New Train Service from Newry

[Mark Gleeson]

As we have said from day 1 a dedicated intercity service from Belfast is what is needed with the correct train. The current setup is likely to fall apart for various reasons. Capacity is still very short in supply and numbers seem to be growing

Timetable wise if capacity on the route is exploited it would be possible to get an ICR train through to Connolly non stop from Gormanston or even Drogheda without impacting in any way elsewhere. Overtake at Mosney and Skerries and a train can start for Dublin from the northbound platform in Balbriggan

I am told that if the artificial supports were removed fares would increase on the NI side

[irishsaint]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

I am told that if the artificial supports were removed fares would increase on the NI side

I dont suppose if you are aware of any future plans to remove these?

[Mark Gleeson]

In discussions with Irish Rail and Translink the strange currency differential was discussed and the reason given was if parity was to be introduced with would result in a hike on NI fares which was not considered acceptable

Clearly something needs to be done and soon.

Be sure to say hello to the senior Irish Rail manager onboard as well. The third in charge lives in Armagh and commutes daily...

[dowlingm]

Do Eurocratic rules allow State bodies to require their employees to live in the State and pay the taxes that keep their employer afloat? Presumably not. Oh well.

Anyone know what the on-time performance of this train was like this morning?

[Colm Moore]

Originally Posted by dowlingm

Do Eurocratic rules allow State bodies to require their employees to live in the State and pay the taxes that keep their employer afloat? Presumably not. Oh well.

There is a frontier worker regime in place. However, both here and the UK treat each other as home territory for income tax purposes.

With the marginal constituency improvement programme aka decentralisation programme, the government did try to insist that, eh sorry, force workers to live where they work, which is a bit outrageous to force on existing workers.

The Job Centre in Holyhead did a deal with Stena for unemployed people to commute on the fast ferry to work in Dún Laoghaire.

In any case, don't Irish Rail staff have 'free' company travel passes? I'm not sure about the cross-border element.

[irishsaint]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

Be sure to say hello to the senior Irish Rail manager onboard as well. The third in charge lives in Armagh and commutes daily...

I believe he travels from Dundalk daily - is that the scottish fellow?

[Mark Gleeson]

That be him alright.

45 minute delay this morning, 25% refund applies

[irishsaint]

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

That be him alright.

he sits first plus on the 08:00 from dundalk daily.

Originally Posted by Mark Gleeson

45 minute delay this morning, 25% refund applies

I'm on a Monthly season ticket, will the reliabilty and punctuality of this be part of the Enterprise stats?

[Mark Gleeson]

Under EC law as a monthly holder on an international journey you should be entitled to some refund. Not quite delay repay but similar

Chapter 2 Article 17 EC 1371/2007

"Passengers who hold a travel pass or season ticket and who encounter recurrent delays or cancellations during its period of validity may request adequate compensation in accordance with the railway undertakings compensation arrangements. These arrangements shall state the criteria for determining delay and for the calculation of the compensation"

Inquiries are under way. If anyone wishes to take a test case against Irish Rail for compensation in reporting period 4 (which started on Monday I think) please let me know.