M3 Parkway rail to Docklands - Why ?

redstar

Why does the new rail link (Phase 1 of Navan rail link) only go to Docklands on weekdays ? There is a 1200 car park-n-ride at m3 parkway, so they must expect lots of commuters to use the train. But do IE expect everyone needs to go to Docklands ?
Surely most people need to get to Connolly. Docklands is a bit out of the way - there is no bus service from there to the city or northside suburbs.

So far I do not see any reason to use this train service compared using the Bus from Trim or Navan.

Cookie_Monster

Line capacity on the line north of Connolly means they can't terminate at Connolly without disrupting other services I imagine

term

redstar wrote: »

Why does the new rail link (Phase 1 of Navan rail link) only go to Docklands on weekdays ? There is a 1200 car park-n-ride at m3 parkway, so they must expect lots of commuters to use the train. But do IE expect everyone needs to go to Docklands ?
Surely most people need to get to Connolly. Docklands is a bit out of the way - there is no bus service from there to the city or northside suburbs.

So far I do not see any reason to use this train service compared using the Bus from Trim or Navan.

Change at Clonsilla for the Connolly service.

munchkin_utd

redstar wrote: »

Why does the new rail link (Phase 1 of Navan rail link) only go to Docklands on weekdays ? There is a 1200 car park-n-ride at m3 parkway, so they must expect lots of commuters to use the train. But do IE expect everyone needs to go to Docklands ?
Surely most people need to get to Connolly.

Docklands is a bit out of the way - there is no bus service from there to the city or northside suburbs.

There is a bus, the 151, that goes every 15 mins to Connolly, Tara St. Dame St. and beyond.
http://www.dublinbus.ie/en/Your-Journey1/Timetables/All-Timetables/151/

to be honest, the existance of this bus should be pushed hard now that Dunboyne and the Park and Ride is coming online.
This is especially useful to anyone going to the Dame Street/ stephens green area from D15

For regular commuters, its only marginally more expensive to get a bus and rail monthly ticket over a rail only ticket, so the frequent 151 can be used without breaking the bank.

i.e.
Rail only monthly = 103 Euro
Rail+Bus = 119 Euro

KC61

There is simply no capacity to deal with extra trains at Connolly - hence the use of Docklands. You can change at Clonsilla with a 5-8 minute wait for Connolly/Pearse.

Also, the LUAS is no more than a 5 minute walk from Docklands station, using the platform level exit and walking through the Spencer Dock development.

thomasj

There is the 151

Red line Luas is right beside it

Pearse is about ten minutes walk

Connolly is about ten minutes

Plus people who work in the ifsc

The fact that it runs nonstop in most cases to docklands makes it quiet an attractive service. Fairly frequent, fast and no long wait into Connolly!

redstar

Currently, I can leave from East Point Business Pk at 5:30pm and get to Trim via the 111 from Busaras by 7 - 7:10pm.

The new train service from Docklands is 5:55pm and 6:25pm.
Could I get to Docklands from East Pt in 20 mins ?
The 5:55 train would be best, and if its only 10min walk from Connolly that would be ok. I'll try it.

The 6:25 train arrives at m3 Parkway at 6:58. I would already be in Trim by then with the Bus.

The 151 is only a south-side bus. Are there any frequent north-side buses ?

Bluetonic

redstar wrote: »

The new train service from Docklands is 5:55pm and 6:25pm.
Could I get to Docklands from East Pt in 20 mins ?

It's around 1.1miles from East Point to Docklands station.

Even at a less than brisk pace you'd walk in in 20 minutes.

paulm17781

KC61 wrote: »

You can change at Clonsilla with a 5-8 minute wait for Connolly/Pearse.

