Lobby group slams 'rip-off' rail fares in Louth/Meath

PaulM · 19-12-2005, 09:29

Breakingnews.ie

Quote:

A lobby group based in the Louth/Meath area has slammed what it says are huge variances in the rail fares charged throughout the country

The Commuter North Rail Users Group has claimed residents in Co Louth and Co Meath are being charged the highest fares in the country, with some paying up to 33 cents per kilometre to travel to Dublin by train.

This compares to just 11 cents per kilometre for people travelling to the capital from areas in the west of Ireland.

CNRUG has accused Iarnód Éireann of forcing commuters in Louth/Meath to subsidise those in Dublin's suburbs and many provincial towns and is calling for an immediate end to the situation.

Mark Gleeson · 19-12-2005, 10:05

Well he took the hint to look elsewhere as it is clear the Balbriggan fares are too low and are not valid for comparison, that said intercity fares are not comparable to suburban ones

We know IE won't reduce the fares as thats a matter for the Department of Transport. A fares reduction would require a significant increase in subvention to make up the difference and given the subvention figure is a fixed figure which grows by an agreeded amount each year it won't be changed. Of all the complaints I've seen come in fares is not one of them, its not a winnable issue and it will do zilch for the customer experience, it won't make the trains run on time, it won't reduce overcrowding those are the issues that come pouring in

The most expensive journey currently is Sallins Hazelhatch which is something like 50 cent/mile followed by Seapoint Pearse which is 40 cent/mile. There are a few isolated case where certain stations and journeys are either too cheap or too expensive

Balbriggan is too cheap
Dun Laoghaire is too expensive
Hazelhatch is far too expensive

Fare levels would be fine if the inconsistencies where removed and that is something achievable. Only if there is equalilty in the system can any fare be fair.

If you had an annual ticket it would cost you up to 50% less to travel

19-12-2005, 10:05	#2
Mark Gleeson Technical Officer Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Coach C, Seat 33 Posts: 12,669	Well he took the hint to look elsewhere as it is clear the Balbriggan fares are too low and are not valid for comparison, that said intercity fares are not comparable to suburban ones We know IE won't reduce the fares as thats a matter for the Department of Transport. A fares reduction would require a significant increase in subvention to make up the difference and given the subvention figure is a fixed figure which grows by an agreeded amount each year it won't be changed. Of all the complaints I've seen come in fares is not one of them, its not a winnable issue and it will do zilch for the customer experience, it won't make the trains run on time, it won't reduce overcrowding those are the issues that come pouring in The most expensive journey currently is Sallins Hazelhatch which is something like 50 cent/mile followed by Seapoint Pearse which is 40 cent/mile. There are a few isolated case where certain stations and journeys are either too cheap or too expensive Balbriggan is too cheap Dun Laoghaire is too expensive Hazelhatch is far too expensive Fare levels would be fine if the inconsistencies where removed and that is something achievable. Only if there is equalilty in the system can any fare be fair. If you had an annual ticket it would cost you up to 50% less to travel Last edited by Mark Gleeson : 19-12-2005 at 10:16.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode