Intercity journey experiences

[Mark Gleeson]

What should be a stress free experience intercity train travel is far from enjoyable in Ireland. The absolute basics are rarely handled correctly

• The platform the train will depart from is clearly shown in advance of the trains arrival, i.e. no random platform changes
• All intercity services either the driver, guard or ticket checker will announce the next station unless an automated system is in place and working. This will be done in good time
• Before the train leaves its starting point a clear announcement should be made listing all stops and all possible changes, as well as a brief safety message concerning proper stowage of luggage and the no smoking policy.
• The presence of catering services and there location to be announced when they open
• All working inter carriage doors will be enabled
• If the train stops in the countryside for no good reason you should be told why

So if you are on a intercity service,

• Where the announcement is made in the language known as train which you can't understand
• Where the announcement volume is so low as to be inaudible
• Where the catering doesn't show up despite being in the timetable
• A train fitted with an electronic display (inside or outside) which isn't working
• The computer driven announcement tells you the wrong or out of date information such as the wrong station or doesn't announce the station.
• You can't hear the announcement or the electronic display is full of funny characters
• Where you can't find a full route map
• Where the inter carriage doors won't close
• Where the heating system is defective
• Where the seat you booked doesn't exist
• Where you have a first class ticket but there is no first class despite it being shown in the timetable
• Where the train is dangerously overcrowded

Post it here, we need the date, time and the service operated, one of the coach numbers would be handy (but is not essential) as then we could prove that its not just one specifc train but a fleet wide problem.