Rail Users Ireland Forum

Rail Users Ireland Forum (http://www.railusers.ie/forum/index.php)
-   Mallow-Cork-Cobh/Midleton (http://www.railusers.ie/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=44)
-   -   Midleton Line Opening - with Buses (http://www.railusers.ie/forum/showthread.php?t=9956)

ACustomer 27-07-2009 09:28

Midleton Line Opening - with Buses
 
Just looked at the online timetables for the first 2 days of the new service. The last two trains in each direction have been substituted by buses! What a flying start. Only in Cork.....

Mark Gleeson 27-07-2009 09:30

Yup knew that was coming

The line will have to CLOSE in September for a number of days as well since the junction with the Cobh line was never installed, they are currently using the original mechanical signaling as a stop gap

finnyus 27-07-2009 11:47

yeah, saw that this morning on the journey planner! is there any reason for these bus substitutions?

comcor 27-07-2009 12:12

They've been going on on the Cobh line for months.

It's supposedly for engineering works, but I have a suspicion that it's down to either a lack of drivers or an attempt to avoid paying overtime.

ACustomer 27-07-2009 13:09

So it's cheaper to hire a bus and pay its driver and the fuel than to operate a train? That would be a major own-goal for IE.

Mark Hennessy 27-07-2009 13:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by ACustomer (Post 47514)
So it's cheaper to hire a bus and pay its driver and the fuel than to operate a train? That would be a major own-goal for IE.

Mark G has lots of good info about the Cork area situation, from what I hear it is majorly disfunctional down there.

Mark Gleeson 27-07-2009 15:33

The line will open on Thursday next lunchtime.

First public service is the 13:15 from Cork and the 13:45 from Midleton. Likely there will be a train for the suits earlier in the day to ensure the minister doesn't have to share with the public.

Mark Hennessy 27-07-2009 21:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson (Post 47522)
Likely there will be a train for the suits earlier in the day to ensure the minister doesn't have to share with the public.

Perish the thought that poor Noel would have to mingle with the proles :rolleyes:

finnyus 29-07-2009 10:20

Midleton rail service: opens this Thursday 30th July - FREE TRAVEL ON THURSDAY!
 
Is it my imagination or did the price of a return ticket go up 1Euro?

Midleton rail service: opens this Thursday 30th July - FREE TRAVEL ON THURSDAY! by Corporate Communications

The new Cork-Midleton line will be officially opened by the Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey TD this Thursday 30th July.

The Minister will travel with invited guests and the media on the first passenger train on the new line, opening the new stations at Carrigtwohill and Midleton itself.

A day of celebration involving the local community and businesses is planned at Midleton Station with a giant barbecue. Stilt walkers and face painters there to entertain the children, local Cork band, Bog The Donkey providing the music and local business and food producers will showcase the best of local fare. It promises to be a fun day out for all the family.

Free travel to the public, Thursday 30th July, from 13.15hrs

Travel on the new service will be free to the public for the day on Thursday 30th July, with public services operating from 13.15hrs onwards.

Full timetable details are available via our timetable search facility at www.irishrail.ie . Thursday services will operate as follows:

Thursday 30th July

From Cork: 13.15, 14.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17.15, 18.15, 19.15, 20.15

From Midleton: 13.45, 14.45, 15.45, 16.45, 17.45, 18.45, 19.45, 20.45



An initial introductory service operates from Friday 31st July to Bank Holiday Monday 3rd August inclusive (check www.irishrail.ie timetable search for details), before the full commuter service begins on Tuesday 4th August.

Work on the new line has been completed, following a €75 million investment in the infrastructure under the Government’s Transport 21 programme, part of the National Development Plan 2007-2013.

Full service from Tuesday 4th August

A total of 21 trains each way will operate daily between Cork and Midleton, with services running every 30 minutes at peak times, and every hour at off-peak times, Monday to Friday.

Seventeen trains each way will operate on Saturdays, and eight trains will operate each way on Sundays.

Full timetable (from 4th August):

Monday to Saturday

Timetable From Cork: 06.15, 06.45*, 07.15, 07.45*, 08.15, 08.45*, 09.15, 10.15, 11.15, 12.15, 13.15, 14.15, 15.15, 16.15, 17.15, 17.45*, 18.15, 19.15, 20.15, 21.15, 22.15

From Midleton: 06.45, 07.15*, 07.45, 08.15*, 08.45, 09.15*, 09.45, 10.45, 11.45, 12.45, 13.45, 14.45, 15.45, 16.45, 17.45, 18.15*, 18.45, 19.45, 20.45, 21.45, 22.45

* = Mon-Fri only

Sunday Timetable

From Cork: 08.15, 10.15, 12.15, 14.00, 16.15, 17.15, 18.30, 20.15

From Midleton: 08.45, 10.45, 12.45, 14.30, 16.45, 17.45, 19.15, 20.45



Journey details – Commuter service, and Intercity connections

Journey time between Midleton and Cork will be 23-24 minutes, and all trains will serve the new stations of Midleton and Carrigtwohill, as well as Glounthaune, Little Island and Kent Station Cork.

As well as offering a strong commuter service, the new Midleton timetable will offer excellent connections to the Cork-Dublin Intercity service, maximising the benefit of this new infrastructure.

The infrastructure also offers the potential to expand services in the future to every 15 minutes, as demand increases.

Each train will be a two-carriage commuter train, with capacity for 320 passengers, including seating for 129 passengers.

Platforms have also been built to accommodate future expansion to four-carriage trains.

Fares for Midleton customers will be:

Adult Single: €4.40

Adult Return: €6.50

Adult Weekly: €26.00

Adult Monthly: €92.00

Adult Annual: €920.00

Monthly and annual customers are reminded that employees of companies registered with the Taxsaver scheme are entitled to tax relief on the cost of commuter tickets, of up to 51%. Full details are available on www.taxsaver.ie

In addition, a range of rail and bus tickets will be available, allowing customers to buy integrated tickets to transfer from Kent Station to other areas in the city.

Car park charges at Midleton and Carrigtwohill Stations will be:

€2 per day

€8 per week

€30 per 4 weeks



Midleton line project

The €75 million investment in the Midleton line includes:

- upgrading track on the previously disused Glounthaune to Midleton line, through provision of a single track with a passing loop at Carrigtwohill

- providing a new signalling system

- provision of two new stations at Midleton and Carrigtwohill, including extensive car parking facilities (340 spaces and 180 spaces respectively), lifts and footbridges

- the replacement of a range of level crossings with bridges

- other infrastructure work including bridge, boundary and drainage works

MrX 29-07-2009 15:40

Why are the fares so expensive compared to the DART ?

It's only 2.75 single from Dublin City Centre Stations to Bray, which is 19km away.

Midleton is 22km from Kent Station, Cork, yet it's massively more expensive!

:confused:

comcor 29-07-2009 17:09

Fares just are more expensive in Cork

Dublin-Skerries (31km): €8.00 rtn
Cork-Mallow (32km): € 11.40 rtn

Although, for some reason Cobh is cheaper than Midleton, even though they are almost the exact same distance from Cork. I know Irish Rail like to pretend that the reason for higher fares is because of things like double-tracking, but Cork-Cobh is double tracked, while Cork-Midleton is single-track beyond Glounethaune.

I guess unless a local politician wants to make an issue of it, fares are likely to stay higher in the Cork region.

jacko 30-07-2009 09:21

the bus service for the 9.30 and 10.30 to cobh is a joke. How long more are we going to have to put up with it.

why are IR charging for cars at carrigtwohill and midleton car parks but not at glounthaune. makes no sense

are there any fares published for cobh midleton or do i have to by two separate returns

namloc 30-07-2009 11:02

Went to the station in Carrig last night. They had all the bunting up etc......unfortunately they also have the parking charges boldly displayed. €2 per day or €8 per week or €30 for 4 weeks. It's on a Pay & Display basis. It's the same for Midleton. With a return from Midleton costing €6.50 plus parking it's fairly pricey. Won't encourage alot of people out of their cars with that pricing structure I'm afraid.

Mark Hennessy 30-07-2009 11:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacko (Post 47595)
the bus service for the 9.30 and 10.30 to cobh is a joke. How long more are we going to have to put up with it.

why are IR charging for cars at carrigtwohill and midleton car parks but not at glounthaune. makes no sense

are there any fares published for cobh midleton or do i have to by two separate returns

Welcome to the forum.

We issued a press release on this issue yesterday.

All of the costs of building this railway, track, signaling, stations and car parks have already been for out of the capital budget - i.e your taxes.

Yet, CIE Property are free to charge these rip off car parking fees.
Furthermore, like in Dublin, there are no feedber buses to get people directly from their estates to the station to offer an alternative to parking at the station.
I would encourage you get in touch with your local politicians on this issue.

