Student tickets on the Enterprise

[Padna]

Does anyone know if, when travelling on cross-border services, student tickets (for 3rd level students) are restricted to full-time students or if part-time 3rd level students are also eligible to travel using them?

I can't find any mention of student tickets being restricted to full-time students on the Irish Rail website (which suggests that part-time students may also be eligible), but the Student Leap Card seems to be for full-time students only and Translink student fares also seem to be only available to full-time students.

[Jamie2k9]

There is no indication on the website so unless that changes you will have no problem.

http://www.irishrail.ie/fares-and-tickets/students

[Mark Gleeson]

A translink student ID card or a student travelcard are required for student travel in NI

[Padna]

Thanks for the replies guys, but I'm still confused!

As Jamie says, the Irish Rail rules seem to indicate that part-time 3rd level students (with a college ID from any of the universities, ITs and some other listed colleges in the Republic of Ireland) are entitled to travel on student tickets.

But, as Mark says, the Translink rules require the student to be in possession of a card which is only issued to full-time students.

So which rules apply in the case of cross-border journeys by a part-time 3rd level student, where the journey originates in the Republic?

(1) Irish Rail rules as far as Dundalk and then Translink rules?
(2) Irish Rail rules as far as Newry and then Translink rules?
(3) Irish Rail rules all the way (as they issue the ticket)?
(4) Translink rules all the way (as they are more "restrictive")?

[Jamie2k9]

I think Mark is referring to any other travel within NI on Translink (excluding cross border service). If its not then we have something else to add to the list of problems with the joint operation.

Anyway a student ticket is 40 euro so you are most likely to get cheaper adult fares if booked in advance so that could be your best option.

[Mark Gleeson]

Irish Rail's rules apply as far as Dundalk

There is no reciprocal deal with Translink

Is the Student Leap Card accepted for discounted travel with any other transport companies?
Yes, Bus Eireann, Ulsterbus, Northern Ireland Railways (Translink) & Citylink will accept the card as proof of student status for discounted fares. On top of this, it allows you discounts in over 200 shops, accommodation, etc around Ireland.

Return Dublin Belfast is the same price student or adult

[Jamie2k9]

Return Dublin Belfast is the same price student or adult

I am certain they had a promotional fare at some stage on the route (1-2 years ago). Around 21 return. Its madness that a jointly operated rail service only apply there own rules to each border. Neither operator want any sort of student travel because both are incompetent discussing one or two simple ID requirements.

[berneyarms]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

Return Dublin Belfast is the same price student or adult

That's not quite true.

The adult day return price is the same as the Student return (€40).

However, let's be honest most students will not be making a day return.

Therefore the more appropriate comparison is with the adult open return which is €55.