Rural D Area Rapid Transit ? (R-DART)

bk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123060018#Comment_123060018

That is a completely different point!

Obviously buses in Ireland are operated differently from Poland, but that has nothing to do with trolleybuses. Trolleybuses in Poland are literally the same vehicles (other then power source) as their new BEV buses.

There would be nothing to stop us from buying three door single decker BEV buses tomorrow and start operating them like the Luas/Poland. Or 18m/24m 4 to 5 door ones if you prefer.

There would also be nothing stopping us ordering trolleybuses tomorrow and ordering them with just one door!

In other words it isn't a a trolleybus thing, it is a decision on operating models and ticket control.

Don't get me wrong, I've long been a massive fan and proponent of the "Polish"/Luas operating model, I wish we switched to it rather then the dual door London Bus model. I'm still disappointed we scrapped the Swiftway BRT plans that would have brought 18m long multi door buses with the Luas operating model to Dublin.

The point is I think it is a mistake to think this is a trolleybus thing and can only be done with trolleybuses. No reason the same couldn't be done with BEV buses if we decided to go that way.

A1ACo

It looks like a Tram service is already proposed for Cork, and to link into the main rail station that would have future DART type service in the anyway. Regards the above mentioned previously mooted 'Swiftway' for Dublin Bus, there was also the Dun Laoghaire Coco mooted 'BlueLine' a few years back (for a BRT bus service from Booterstown DART station to Sandyford Business estate, via UCD and the Dublin Eastern Bypass reservation backlands in Goatstown). But it is not just in Ireland that QBCs/CBC/ BHNS/ BRTs appear to have a chequered history in terms of desirability and actual decisions to implement.

That buses can use roads is probably both their greatest gift, and their greatest curse - there appears to be more reluctance to give them reservations worldwide than there does for trams where the investments/quality are maximised, so maybe trams or trolleybuses or articulated buses are used not so much as a gimmick, but as an (expensive) excuse for gold plating and as a catalyst for change… and re doors on the sides of buses - it took many years to get two doors onto the sides of Dublin Buses!

It may be of interest also that in St.Etienne that a 2019 report from the local transport operator and Systra (who also have a presence in Ireland), decided that extending their existing Trolleybus system with IMC was the fastest and easiest way to get to its energy transition for green growth, and to later include a BRT section… Solaris and Skoda Electric for Saint-Etienne. First deliveries ever for the Trollino in France - Sustainable Bus.

Also, notwithstanding the above mentioned targets for Bologna to replace some of its busiest bus and Trolleybus urban routes with 4 Tram lines, and having commenced two tram lines construction in 2023/4; it has just recently also tendered for both Trolleybuses (x35 with option for 35 more) with IMC (18m length with 4 doors) and fully electric battery buses (x19) BEV 'e-bus' (12m with 3 doors with pantograph for depot/ terminus charging). 35 trolleybuses and 19 e-buses: new tender in Bologna (with option for further 35 trolleys) - Sustainable Bus

Anyway, back to DARTs/CARTs/ & Rural DARTs! - & from today's RTE website regards the new incoming government's pledges under core areas (see under 'Green issues') and the new Programme for Government there is a…

'Commitment to accelerate the electrification of the transport system, including electric bikes, electric vehicles, and electric public transport'

In focus: New government's main pledges in core areas

KrisW1001

Can we rename the thread to "Trolleybuses"?

Sam Russell

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123061177#Comment_123061177

No. But if you have a better title - the PM me with a that better title.

scrabtom

Perhaps it should be changed to a thread about electrified transit options in the regional cities. Rather than just being about commuter rail or trolleybuses.

bk

Perhaps "Regional Cities Public Transport Options", that could encompass both commuter rail and the transport within the city (bus/tram).

BTW this point from A1ACo is great news:

'Commitment to accelerate the electrification of the transport system, including electric bikes, electric vehicles, and electric public transport'