I suspect these will be busy trains...

kabuxa

Hi, I am lost (but this is not new) ;o) Where can I find 'somewhere' that gives me, the time tables and the stops, hopefully map, prices, etc,...? I cannot find it.
I saw that return ticket is 4.20€ from Dunboyne, this means the 'Boylan's bridge,.... and 6€ from the M3 Parkway,.. this is the one at the other side of Dunboyne, right? How much is a single ticket? Children's prices?
As well, regarding this, IF we take a Dunboyne-Docklands ticket, can I use it to connect to 'something' that brings me to Connolly,... or this have to be separate? I usually do not take public transport, (because it does not suit) and I do not know how it works. I can imagine the 'excitement' of changing in Clonsilla,....

Maybe there is a website that explains it all, so if you can post it here please? Thanks a lot!!!

redstar

Bluetonic wrote: »

It's around 1.1miles from East Point to Docklands station.

Even at a less than brisk pace you'd walk in in 20 minutes.

I've never been to Docklands. I'll have a go at walking down - if its 20min or less then that's perfect. Thanks Bluetonic.

KC61

kabuxa wrote: »

Hi, I am lost (but this is not new) ;o) Where can I find 'somewhere' that gives me, the time tables and the stops, hopefully map, prices, etc,...? I cannot find it.
I saw that return ticket is 4.20€ from Dunboyne, this means the 'Boylan's bridge,.... and 6€ from the M3 Parkway,.. this is the one at the other side of Dunboyne, right? How much is a single ticket? Children's prices?
As well, regarding this, IF we take a Dunboyne-Docklands ticket, can I use it to connect to 'something' that brings me to Connolly,... or this have to be separate? I usually do not take public transport, (because it does not suit) and I do not know how it works. I can imagine the 'excitement' of changing in Clonsilla,....

Maybe there is a website that explains it all, so if you can post it here please? Thanks a lot!!!

The train timetable is here:
http://www.irishrail.ie/your_journey/printed_timetable_pdfs/2010/Dublin%20Maynooth%2010-2.pdf

Dunboyne station is located on the road towards Dublin outside the village, while M3 Parkway is located at Pace beside the M3.

The fares aren't up yet but I'd imagine that they will be on www.irishrail.ie from Thursday when the line is officially launched. You ought to be able to buy tickets to Dublin City Centre which means Docklands, Connolly, Tara Street or Pearse from the ticket office at the station.
http://www.irishrail.ie/news_centre/news.asp?action=view&news_id=880

Judgement Day

Without being wishing to be unduly negative am I the only one here that thinks this new service is shaping up to be an utter fiasco?

KC61

redstar wrote: »

I've never been to Docklands. I'll have a go at walking down - if its 20min or less then that's perfect. Thanks Bluetonic.

Using the walking planner at the National Transport Authority website, http://www.nationaltransport.ie/travelinfo.html and entering East Point in the business address and Docklands Station in the Rail box, it suggests a 24 minute walk, which means that it is probably less at a brisk pace!

KC61

Judgement Day wrote: »

Without being wishing to be unduly negative am I the only one here that thinks this new service is shaping up to be an utter fiasco?

Why?

sandleman1979

redstar wrote: »

I've never been to Docklands. I'll have a go at walking down - if its 20min or less then that's perfect. Thanks Bluetonic.

There are free shuttle buses from East Point to Dockland Station... takes about 5-10 mins to get there.

ongarboy

Judgement Day wrote: »

Without being wishing to be unduly negative am I the only one here that thinks this new service is shaping up to be an utter fiasco?

echoing KC61, can you quantify why you think it will be an utter fiasco? - would be interested to hear your reasons/concerns.

kabuxa

Thank you!!!!!

Judgement Day

KC61 wrote: »

Why?

Just a feeling I get from everything I'm reading about it but time will.
No explanation needed, I have changed my mind and I will try and be there for the first day instead to observe for myself.

Cookie_Monster

Judgement Day wrote: »

the very basic outline?

new stations and route open
IE ****s it up

that basic enough :pac::pac::pac:

redstar

sandleman1979 wrote: »

There are free shuttle buses from East Point to Dockland Station... takes about 5-10 mins to get there.

