Minutes of Naas & Sallins Rail User Group Meeting with IE

[Kilkea]

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Meeting of NASRUG with Irish Rail, 23rd October, 2008

Present: James Lawless (JL), John Cunniffe (JC), Conor McGarry (CM),
Paddy MacNamara (PM), Myles McHugh (MM)

1. Punctuality
NASRUG requested punctuality stats for the previous year and identified
issues with particular trains including 7.10, 8.04 and 8.49 ex-Sallins.
Issues of platform clearance also raised and noted by IR. JC raised
issues around boarding 17.35 evenings. IR advised that 'ontime' metrics
included +10 mins, +5 mins, and +0 mins as varying punctuality stats. IR
showed us graph showing 60% arrivals to be within +5 but 95% +10. IR
advised that +0 is ongoing target figure. IR advised that current
timetable skews 'catchup' time within commuter belt for intercity trains
but that new timetable would spread that better to prevent commuter
trains being held by delayed intercities in future.

2. New Timetable
IR advised that new timetable will likely not come into effect until
next Spring, as still in planning so will not kick in at usual
changeover of December. JL requested draft copy of new timetable when a
proof available and agreed by all that a dedicated meeting will be held
when that ready to facilitate NASRUG inputs. NASRUG gave IR 'wish list'
of desired new services for planners to consider.

Action: IR to advise NASRUG when draft ready and arrange review meeting.

3. Fare Structures
JL stated that practice currently very confusing with ticket purchases
possible on both train and in station yet fare inspectors were fining
people on different days and element of (bad) luck involved. IR stated
that ticket inspectors on trains likely to be withdrawn in future and
replaced with conductors/service personell who may not sell tickets on
board. NASRUG stated that the position should be made crystal clear and
that advertising and notices etc around station should state what
practice is to be.

4. Feeder Bus
JC outlined difficulties with current feeder bus service, including
punctuality and route. IR advised that
current operataion is complementary service and extending/reviewing this
via a tender or other approach would involve bus licensing and other
processes which they were not keen to take on due to added
complexity/cost. If an agreement could be reached within current
operation that would be their preference. IR stated they (Myles McHugh
and Tony Cassidy) would approach current operator to work through
current issues. NASRUG have supplied detail around same.

Action: IR to discuss issues with Bus Operator.

5. Station Parking
JL stated that parking in underground carpark has maintenance and
pricing issues but acknowledged currently different operator. However
pointed out within IR carpark issues also exist. PM stated Euro Parks
now offsite.

Action: Myles McHugh and Tony Cassidy to conduct site visit within next
month.

6. Station Upgrade
NASRUG queried timeline for upgrades. IR stated that accessibility works
funding approved and design in progress. Rest of station upgrade
timetabled over next 18 months. CM requested visuals or drawings of
upgraded station works. NASRUG requested better shelters be erected in
Sallins station.

7. Communications
NASRUG raised general issues around announcements and 'operational
difficulties'. JL stated announcements often out of synch with stations
on Arrows. NASRUG stated that whilst recent notices postering in station
welcome, rain often removes posters in a short space of time. Requested
more permanent notice boards. IR agreed and would include same in site
visit.

8. Rolling Stock and Route Upgrade
JL stated that whilst upgrades to inner stations welcome, vast bulk of
commuters still coming from Sallins/Newbridge/Kildare stations and asked
for progress report and benefits statement on KRP. IR advised Portlaoise
depot now online, 15 new trains due to come onstream. All old trains due
to be retired by next Easter. New trains more reliable as 3 different
engines. New trains come in sets of 3-carrigaes and usually deployed as
2x3=6. NASRUG asked whether 9-car trains possible on busier services. IR
to consider.