[PR] Irish Rail fuel efficency

[Mark Gleeson]

Firstly the use of 29k stock on the 3 intercity scheduled services each way is down to a lack of trains and not capacity, a 3 coach ICR has more seats than a 4 coach 29k anyway. Sligo line suffers from same on a Friday

The problem network wide is a 3 coach train is routinely too short on many services, but a 6 coach would be overkill and equally 6 coach trains are insufficient on some key services.

There is a good chance some Rosslare services will be moved to 4 coaches, most likely the 18:36 down and 07:15 up. As the Sligo line off peak will need fewer coaches it should mean all services are 22k

[Inniskeen]

While the 0715 from Rosslare would benefit from a 4-car ICR, the 1838 to Rosslare is generally very modestly loaded (often no more passengers than would have left Waterford for the south Wexford not too many years ago).

There appears to be a view in Irish Rail that a 4-car 2900 is a quick fix as more passengers can be stuffed due to the extra floor space. The 2900 is a great product but in terms of amenity is little better than a DART and not really suitable for journeys much in excess of an hour.

[ocian]

Thank you gentlemen for your replies I understand it's hard to know at this point how the units will be distributed across the network, I'm just hopeful to see the end of the 29k trains on the line! But I'm not sure how likely that'll be now because as Mark said it's due to lack of trains, not capacity reasons Sure all we can do is wait and see (and hope!)

[berneyarms]

Originally Posted by ocian

Thank you gentlemen for your replies I understand it's hard to know at this point how the units will be distributed across the network, I'm just hopeful to see the end of the 29k trains on the line! But I'm not sure how likely that'll be now because as Mark said it's due to lack of trains, not capacity reasons Sure all we can do is wait and see (and hope!)

That's not quite true re capacity - the overall capacity of a 4 car 29k is higher than a 3 car 22k when you take standees into consideration.

The lunchtime train from Connolly and evening return from Rosslare would need a 4pce 29k to cope during the summer.

I would certainly expect the 29k sets to remain on the commuter trips on the route.

[dowlingm]

now there's going to be one less 22K available because they're ripping out seats to make a music train...

[Mark Gleeson]

Let me be very clear about this the use of 29k units on Rosslare services has nothing to do with demand.

If a 22k set is available it will be used, so the 17:36 Connolly Wexford, the busiest southbound service is a 22k from time to time and that's no fun onboard.

We have had many meetings with those behind reservations and they cannot sell tickets on the 13:37 service as an ICR cannot be guaranteed, despite this being on weekends a very busy service.

[comcor]

Is there any suggestion to create a 2 car set?

I would imagine that this might be the most appropriate way to service Limerick Junction to Waterford.

[Jamie2k9]

While a 2 would be suitable, think of the wider picture. It's probably the only route in Ireland suitable for it and with only two services a day it's wasting capacity. The current roster for the route is build well into the schedules as until a few months ago it was doing nothing in Waterford, you would have to find another set to operate the two Dublin services around the limerick services and that's not easily done without significant costs.

[Mark Gleeson]

2 car is not possible, must have at least 1 B1 car in the consist

[Inniskeen]

Have Irish Rail backed off two-car DARTs - certainly no sign of any today off-peak up to 1900.

[Mark Gleeson]

We are back to 4 car off peak until after the evening peak, the way it should always have been

2 car was as we expected unworkable especially at lunchtime and when schoolchildern were going home.

There remains issues of driver not obeying the stop boards and there being no information as to which trains are which length.

The Greystones DART suspension may have changed things around so need to wait a few days to be sure, but based on meetings with Irish Rail there seems to now be a large scale climbdown on the previous plans.

[Jamie2k9]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

We are back to 4 car off peak until after the evening peak, the way it should always have been

2 car was as we expected unworkable especially at lunchtime and when schoolchildern were going home.

There remains issues of driver not obeying the stop boards and there being no information as to which trains are which length.

The Greystones DART suspension may have changed things around so need to wait a few days to be sure, but based on meetings with Irish Rail there seems to now be a large scale climbdown on the previous plans.

It would also seem a lot of "TD's" interfered..

[Mark Gleeson]

Lots of unhappy passengers, no mention of politicians.

The incident at Grand Canal Dock seems to have pushed matters and should result in a harder line been taken with parking in the correct position

[karlr42]

What incident?

[Mark Gleeson]

Train E804, 08:20 Oct 1st, train 6 coaches stopped on the 4 stop board at Grand Canal Dock and opened doors. Rear of train not in platform.

I have confirmation that this event occurred.

[berneyarms]

Originally Posted by Inniskeen

Have Irish Rail backed off two-car DARTs - certainly no sign of any today off-peak up to 1900.

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

We are back to 4 car off peak until after the evening peak, the way it should always have been

2 car was as we expected unworkable especially at lunchtime and when schoolchildern were going home.

There remains issues of driver not obeying the stop boards and there being no information as to which trains are which length.

The Greystones DART suspension may have changed things around so need to wait a few days to be sure, but based on meetings with Irish Rail there seems to now be a large scale climbdown on the previous plans.

I actually suspect this has far more to do with the ESB works ongoing between Bray and Greystones than anything else, as more trains are clogging up space in Bray.

We shall see when Wednesday arrives!

[Mark Gleeson]

The official word is a reduction in the number of 2 car sets and more 4 car sets

[berneyarms]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

The official word is a reduction in the number of 2 car sets and more 4 car sets

I would assume that this would be around the shoulders of the peak rather than all day though.

To be fair they did say that they would make changes where demand required it.

We shall see tomorrow!

[Jamie2k9]

Lots of unhappy passengers, no mention of politicians.

Quiet a few contacted IE and asked them to review it and respond to demand.

Would something like 2 2 car and 2 4 car sets per hour work or would it just not be possible to have right trains to operate instead of a full 2 car operation or 4 car operation.

[Jamie2k9]

Can confirm 2 car DARTS currently operating off peak.