Trains and trams busy but moving

Trains and trams were busy but not overstretched yesterday as commuters sought alternatives to Dublin Bus services.

On the first full working day of the bus strike, Dart and commuter trains did a brisk trade but there was no difficulty in accommodating passengers who usually take the bus.

"It was certainly busier than usual, but we were able to cope with the capacity we have," said Iarnród Éireann spokesman Barry Kenny.

The timing of the strike meant there was room on trains which there would not have been at other times of the year.

“Apart from Christmas and new year, this would be our quietest time for daily commuters. So there is no requirement to put on extra trains, and we’ve had no reports of anyone being left behind on the platform,” said Mr Kenny.

Luas operator Veolia also said it was managing to take extra passengers without increasing the frequency of trams.

“This is normally a quiet time for us from a capacity point of view. We run the same timetable all year round, and the frequency of trains would be about four to six minutes, so we’re managing to facilitate all passengers,” a spokeswoman said.

Some stations had been particularly busy yesterday morning, but there were no significant problems in passengers accessing trams.

“Heuston Station and Dundrum were busier than normal. At peak times, you may not get the first one, but you will get the second.”

Passengers had been “very understanding” about services been busier than usual for the time of year, she added.

Dublin City Council said there had been no significant increase in usage of the Dublin Bikes since the strike started, but a spokesman said the bikes were more commonly used by people moving around the centre than by commuters accessing the city.

Private bus operators and taxi firms reported a brisk trade yesterday.