We also know that due to a shortage of trains, bus substitutions are likely to be used a lot.

But of course none of this matters, as Irish Rail management are accountable to no one. It's high fives and back slapping with the minister all round today.

namloc 30-07-2009 13:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Hennessy (Post 47599)
Welcome to the forum.

We issued a press release on this issue yesterday.

All of the costs of building this railway, track, signaling, stations and car parks have already been for out of the capital budget - i.e your taxes.

Yet, CIE Property are free to charge these rip off car parking fees.
Furthermore, like in Dublin, there are no feedber buses to get people directly from their estates to the station to offer an alternative to parking at the station.I would encourage you get in touch with your local politicians on this issue.

We also know that due to a shortage of trains, bus substitutions are likely to be used a lot.

But of course none of this matters, as Irish Rail management are accountable to no one. It's high fives and back slapping with the minister all round today.

I live in a recently built estate in Carrigtwohill with approx. 300 houses (let's say 600 adults) many of whom commute to Cork City. However the station is a good 20 minute walk away. If IR were serious about this new service a feeder bus should be provided to get as many ppl as possible to use the train without having to pay the ripoff car parking charges.

In addition, incredibly, there is NO FOOTPATH outside the Carrig station. The footpath into the village starts around 80-100 meters after you exit the station. The road here is quite narrow and the sightlines aren't great. So if you do decide to walk you are competing with cars flying in and out of the station and on winter mornings/evenings this lack of a footpath could be quite dangerous. Surely between IR and the Council they could have thrown down a length of footpath BEFORE the station opened!!

PLUMB LOCO 30-07-2009 13:41

Yes, Dempsey will have his day in the sun but won't be seen when the crap hits the fan when the service proves to be a fiasco. Nice to see the media falling hook line and sinker for the PR spin about today being the first day in 46 years since the last train to Midleton. I could have sworn I travelled over the line quite often by passenger train in the 1980s - including MkII carriages hauled by 071 class locos. The whole reopening project has been ill thought out nonsense from the start. First proposed in the Cork Land Use & Transportation Study in 1978 (!) it has taken a staggering 31 years to reopen the line as far as Midleton at a cost of between €75-100 million. A study for
Iarnród Éireann 'A Strategic Review of the Cork Suburban Rail Network' by Ove Arup & Partners in 2000 estimated that restoration of the entire route to Youghal could be achieved for about €30million ! As it is, what has been created is the most high spec siding in history. Loco hauled trains will not be able to operate to Midleton as there is no run round facility, the stations are to be unmanned and there will be no attempt to generate additional revenue through Fastrack etc. The reopening of the complete line to Youghal would have made some sense but not this.

on the move 30-07-2009 14:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by comcor
I know Irish Rail like to pretend that the reason for higher fares is because of things like double-tracking, but Cork-Cobh is double tracked, while Cork-Midleton is single-track beyond Glounethaune.

All routes countrywide should be double-tracked, from a safety aspect, let alone a comfort one. It should be standard procedure. The idea that customers should have to pay for the convenience of a double track is outrageous.

namloc 30-07-2009 16:18

trains to midleton are running 40 mins late!! I'm here at the station in cork. I'll upload pics when i get home. only in Ireland could this happen!

PLUMB LOCO 30-07-2009 17:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by on the move (Post 47603)
All routes countrywide should be double-tracked, from a safety aspect, let alone a comfort one. It should be standard procedure. The idea that customers should have to pay for the convenience of a double track is outrageous.

There are absolutely no safety problems on single lines and while they may limit capacity the cost of double tracking would not be justified and in many cases e.g. Bray Head, it is not practical.

Trampas 30-07-2009 18:07

i hope he pays for his ticket

Mark Gleeson 30-07-2009 21:02

Things where pretty mad in Midleton. But everyone was having a great time, free BBQ, live music and marquee with more 'refined' food

First train out was the one for the politicians which left Cork at 12:15 and departed Midleton heavily loaded at about 13:00.

The first official train left Cork at 13:20, 5 minutes late and got caught at the level crossing outside Kent station for another 5, arrived Midleton 13:46. 2 coach train no one left behind in Cork

The 13:45 didn't leave to 14:00 with a healthy load. The 14:15 was a 4 coach set, arrived more or less on time and departed full from Midleton at about 14:50. An extra unscheduled train left Cork at 14:45 and retuned from Midleton at 15:15

The 15:15 from Cork was running about 10 minutes late, which turned into a 20 minute delay on return to Cork.

