Intercity journey times part 1.

[Derek Wheeler]

In 1974 CIE drafted what was known as a rail development plan. The purpose of it was to modernise the system and improve journey times.

In an era of unprecedented investment in the rail network, I thought it might be interesting to draw some comparisons to where we are at now. As you read the first part of this post, take into account that IE have been given over 1 billion euro in infrastructural financing since 1999, seperate from turnover and subsistance.

Dublin/Waterford
1974 proposal - push-pull operation. 2 hr 15min journey time with 4 stops.
2007 reality - 2 hr 29min with 6 stops.

Dublin/Cork
1974 proposal - max line speed 80mph. 2 hr 30min with 2 stops.
2007 reality - max line speed 100mph. 2 hr 45min with 2 stops.

Dublin/Belfast
1974 proposal - max line speed 80mph. 2hrs.
2007 reality - max line speed 90mph. 2hr 6mins with 3 stops.

Dublin/Limerick
1974 proposal - push pull operation. 2hr 10min (some trains running via Nenagh).
2007 reality - 2hr 15min with 3 stops.

To be continued...........