True - but the Docklands shuttle leaves at 5:20. No good for those of us who finish work at 5:30pm. Next shuttle is 5:50pm. Too late to meet the 5:55pm train from Docklands.
The next train is 6:25pm, but by then whats the point in using it if there is an hour between finishing work and getting the train.

KC61

redstar wrote: »

True - but the Docklands shuttle leaves at 5:20. No good for those of us who finish work at 5:30pm. Next shuttle is 5:50pm. Too late to meet the 5:55pm train from Docklands.
The next train is 6:25pm, but by then whats the point in using it if there is an hour between finishing work and getting the train.

Well get onto the business park management - that is based on the current timetable.

Get them to change the bus times to meet the new timetable.

oharach

redstar wrote: »

True - but the Docklands shuttle leaves at 5:20. No good for those of us who finish work at 5:30pm. Next shuttle is 5:50pm. Too late to meet the 5:55pm train from Docklands.
The next train is 6:25pm, but by then whats the point in using it if there is an hour between finishing work and getting the train.

I thought we had already established it was easily walkable in less than 25 mins. So even without the bus you can make the 5.55pm train if you finish at 5.30pm

KC61 wrote: »

Well get onto the business park management - that is based on the current timetable. Get them to change the bus times to meet the new timetable.

Agreed. IE can't adapt their times to a private bus shuttle.

KC61

oharach wrote: »

Agreed. IE can't adapt their times to a private bus shuttle.

In fairness - the shuttle is designed to meet the train - the 1720 bus meets the 1740 train, and the 1755 bus meets the 1815 train.

If the train timetable changes so should the feeder bus. But the operators may not be aware that the train timetable is changing.

redstar

I've sent a email to East Point management about the new train services.
Wait and see ....

Bluetonic

KC61 wrote: »

Using the walking planner at the National Transport Authority website, http://www.nationaltransport.ie/travelinfo.html and entering East Point in the business address and Docklands Station in the Rail box, it suggests a 24 minute walk, which means that it is probably less at a brisk pace!

That route doesn't take into account the other entrance into East Point by the start of the M1/Port Tunnel which is quicker.

oharach

KC61 wrote: »

In fairness - the shuttle is designed to meet the train - the 1720 bus meets the 1740 train, and the 1755 bus meets the 1815 train.

Sorry, didn't mean to suggest that it doesn't connect at the moment. Since this is a private bus, I do believe that the onus is on the provider to inform itself of the IE timetable and adjust times accordingly. Saying that, IE would be better guarding its revenue by actively informing people..

Hopefully they will already have plans, or will at least respond constructively to redstar's e-mail.

trellheim

That route doesn't take into account the other entrance into East Point by the start of the M1/Port Tunnel which is quicker.

IIRC that particular route is not really for pedestrians. I've cycled it once or twice and it was quite hairy.



I had to laugh at this route opening, even the SDZ it was built to serve is not open.

WHen does the planning for Docklands station expire ? or was that puppy kicked into touch while we wait for Interconnector ?



face it people Docklands gets little traffic today. Spencer Dock wasn't open to walkthrough when I looked last. Now on the plus side you can be over in Grand Canal Dock fairly quick now that macken st bridge is open.

One good sweetener here would be to add a triple size dublin bikes rack

Carawaystick

trellheim wrote: »

I

One good sweetener here would be to add a triple size dublin bikes rack

The corpo don't want to put bike racks at stations, people might use them.



JD's statement about the service beign less than stellar seems to be bourne out by IÉ's less than informative stance. If IÉ don't tell people running feeder bus services.....

I don't buy this auld crap about Connolly being capacity constrained.
there's a train from Drogheda arrives into p3 at 8:28 (ish) followed by a train from the Maynooth line at 8:29 into P4; followed by a train from Drogheda to onto P5 leaving at 8:32. the Maynooth train usually leaves p4 northbound before the 8:32 leaves southbound. every morning there are P2 and P1 free to terminate more trains.