The signalling between Cork and Glounthaune means there must be at least 10 minutes between trains which means serious delays grow quickly

Crowd control was non existent at 2pm but by 2:30pm things where under control with effective management of the disembarkation and embarkation process.

And yes they had Midleton displayed correctly as destination on the trains and even a Cork suburban rail map inside!

Traincustomer 30-07-2009 21:06

TV coverage of Midleton opening
 
TV3 news at 530pm and RTE1 at 900pm both covered Midleton this evening. The former report said the first train from Cork was at 1215pm - was this the one for the dignitaries? (ah I just read Mark's post after submitting this the first time -it was).

I thought both reports were balanced. TV3's had an interview with a former train driver and passengers of various ages. RTE's report really showed the crowds.

I daresay other tv news bulletins covered it; these were just the ones I viewed.

on the move 30-07-2009 23:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLUMB LOCO
There are absolutely no safety problems on single lines and while they may limit capacity the cost of double tracking would not be justified and in many cases e.g. Bray Head, it is not practical.

Bray Head is a bit like the Boyne Viaduct, it must be single track, only the entrance and exit around the viaduct are double-track. For 95% of the single track lines in the country, double-track lines can be built. They can also increase the frequency of the routes. Maybe it will take a crash and lives lost, in order for the money to be spent.

That's the priority for IE, not building huge stations on the Kildare Route project that are designed for 10 times the capacity they currently have, and building 2 branch lines outside Inchicore that are never used.

Because of the single track on the new CART route, there can only be trains at the rate of one an hour. Double-track them, and you can have as many as you like.

finnyus 31-07-2009 07:18

Great start! (31.07.2009)
 
Great start to the service this morning!

The first scheduled (revenue) service on the Midleton line from Midleton was the 06:45 this morning. I left my car in Kent station yesterday before the 12:15 special yesterday. I decided to stay over night in Midleton at my parents house last night and get the 06:45 this morning. The station is only 10 minutes walk from my parents house.

Arrived 15 minutes early to find that the whole Midleton station was locked: locked gates to the car park and locked gates to the station.

6 cars (8 potential passengers) turned away as they could not park.

Another man turned up as well (just as the 06:15 from Cork arrived). He had walked from the north side of the station as that side was locked as well.

I rang Kent station (via 11811), no answer.

At 06:40, I said "fup this" and said to the man, look I need to be on that train to get to work, so we decided to run for it towards Mill Road level crossing. I knew that there was no train until that departure and I was wearing the biggest day-glow coat, so I walked up the side of the track from the level crossing (less that 100m). I said it to the driver and he phoned Kent (or Glounthaune).

Another passenger appeared on the scene then, he was just after jumping the tall fence surrounding the station, I honestly don't know how he didn't fall!

Ticket machines were not turned on, so we just boarded the train.

Madness!!! On the very first day of revenue traffic on the line! Loss of 8 potential passengers.

At Carrigtwohill, 1 passenger boarded the train.

At Glounthaune, 1 passenger boarded the train.

At Carrigtwohill, the passenger information display on the platform said we were stopping in a place called Glonne (I presume it is Glounthaune).

At Midleton station (when I eventually boarded the train) had all the stations in reverse: Little Island, Glounthaune, Carrigtwohill.

Was really grinds my gears after all that is that Noel Dempsey, TD made a big speech about making sure that the Midleton and District people use the services! No problem, just open the station so we can use the trains!!!!!!!!!!

On a lighter note, the opening day yesterday was enjoyed by a LOT of people! The last train service yesterday was still well filled by (free) passengers!

Finbarr.

comcor 31-07-2009 07:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by on the move (Post 47638)
Because of the single track on the new CART route, there can only be trains at the rate of one an hour. Double-track them, and you can have as many as you like.

That's just plain wrong.

There's double track to Glounethaune, with single track for the 10 km to Midleton with a passing loop in Carrigtwohill. Trains can run every 15 minutes with this arrangement.

So they can double even the rush hour frequency. Add to that the ability to put on longer trains and you can have up to 6 times start-up capacity.

Even if it was the wrong decision, it will be a long time before we find out.

Mark Hennessy 31-07-2009 08:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by finnyus (Post 47640)
Great start to the service this morning!

The first scheduled (revenue) service on the Midleton line from Midleton was the 06:45 this morning. I left my car in Kent station yesterday before the 12:15 special yesterday. I decided to stay over night in Midleton at my parents house last night and get the 06:45 this morning. The station is only 10 minutes walk from my parents house.

