Had my first ever experience of the new train last week and was quite impressed overall - my comparison is with the UK; I'm based in London and travel intercity extensively.
I was on the 09.30 Cork - Dublin on 12th; left on the minute and arrived on the minute - admittedly after a leisurely 2.45 journey time. A few observations:
- I upgraded from standard to first; for 11.50 euro extra on what is a very cheap walk-on single fare by UK standards this was excellent value (cf London to Stoke-on-Trent standard class single at that time - 91 pounds. Sort of comparable distance; but half the journey time(!)).
- Very comfortable seating although the sliding door behind me was permanently open and, eventually, draughty. I eventually asked the Woman in Black if it could be closed. 'It's because people are getting on' Hmm. This was LJ and it had been like that since Cork. A second request via the ticket collector eventually got some action from WiB which was to move me to seats in the middle of the coach but, I subsequently noticed, the door also to be taken off automatic. I think it was open more to facilitate the catering staff service who were frequently going back and forth.
- I didn't avail myself of the breakfast (though it looked good) but had a coffee later (good service, ghastly coffee). Catering announced its close-down at Kildare, I think.
- Ride was a bit rocky throughout but I understand that this was more due to the track.
- Automatic announcements were audible and made after leaving every station; train crew station approach announcements were also audible but a bit 'last minute'.
- I noticed some impressive-looking station redevelopment/ refurbs going on (Thurles) but bigger platform signs are needed - they're a bit too discreet, and also seemed to vary in style between stations and surely the word 'station' isn't really necessary as well?
-The LUAS was also impressive going over to Connolly - but nobody had asked me at Cork when I bought my ticket whether I wanted an add-on so I had to fumble around with coins.
-Later the same day my mother travelled down on the Enterprise (16.00 ex-Belfast) which was over 30 minutes late.....
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