There also used to be a dart from the south, that terminated on P7 around this time also, freeing another maynooth path.

KC61

But you forget about northbound trains - any train coming in from Maynooth uses a northbound slot too.

thomasj

carawaystick, you are missing the point! as kc61 mentioned, maynooth/longford/sligo inbound services have to share a part of track on the entrance to connolly with northbound DARTs/northern commuter/enterprise/out of service trains. This restricts the number of paths available to both inbound maynooth line services and northbound services. This also leeds to lengthy waits outside connolly for maynooth line passengers!

Just to give an example, in the new timetable starting friday, the morning inbound sligo to connolly intercity service runs non-stop from maynooth to drumcondra then connolly. Only 1 stop, yet it takes 38 minutes to get from maynooth to connolly. The Docklands train ahead of it makes 8 stops and takes 35 minutes!

The sligo train inbound, is scheduled to take ten minutes to get from drumcondra to connolly, yet outbound services at that time take 5 minutes to get from connolly to drumcondra- half the time!

One of the major advantages of the docklands train over the connolly bound trains is they avoid spaghetti junction.

eejoynt

redstar wrote: »

True - but the Docklands shuttle leaves at 5:20. No good for those of us who finish work at 5:30pm. Next shuttle is 5:50pm. Too late to meet the 5:55pm train from Docklands.
The next train is 6:25pm, but by then whats the point in using it if there is an hour between finishing work and getting the train.

could ye not negotiate a 5.15 finish with an earlier start and or shorter lunch break ?
take it up through your union

thomasj

trellheim wrote: »

face it people Docklands gets little traffic today. Spencer Dock wasn't open to walkthrough when I looked last. Now on the plus side you can be over in Grand Canal Dock fairly quick now that macken st bridge is open

Spencer dock is open to walkthrough I did it today. There is two access points- one is exactly across from the station just up the steps then head straight the walkway leads straight to the luas line.

The other is via the linear park exit of the station. When you exit via linear park
there are steps. Climb up them and there is a walkway. at the end of the walkway is
the luas line.

Nearest stops from there are Spencer dock turn left or ncirl turn right.

To get to Connolly, turn right and keep walking straight will lead you to Connolly.

Hungerford

Carawaystick wrote: »

I don't buy this auld crap about Connolly being capacity constrained.
there's a train from Drogheda arrives into p3 at 8:28 (ish) followed by a train from the Maynooth line at 8:29 into P4; followed by a train from Drogheda to onto P5 leaving at 8:32. the Maynooth train usually leaves p4 northbound before the 8:32 leaves southbound.

Besides the pathing issue, a Maynooth train going to and from P4 temporarily blocks entry to Platforms 5, 6 and 7 because it has to cut across those lines to reach the Maynooth line.

If you run the Maynooth trains from Platform 7 through Newcommen Junction you can't serve Drumcondra.

redstar

Got a response from East Pt Management. A new timetable is in place from Sept 3rd.

There will be a bus from East Pt at 17:35 to meet the 17:55 train at Docklands.

http://www.eastpoint.ie/getting-here/eastpoint-shuttle-bus

I'm impressed - well done East Pt Management

munchkin_utd

redstar wrote: »

Got a response from East Pt Management. A new timetable is in place from Sept 3rd.

There will be a bus from East Pt at 17:35 to meet the 17:55 train at Docklands.
http://www.eastpoint.ie/getting-here/eastpoint-shuttle-bus
I'm impressed - well done East Pt Management

Now, if only Dublin Bus had a network of similar shuttle services along the commuter rail network timetabled to the departure times of the trains!!

redstar

munchkin_utd wrote: »

Now, if only Dublin Bus had a network of similar shuttle services along the commuter rail network timetabled to the departure times of the trains!!

That would mean one part of CIE co-ordinating with another :rolleyes:

thomasj

redstar wrote: »

That would mean one part of CIE co-ordinating with another :rolleyes:

That reminds me - any update on if any bus eireann services will serve the new m3 station?

munchkin_utd

thomasj wrote: »

That reminds me - any update on if any bus eireann services will serve the new m3 station?

