IRISH RAIL HAS released new etiquette guidelines for people using their trains to try to make journeys “as enjoyable as possible” for everyone on-board.

It is cracking down on several issues, including listening to music or watching videos out loud, vaping on the train and putting feet or bags on empty seats.

Speaking to The Journal, Irish Rail Communications Manager Barry Kenny said train inspectors “have and will” issue penalties of €100 if passengers fail to follow these guidelines.

The fines for these issues have already existed under the CIE Bye-Laws, but Irish Rail is highlighting them again in a new campaign as customers lodge complaints about “nuisance behaviour” impacting their journeys.

Kenny said: “It’s very much based on what our customers want. When you’re travelling with us, you want to have an enjoyable journey.”

The company has sent out a newsletter on the guidelines and will also post notices in train stations to advise passengers on what not to do while using the train.

Irish Rail etiquette guidelines:

• Keep seats clear – don’t put feet or bags on empty seats,
• use earphones and keep the volume low,
• be aware when leaving the train or station; watch out for other passengers, vehicles and your surroundings, especially at busy times,
• dispose of litter properly,
• no smoking or vaping on trains or enclosed station areas,
• e-scooters, including foldable models, are not permitted on trains.

“It’s about awareness and making sure everyone’s journey is as enjoyable as possible,” Kenny said.

He said some of the issues, such as vapes and e-scooters, weren’t as common in the past, so people don’t always know the rules around them.

One issue he said has been particularly divisive is whether it is socially acceptable to listen to music and watch videos without earphones on public transport.

“Social norms appear to be clashing on the issue of audio playing out loud,” he added.

“It’s not going to put your safety at risk, but it disturbs in what every other aspect might be a very enjoyable journey.”

The Irish Rail service from Dublin to Cork now has specific quiet carriages, which people can book for their journeys.

Kenny said passengers have respected these carriages rules, and Irish Rail are considering extending the service to it’s Dublin to Belfast route too.