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Originally Posted by James Howard
Maybe they could have a helpful instructional poster like the one that explains why leaves on the track make the trains go slow. Or an announcement along the the lines of "Hey Thicko, let everyone off before you get on the train".
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Agreed, but it might be phrased a bit more diplomatically.
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Another genius thing that would help matters is the fact that every single train in the country seems to be 4 inches higher than every platform in the country (well, maybe it is just the platforms I use). And when you consider that most of the platforms on the DART, Maynooth and Sligo lines have been extended over the last 10 years - specifically to accommodate new trains, why the hell didn't they raise them at the same time? That would save 2 or 3 minutes faffing about with ramps every time somebody in a wheelchair needs to get on or off a train.
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Actually, level boarding would benefit everyone - you don't have to hesitate at the door to check where the step is, thereby allowing faster boarding and unboarding. Also CIÉ consider 25% of their passengers to be mobility impaired - its not just people in wheelchairs, but people with young children (with or without buggy), shopping, luggage, older people, etc.
The platforms are set at 915mm (three feet, but often called "three and a bit feet") and this roughly matches the DART fleet. However, the entire diesel fleet is one step higher than this.
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Keeping things running just doens't seem to be a priority. Take the example of a medical emergency (which is usually somebody fainting due to overcrowding). This usually results in the train stopping for 20 minutes while somebody makes tut-tutting noises to the victim and waits for the paramedics. Now, it is perfectly reasonable that the person not be moved off the train by an amateur, but they could let the train continue on to one of Connolly, Clonsilla, Heuston or Sydney Parade which are near major hospitals and arrange for the paramedics to meet the train there. This would probably get the person to proper care faster, would lessen the travel time for the ambulance and would keep things moving.
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The problem is when that train then breaks down midway between stations and there is no meaningful access for the ambulance crew. While this may not be a profound issue with a simple fainting, it could make a serious difference for someone with a heart attack.