A FLEET OF new carriages is on order for rail passengers travelling from Dublin’s expanding commuter belt, it was announced yesterday.
Iarnród Éireann said it was on track to carry commuters from Dundalk, Longford and Kildare on the more comfortable fleet from the second half of 2011.
The 51 carriages, which are being built in Japan, will also serve passengers on the new Navan rail line when it opens.
Iarnród Éireann said while normal commuter trains were designed to have high capacity, with less seating and more standing room, some workers were making significantly longer trips since the traditional commuter belt expanded.
“If your commute is over 50 miles long, as is the case for Dundalk or Mullingar commuters, or over 75 miles long like Longford commuters, higher levels of comfort are important,” said the spokesman.
“This additional order of intercity railcars delivers that to the customers who probably spend more time with Iarnród Éireann than anyone else.
“This fleet is a huge success where it has been introduced already, and the comfort and reliability it delivers will be welcomed by all who benefit from this latest investment.”
The new fleet first entered service in late 2007 on the Sligo-Dublin line and is being rolled out across the intercity network.
The latest €140 million order will feature more seating on outer commuter routes, greater accessibility for mobility-impaired customers, and meet EU emission standards for new rail vehicles to be enforced in 2012.
Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey TD said the new order showed the Government’s commitment to the continued development of public transport even in these difficult economic times.
“We will continue with the significant capital investment in transport of the past decade.We are determined to prepare for the future, and to provide the public with fast, efficient, comfortable public transport alternatives.”