Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

File photo Leah Farrell
off the rails

More carriages added to DART trains after new timetable leads to raft of complaints

Capacity has been increased today – but one northside councillor says “the jury’s still out”.

IRISH RAIL HAS increased capacity on some of its services today, following complaints over capacity on its new timetable. 

The new nationwide DART and train schedule came into force at the start of this week, leading to what the company has called “teething problems”

Passengers in Clongriffin on the northside of Dublin are calling for a full restoration of capacity. Local Solidarity councillor Michael O’Brien said today that the “jury is still out on the new schedule”.

Commuters in the area have started a #RestoreOurRail social media campaign with passengers documenting their experiences of overcrowding and shorter trains on Twitter over the last few days.  

In a bid to address the issues, Irish Rail said it had switched around some carriages. In a statement spokesperson Jane Cregan said:

We increased capacity on a number of DARTs starting from Malahide this morning and this has helped to alleviate crowding issues.

Cregan said “one service is gone from 4 to 6 cars and another is gone from 6 to 8″.

However O’Brien remains skeptical, saying; 

It remains to be seen whether it’s a gesture, as a opposed to a full restoration of capacity.

Irish Rail said the timetable is being kept under review in order to address the issues. A meeting with passenger representatives is expected to take place in the coming days. 

Your Voice
Readers Comments
23
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel