very difficult economic circumstances.

“The fast, reliable and comfortable service which Luas has provided over the last five years has produced a loyal and consistent customer base which has become more discerning in getting the best value for money from the range of ticket options which are available,” he said.

Customers are switching away from buying single journey tickets at vending machines and opting more for period passes and off-system sales outlets.

Sales off monthly and annual tickets, which carry tax benefits, are up by more than half.

Use of the Luas Smartcard is up 28 per cent while integrated Irish Rail and Luas tickets are up 15 per cent.

© 2008 irishtimes.com

Shutdown of Abbey Street Connolly had a part to play.

Our long drawn out battle to get the Luas add on working on the Irish Rail ticket machines finally was resolved last Summer. Mark Hennessy should take a bow his one man battle with Irish Rail to actually purchase a Luas + Rail ticket and the resultant changes which followed actually made a difference as did our online information. The battle continues with Veoila and the RPA would continue to hide the existence of Rail + Luas tickets.

Its the little things...

Mark · 05-01-2009, 12:14

How long was the red line Abbey Street to Connolly closed for last year?

Thomas Ralph · 05-01-2009, 14:06

Around three months. I don't think that would have put much of a dent in journey numbers though.

Mark Gleeson · 05-01-2009, 15:57

There is a serious fall off in Heuston commuters which is where the real impact on numbers is coming from

The Green line numbers held steady

Realistically there is little scope for growth on the Luas, its exceeded the targets and its jammed so no more room, might see some growth when the new longer trams start to hit later this year on the Green line

chris · 05-01-2009, 20:42

Really not informed about the Luas any more...
How much are they extending the trams by? And can they do this within the existing platform length?

Jack O'Neill · 05-01-2009, 20:58

How much of the fall off in passenger numbers due to increase in people not buying tickest or have they other ways of counting the passengers?

05-01-2009, 15:57	#4
Mark Gleeson Technical Officer Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Coach C, Seat 33 Posts: 12,669	There is a serious fall off in Heuston commuters which is where the real impact on numbers is coming from The Green line numbers held steady Realistically there is little scope for growth on the Luas, its exceeded the targets and its jammed so no more room, might see some growth when the new longer trams start to hit later this year on the Green line __________________ Unhappy with new timetable - let us know

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05-01-2009, 12:14	#2
Mark Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Northern line Posts: 1,311	How long was the red line Abbey Street to Connolly closed for last year?

05-01-2009, 14:06	#3
Thomas Ralph IT Officer Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Greenwich, London Posts: 1,860	Around three months. I don't think that would have put much of a dent in journey numbers though.

05-01-2009, 20:42	#5
chris Regular Poster Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cambridge Posts: 131	Really not informed about the Luas any more... How much are they extending the trams by? And can they do this within the existing platform length?

05-01-2009, 20:58	#6
Jack O'Neill Regular Poster Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mornington Crescent Posts: 81	How much of the fall off in passenger numbers due to increase in people not buying tickest or have they other ways of counting the passengers?