Arrived 15 minutes early to find that the whole Midleton station was locked: locked gates to the car park and locked gates to the station.

6 cars (8 potential passengers) turned away as they could not park.

Another man turned up as well (just as the 06:15 from Cork arrived). He had walked from the north side of the station as that side was locked as well.

I rang Kent station (via 11811), no answer.

At 06:40, I said "fup this" and said to the man, look I need to be on that train to get to work, so we decided to run for it towards Mill Road level crossing. I knew that there was no train until that departure and I was wearing the biggest day-glow coat, so I walked up the side of the track from the level crossing (less that 100m). I said it to the driver and he phoned Kent (or Glounthaune).

Another passenger appeared on the scene then, he was just after jumping the tall fence surrounding the station, I honestly don't know how he didn't fall!

Ticket machines were not turned on, so we just boarded the train.

Madness!!! On the very first day of revenue traffic on the line! Loss of 8 potential passengers.

At Carrigtwohill, 1 passenger boarded the train.

At Glounthaune, 1 passenger boarded the train.


Was really grinds my gears after all that is that Noel Dempsey, TD made a big speech about making sure that the Midleton and District people use the services! No problem, just open the station so we can use the trains!!!!!!!!!!


Finbarr.

As I stated here ad nauseum, this is classic IE.

€75m to get the whole shebang up and running, a huge spread laid on for the minister and press and bang, on day 2, they can't even open up the station.

Who's responsible?

No one of course, this is shocking what you have described, I would be writing a letter to the Cork area manager, the CEO and lob in one to the Examiner too, there's absolutely no excuse for this crap.

finnyus 31-07-2009 08:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Hennessy (Post 47642)
As I stated here ad nauseum, this is classic IE.

€75m to get the whole shebang up and running, a huge spread laid on for the minister and press and bang, on day 2, they can't even open up the station.

Who's responsible?

No one of course, this is shocking what you have described, I would be writing a letter to the Cork area manager, the CEO and lob in one to the Examiner too, there's absolutely no excuse for this crap.

Hi Mark,

I am writing it at the moment! It was utter madness this morning!! Its almost unbelievable!

Priceless!!!!!

Finbarr.

PLUMB LOCO 31-07-2009 09:21

Just emailed details to that plank - Pat Kenny - in case he has item on his Today programme. Don't hold your breath for Mr.Lightweight to talk about it as it is much easier to ramble on about 'NAMA' which nobody understands.

Mark Gleeson 31-07-2009 11:05

You really got to love Irish Rail

Yesterday was almost perfect, everything worked. Extra trains put on to keep things moving. The destination displays read Midleton and they had new Cork suburban area maps fitted. Ok things got a little bit out of hand with the numbers but no one was complaining

But as always they get it 95% right and then make a mess of the situation. As soon as the cameras are gone its back to normal. It somewhat amazes me Irish Rail can't have some class of standard key for station side gates and so on issued to all staff so that in such circumstances a driver or conductor can solve the problem.

The TVM's where working yesterday I'm told

finnyus 31-07-2009 11:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson (Post 47655)
The TVM's where working yesterday I'm told

Yeah, the TVM's were working yesterday. Some people printed Child single tickets as momentos yesterday.

The TVM's are only programmed for Midleton - Cork - Cobh. I did not check for Mallow. Any other part of the network is not possible.

I have my letters written, and will post them in about 30 minutes. Is there any point in ringing Kent station and asking if the station will be open for tomorrow's 06:45 to Cork?

Finbarr.

Mark Gleeson 31-07-2009 11:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by finnyus (Post 47657)
Yeah, the TVM's were working yesterday. Some people printed Child single tickets as momentos yesterday.

The ones in Cork didn't have Midleton on them yesterday. Its station 068 if the booking clerks don't know it yet

Quote:

I have my letters written, and will post them in about 30 minutes. Is there any point in ringing Kent station and asking if the station will be open for tomorrow's 06:45 to Cork?

Finbarr.
Cork is 021-4557277. If they act the muppets ring 01 7034499 which is the office in charge in Dublin

finnyus 31-07-2009 20:55

I eventually got through to Kent station. The problem this morning was that the security firm that is responsible for opening up Midleton station in the mornings did not open the station this morning. I don't know if it was a case that the security firm did not know what time to open the station this morning, or if the security firm was just late coming to Midleton. Carrigtwohill station was open!

