New to commuting by train and confused!

gawker

Hi everyone, I hope I can use your expert knowledge for a very simple problem!


Long story short:

I recently started commuting to work from Newbridge to Park West. I usually get the 8.12 train as most others at that time do not stop at Park West. However, the train is rarely on time and I cannot be sure if I'm getting on the right train! The electronic displays are turned off and there is no announcement stating what stations a departing train will be stopping at. The only way I can be sure I'm on the right train is if there is an announcement/display in the train, and sometimes it's too late by then!

So, is there any way I can be sure I'm getting in the right train? This sounds silly but it's a real pain. For example, I got on the Heuston bound train the other day that arrived at 8.12 and it turned out it did not stop at Park West.


Maybe I should try figure out the carriage numbers or something!?

Thanks for any help.

n97 mini

There's practical experience of commuting by rail for you.

I would write to your local TDs, Leo Varadkar and Dick Fearn, and hope that the situation is rectified by the time next year.

howiya

If you can access the internet on your phone use this link

http://www.irishrail.ie/station_updates.jsp

Link doesn't appear to link back to the page I was on. From IE's home page click on the Travel & Station Information tab and there is an option for live updates. Type Newbridge here

gawker

n97 mini wrote: »

There's practical experience of commuting by rail for you.

I would write to your local TDs, Leo Varadkar and Dick Fearn, and hope that the situation is rectified by the time next year.

I'm assuming I'm missing something though? Surely they have thought about people who get off before Heuston like.

On a related note, how come those electronic boards are off anyway? I lived in Germany recently and they were a great way to be kept up to date. I love travelling by train but sometimes it's the simple things that drive you mad.

JeffK88

Electronic Displays are brand spanking new. Only installed past week or two. They are still working on the station ( So I believe) so this may be why they have not switched on .

gawker

JeffK88 wrote: »

Electronic Displays are brand spanking new. Only installed past week or two. They are still working on the station ( So I believe) so this may be why they have not switched on .

Good stuff. I hope they are up and running soon!

n97 mini

Bear in mind the signs were up for nearly 11 years on the Maynooth line before they were switched on.

Judgement Day

Of course you could go back to the tried and tested method - ask the driver.

Franticfrank

Are you talking about electronic displays in the station, or on the front of the train, above where the driver sits? I find that absolutely crazy, not knowing which train to get on. Surely there should be a display on the platform, showing the destination, as well as the top of the train itself, like buses and the luas.

LXFlyer

I'd second Judgement Day's advice - stand at the top of the platform and ask the driver.

LXFlyer

Franticfrank wrote: »

Are you talking about electronic displays in the station, or on the front of the train, above where the driver sits? I find that absolutely crazy, not knowing which train to get on. Surely there should be a display on the platform, showing the destination, as well as the top of the train itself, like buses and the luas.

There are destination displays on the trains but the external ones show only the final destination, and not the intermediate stops.

I'm guessing but it sounds like the OP boarded a late running Westport train that goes non stop to Heuston from Newbridge. Station staff should be making announcements.

MrDerp

I hate throwing out the "Only in Ireland" line, but I've managed to surmount this problem in foreign countries, in languages I don't understand.

The information has always been there for me to figure out, whether my train is or isn't the one on the platform, despite the same destination showing. I've even managed to note in German that a train splits half way to my destination and I need to be in the rear carriages.

And we can't even rise to a muffled announcement over an aging intercom?

gawker

Thanks everyone for the replies. I guess my best bet is to wait at the top of the platform and ask the driver every time then. Hopefully I’ll have a smartphone soon and that will help too.

Kind of baffling that people who don’t go all the way to Heuston don’t seem to even be thought of in this situation.

kc56

Another clue: A late running Westport service is a 3-car train and nearly always packed. The 8:12 starts in Portlaoise, is usually a 6-car or 2x3 and nearly empty..

Smartphone apps help a lot.

n97 mini

gawker wrote: »

Kind of baffling that people who don’t go all the way to Heuston don’t seem to even be thought of in this situation.

Are there many others that get off at Parkwest?

gawker

n97 mini wrote: »

Are there many others that get off at Parkwest?

Usually about 9 or 10 of us I'd guess. Some days seem to have more than others for some reason. It's a weird station, sometimes I'm the only one waiting to get on in the evenings.