26 March 2008
Minister Sargent asks Iarnród Éireann to consider double decker trains on Northern line
Regular rail commuters and local Minister Trevor Sargent T.D, is continuing to press for improvements and additional capacity on the Northern Line.
“The growth of population in the towns along the line will require far greater capacity on the trains than is available at present. Accordingly, I have asked Mr. Richard Fearn, the CEO of Iarnród Éireann to plan for this huge growth in demand considering all options including double decker trains” said Minister Trevor Sargent.
In response Mr. Fearn said “ A number of European rail operators do use double decker carriages and obviously more people can be seated in a double decker carriage than a single decker one. However, the number of seats is not twice that of a single decker carriage because of the space taken up by stairways. Also, very little vestibule standing space is available which limits overall peak period carrying capacity. Users of double decker carriages also find that station dwell times for joining and alighting tend to be longer due to the time taken for people to come down from the upper floor. This is less of an issue however for limited stop longer distance commuter services.
To summarise, in preparing our submissions for further commuter rolling stock as part of Transport 21 investment plan, we intend to review the rolling stock supply market very thoroughly, and to consider carefully the advantages and disadvantages of double deck railcars.”
In conclusion, Minister Sargent said “I will be continuing the ongoing communication with Iarnród Éireann and all public transport providers to increase capacity for passengers. However, I am also working in government to encourage and attract new employment and enterprise to Fingal towns so as to avoid adding to commuting pressure.
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