I will check tomorrow morning again as I will be getting the 0645 to Cork - hopefully with no adventures to get on to the platform !

finnyus 02-08-2009 16:36

Update from Midleton (02.08.2009)
 
Hi all,

Just said I would give ye an update from a very wet Midleton.

I got the 16:45 from Midleton to Glounthaune today. I counted between 50-60 people leaving Midleton on it. 5 people got on in Carrigtwohill... not bad considering the weather in Midleton (and around Cork today!).

Few things to note:

- the ticket machine on platform 2 was closed (protection cover locked down)
- the ticket machine on platform 1 (main platform) was out of action - red screen stating that it was out of service
- the PIS on platform 1 showed only the current time, did not show the next train
- the automatic announcements seemed to tell us what the next train on platform 1 would be (16:38 to Midleton) but did not tell us what the next train would be (16:45 to Cork)

I presume there was a ticket checker at Cork station, like Friday morning, so the passengers might have had to get tickets there.

The train was a 4 carriage 2600, still with "Midleton / Mainistir na Corann" on the Midleton end of the train, and "Cork/Coraigh" on the Cork side of the train.

I am well impressed with the speed of the train and we reached Carrigtwohill and Glounthaune right on time.

I was looking at a timetable at Glounthaune station. It was amazing to see all the services for the station. It was combined for the Midleton and Cobh trains. Noticed as well that the timetable was for "Little Island" not "Glounthaune"!! IE could have laminated it as well... It was just a big A1/A2 sheet attached to the station wall... ink running on it due to the weather.

On a better note, IE have included a nice map as well at all stations showing the Cork Rail Map, with the number 5 feeder bus from Kent station to Rossa Avenue / CIT, via Patrick's Street, UCC, Bon Securs Hospital, IDA Park (Model Farm Road) and FAS. A nice bit of progress there I must admit!

IrishRail.ie have also updated there website
to include the bus substitution services on the Midleton branch alongside the ones on the Cobh line!

Fin.

finnyus 03-08-2009 18:05

Update from Midleton line:

17:15 to Midleton was extremely busy today. 4 carriage 2600 is still in operation today. The train was well packed all the ways to Midleton.

Hope this is a sign of things to come!!

Mark Gleeson 03-08-2009 18:21

We are in the honeymoon period. October is the month to watch, kids back at school, 3rd level back and everyone back from holidays plus all the sad trainspotter types have visited to take photos. Then you get a true measure of success.

finnyus 03-08-2009 19:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson (Post 47758)
sad trainspotter types

Were I do not agree about trainspotters, everyone has their interests, I do agree about the honeymoon period. Everything is shiny and new at the moment and everyone wants to see it & travel on it. IE would want to get the finger out now and fix the ticket machines in Midleton to start making revenue on the line! I cannot see it being fixed before tomorrow.

Does anyone know if the TVM's at other stations on the Cobh line allow customers to by tickets beyond Cork station? The Midleton TVM only allows customers to buy tickets to stations on the Cork - Cobh/Midleton lines?

Mark Gleeson 03-08-2009 19:43

The Midleton TVM is on the list of TVM problems

To be honest if I was in Midleton I would buy a ticket to Dublin, I'd buy online for the Cork Dublin section.

And yes someday in the very near future you will be able to collect a reservation in Midleton

PLUMB LOCO 03-08-2009 20:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson (Post 47761)
The Midleton TVM is on the list of TVM problems

To be honest if I was in Midleton I would buy a ticket to Dublin, I'd buy online for the Cork Dublin section.

And yes someday in the very near future you will be able to collect a reservation in Midleton

What about those who don't have online access? A proper ATVM or, better still, a manned booking office would be a better option. Wait until the vandalism, cider parties and muggings start. I would love to know how much cheaper it is for IE to employ a security firm to open and close the stations every day than to staff the stations? While they are at it why don' they sub out the train crew jobs to some Eastern European outfit and get out of rail operations completely?

Incidentally, the sad train spotters who you continually seek to belittle are fare paying passengers too and their colleagues in the RSPI etc do a better promotional job for the railways than CIE/IE, or for that matter Rail Users Ireland, do!

Thomas Ralph 03-08-2009 22:44

It's not RUI's job to promote the railways ;)

Thomas Ralph 03-08-2009 22:46

Not sure whether your question about subcontracting train operations to Eastern Europeans was rhetorical or not, but needless to say any mention of same would put all of CIÉ out on strike, therefore nit a workable option.


All times are GMT. The time now is 12:37.

Powered by vBulletin
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.