[Article] Irish rail fares 40% below the EU average

Victor

http://www.thepost.ie/web/DocumentView/did-350682747-pageUrl--2FThe-Newspaper-2FSundays-Paper-2FNews.asp

Irish rail fares 40% below the EU average
11/01/04 00:00
By Niamh Connolly

InterCity rail fares in Ireland are up to 40 per cent lower than average European fares, according to a survey by Iarnrod Éireann.

The study of 13 EU countries found that only Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and Italian passengers paid less for weekend return fares on trips of 267 kilometres and 206 kilometres (equivalent to Dublin- Cork and Dublin-Galway).

Ireland was the fourth-lowest in fares for a journey of 179 kilometres (the distance from Dublin to Waterford), behind Spain, Portugal and Italy, according to the research.

The study compared standard weekend return fares in Britain, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, France, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Britain ranked as the most expensive country for inter-urban rail travel, with Germany, Sweden, Denmark and France next highest in price.

Iarnrod Éireann received exchequer funding of €220 million last year, on top of €168 million in subvention of unprofitable routes and €18 million for the railway safety programme.

The rail company last week increased fares by an average of 3 per cent, compared to British rail companies which were recently awarded a 9 per cent price increase.

An Iarnrod Éireann spokesman said: "These figures show we are extremely competitive in our pricing when compared with other European railways, particularly when one considers the economies of scale and heavy state support enjoyed by many of these networks."

But Fine Gael transport spokesman Denis Naughten said there was an enormous difference between the level of service on British and Irish trains.

"With British Rail or any other European rail company, what you are buying is a seat. You're not buying the right to stand up in the train," he said.

"There is a significant difference in the number of trains and level of service provided by other European companies. If you're going to Westport for example, you have the option of only three services in the day - that's it.

"I know Iarnrod Éireann is getting a raw deal in terms of subsidy, but the reality is we are not getting nearly the same level of service, and I believe people are prepared to pay for a decent service."

embraer170

Now who conducted the survey? Oh yes, Iarnrod Éireann of course. Also how about comparing the quality service. :rolleyes:

The survey also failed to take into consideration the fact that in number of countries; you can purchase an annual card for €40-70 giving you 50% off all rail travel (or even all public transport in some places). If that was available in Ireland, I’d jump at it despite being an infrequent rail traveller.