Media notice

Derek Wheeler · 09-07-2006, 23:33

"National Rail Users Organisation attends official launch of new Intercity
trains"

Date : 10th July 2006
Issued by : Platform 11 Press Office.
Contact : Derek Wheeler. Public Relations Officer.
Tel : 086 3452651.

Representatives of Platform 11 will today attend the official launch of
Irish Rail's new Intercity trains on the Dublin - Cork - Dublin route. This
invitation is a milestone for passenger representation and is recognition of
the important work that Platform 11 does in campaigning for improved rail
services. We warmly welcome Irish Rail's invitation to todays event.

Platform 11's Public Relations Officer, Derek Wheeler, will be available
today, to provide all media interests, with the views of ordinary rail
passengers in relation to the new trains. For too long these "official
launch" events have been dominated by politicians and rail managers. Today
should mark a turning point and Platform 11 welcomes the opportunity to
discuss the new trains on the basis of what they offer the customer.

ENDS.

Note to editors.
Platform 11 is Ireland's National Rail Users Organisation. It was formed in
2003 to campaign for improved rail services nationwide in line with
international best practice.

Further information can be obtained by visiting www.platform11.org

Derek Wheeler · 11-07-2006, 15:29

Official Launch of new Intercity Trains

The official launch of Irish Rail’s new Intercity Trains on the Dublin - Cork route took place on Monday July 10th. Representatives from Platform 11, Derek Wheeler PRO and Mark Gleeson Technical Officer, attended this event on board a special return service to Cork. We would like to thank Irish Rail for the invite and opportunity to learn more about these new trains.

LAUNCH CEREMONY

Invited guests were addressed by the Chairman of CIE, Dr. John Lynch, the Spanish Ambassador to Ireland, the Lord Mayor of Cork and Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen over lunch in the Silver Springs Hotel in Cork. Guests were also shown a promotional video outlining the features of the trains and plans for the future.

VERDICT

Platform 11 welcomes the forthcoming introduction of these trains on all Dublin - Cork services. This introduction is already behind schedule due to ongoing issues between some staff and Irish Rail management, as previously highlighted by Platform 11 and the recent dispute. We call on the company to address these issues as soon as possible, in an open and accountable manner, so that customers can quickly embrace this new technology and benefit from the improvements in comfort and frequency.
The new trains were built by CAF (a leading train manufacturer) in Spain and will be capable of running at 200KPH once the track has been upgraded, modifications are made to the braking system and new locomotives are supplied. Platform 11 understands that this work depends on Government funding and that current speeds will be maintained until this happens. However, there is no doubting that the new Intercity coaches are a sign that, “we may actually get there eventually”.

Features of the new trains include,

* A new streamlined design in a new livery.
* Highest standard of comfort and customer facilities, including improved catering.
* Audio and text display passenger information systems on-board.
* Electronic route maps.
* Compliant with international standards for mobility impaired and sensory impaired customers.
* Seat reservation display panels above each seat.
*CCTV and voice communication facilities to enhance customer security.

Platform 11 has noted that the new trains are prone to a poor ride quality at certain times. While this isn’t too bad seating down, it can be problematic when trying to move around the coach and is noticeably worse than the existing trains on the route. In addition to this the Passenger Information System failed, for a while, on yesterdays special train. Irish Rail are aware of these problems and hopefully improvements can be made so the overall experience isn’t spoilt by them.

Finally, we’d like to thank our escort for the day, Mr. Paul O’Kelly from Irish Rail’s Passenger Commercial Office, and in particular the on-board catering staff, who put in a huge effort to make sure everyone had enough to eat and drink. They were the unsung hero’s of the event.

09-07-2006, 23:33	#1
Derek Wheeler Registered user Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Kildare Posts: 1,555	Official launch of new Intercity trains "National Rail Users Organisation attends official launch of new Intercity trains" Date : 10th July 2006 Issued by : Platform 11 Press Office. Contact : Derek Wheeler. Public Relations Officer. Tel : 086 3452651. Representatives of Platform 11 will today attend the official launch of Irish Rail's new Intercity trains on the Dublin - Cork - Dublin route. This invitation is a milestone for passenger representation and is recognition of the important work that Platform 11 does in campaigning for improved rail services. We warmly welcome Irish Rail's invitation to todays event. Platform 11's Public Relations Officer, Derek Wheeler, will be available today, to provide all media interests, with the views of ordinary rail passengers in relation to the new trains. For too long these "official launch" events have been dominated by politicians and rail managers. Today should mark a turning point and Platform 11 welcomes the opportunity to discuss the new trains on the basis of what they offer the customer. ENDS. Note to editors. Platform 11 is Ireland's National Rail Users Organisation. It was formed in 2003 to campaign for improved rail services nationwide in line with international best practice. Further information can be obtained by visiting www.platform11.org Last edited by Derek Wheeler : 11-07-2006 at 15:26.

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11-07-2006, 15:29	#2
Derek Wheeler Registered user Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Kildare Posts: 1,555	Official Launch of new Intercity Trains The official launch of Irish Rail’s new Intercity Trains on the Dublin - Cork route took place on Monday July 10th. Representatives from Platform 11, Derek Wheeler PRO and Mark Gleeson Technical Officer, attended this event on board a special return service to Cork. We would like to thank Irish Rail for the invite and opportunity to learn more about these new trains. LAUNCH CEREMONY Invited guests were addressed by the Chairman of CIE, Dr. John Lynch, the Spanish Ambassador to Ireland, the Lord Mayor of Cork and Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen over lunch in the Silver Springs Hotel in Cork. Guests were also shown a promotional video outlining the features of the trains and plans for the future. VERDICT Platform 11 welcomes the forthcoming introduction of these trains on all Dublin - Cork services. This introduction is already behind schedule due to ongoing issues between some staff and Irish Rail management, as previously highlighted by Platform 11 and the recent dispute. We call on the company to address these issues as soon as possible, in an open and accountable manner, so that customers can quickly embrace this new technology and benefit from the improvements in comfort and frequency. The new trains were built by CAF (a leading train manufacturer) in Spain and will be capable of running at 200KPH once the track has been upgraded, modifications are made to the braking system and new locomotives are supplied. Platform 11 understands that this work depends on Government funding and that current speeds will be maintained until this happens. However, there is no doubting that the new Intercity coaches are a sign that, “we may actually get there eventually”. Features of the new trains include, * A new streamlined design in a new livery. * Highest standard of comfort and customer facilities, including improved catering. * Audio and text display passenger information systems on-board. * Electronic route maps. * Compliant with international standards for mobility impaired and sensory impaired customers. * Seat reservation display panels above each seat. *CCTV and voice communication facilities to enhance customer security. Platform 11 has noted that the new trains are prone to a poor ride quality at certain times. While this isn’t too bad seating down, it can be problematic when trying to move around the coach and is noticeably worse than the existing trains on the route. In addition to this the Passenger Information System failed, for a while, on yesterdays special train. Irish Rail are aware of these problems and hopefully improvements can be made so the overall experience isn’t spoilt by them. Finally, we’d like to thank our escort for the day, Mr. Paul O’Kelly from Irish Rail’s Passenger Commercial Office, and in particular the on-board catering staff, who put in a huge effort to make sure everyone had enough to eat and drink. They were the unsung hero’s of the event.