Most Bus Eireann service 111 (Athboy/ Trim and beyond) busses will be stopping at the M3 Parkway on the way into and out of town.
http://www.buseireann.ie/pdf/1283360532-111.pdf

Nothing about connections to Navan/ Kells yet though.
Although whyever anyone would inflict the hassle and extra cost on themselves of changing from bus to train, especially when the train drops them farther from town - is a good question.

now....
if an ultra reliable, minute perfect 109 shuttle service (via the M3) starting and terminating at M3 Parkway existed.......
with your bus ticket automatically valid for onward travel on the train 10min later,
to connolly rather than docklands,
getting you to the city centre in a reliable amount of time and bang on perfect location for a speedy Dart change,
then THAT would be a service

thomasj

You know that wouldn't happen because it involves Connolly!

dowlingm

post interconnector there should extra weekday slots into Connolly, one would think.

thomasj

Post interconnector pace and maynooth line services are meant to go to bray/greystones

Oliver1985

munchkin_utd wrote: »

Most Bus Eireann service 111 (Athboy/ Trim and beyond) busses will be stopping at the M3 Parkway on the way into and out of town.
http://www.buseireann.ie/pdf/1283360532-111.pdf

Nothing about connections to Navan/ Kells yet though.
Although whyever anyone would inflict the hassle and extra cost on themselves of changing from bus to train, especially when the train drops them farther from town - is a good question.

now....
if an ultra reliable, minute perfect 109 shuttle service (via the M3) starting and terminating at M3 Parkway existed.......
with your bus ticket automatically valid for onward travel on the train 10min later,
to connolly rather than docklands,
getting you to the city centre in a reliable amount of time and bang on perfect location for a speedy Dart change,
then THAT would be a service

Anyone know whats the fares on the buses?

Transportuser09

Oliver1985 wrote: »

Anyone know whats the fares on the buses?

Should be able to find them here:

http://www.busfare.co.uk/cgi-bin/Eireann.isa/EXEC

KC61

Some fine photos of the new station at Dunboyne and the launch train today are at:

http://www.railsceneireland.fotopic.net/c1891340.html

Judgement Day

Nice pics - hope to get out there tomorrow and tick the Docklands branch off at the same time.

patrickbrophy18

To the OP. Rest assured that when there are two DART lines in Dublin post interconnector, places like Dunboyne and the M3 Parkway will be going straight to Pearse and beyond. Pearse Station is where you will change for the DART Underground to St. Stephens Green and Christchurch among others. However, like many other posters here have pointed out, Connolly is already a bottlekneck and sending even more services through will exert a huge amount of pressure on this relatively thin city center artery. It is for this exact same reason that the Phoenix Park Tunnel is not being used to connect Heuston with Connolly despite the incredibly large demand. As such, I can't believe that Broadstone Station isn't being re-instated. It could easily be used to carry a lot of the slack away from Connolly to free up space for services through the Phoenix Park Tunnel and that to Dunboyne or the M3 Parkway. As Irish Rail would very often put it, I am sorry "for the inconveinience caused".

lord lucan

Judgement Day wrote: »

Nice pics - hope to get out there tomorrow and tick the Docklands branch off at the same time.

Ditto!:D

lord lucan

lord lucan wrote: »

Ditto!:D

Judgement Day wrote: »

Nice pics - hope to get out there tomorrow and tick the Docklands branch off at the same time.

Same as. Only got to do Midleton last month so I should do this one quicker, I live right beside the damn thing!

lord lucan

Karsini wrote: »

Same as. Only got to do Midleton last month so I should do this one quicker, I live right beside the damn thing!

Haven't done Midleton yet,shame on me!:o

xOxSinéadxOx

why is Dunboyne into town almost a euro cheaper than Maynooth into town. Is it a shorter distance ?