CRP on Rosslare Rail Line

Cookie_Monster · 09-11-2010 02:03PM

save the rail wrote: »

they have stated it can be sourced both in and out of Ireland, which they choose will depend, i presume, on the best price they get

hmm...
so there is a possibility of getting it within Ireland, leaving two options*:

IE
NIR

now NIR may have some spare stock to offload but IE certainly don't. It would be a farcical situation if IE were to hire trains back on a line they have no interest in, especially when every rush hour service is chock-a-block, they simply don't have the trains to spare for such an eventuality. I wonder...

* on the assumption that it will have to be a DMU operated service, maybe it won't, but is all the infrastructure in place for allowing runarounds still?

save the rail · 09-11-2010 02:08PM

Judgement Day wrote: »

I disagree about prices on the catering trolley - if you consider €1.60 for a can of minerals, €5.65 for a can of lager or €4.99 for a sandwich reasonable you're earning too much money. 1st class??? i.e. somewhere quiet to relax or get a bit of work done? Longer trains so that you don't have people standing on top of you from Wicklow northbound (sometimes Arklow)! A civilised waiting area in Connolly - out on platform 5 - I have suggested it to Dick Fearn numerous times but I would get more satisfaction from talking to my toes. I wish you luck but would not be remotely optimistic that anything will be achieved until CIE/IE is wound up.

I pay €2.05 for a cup of tea, its €2.00 in a cafe, i paid €3.50 for a ham and cheese sandwich 3 weeks ago on the train which i think is reasonable.
Myself and my colleague manage to work everytime we travel on the train, I dont have any problem with noise and noone else has complained of noise. As for the waiting area, there are benches and you are sheltered from the rain, its a public service not a 4star hotel :eek:

flyingsnail · 09-11-2010 02:08PM

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

* on the assumption that it will have to be a DMU operated service, maybe it won't, but is all the infrastructure in place for allowing runarounds still?

The track layout in Rosslare still allows a run around.

KC61 · 09-11-2010 02:10PM

save the rail wrote: »

AS STATED ABOVE:

Trains meeting ferries, catering trolley on all services (to be fair the prices on the trolley are reaasonable) rather than longer trains we are trying for more services..............

What is needed is a recast of the current timetable that would see an extra train from Wexford between the 07:50 and 12:55 services - say at 10:15 (perhaps by curtailing the 07:30 ex-Connolly at Wexford), and a 10:30 from Dublin, which would also defer the current 12:55 service from Rosslare to 13:55.

Obviously maximising ferry connections is something that needs addressing.

Now whether all of that can be delievered within the existing fleet constraints I don't know.

foggy_lad · 09-11-2010 02:11PM

save the rail wrote: »

I pay €2.05 for a cup of tea, its €2.00 in a cafe, i paid €3.50 for a ham and cheese sandwich 3 weeks ago on the train which i think is reasonable.
Myself and my colleague manage to work everytime we travel on the train, I dont have any problem with noise and noone else has complained of noise. As for the waiting area, there are benches and you are sheltered from the rain, its a public service not a 4star hotel :eek:

any sandwiches i have enquired about on any train have been €5.50, maybe the mayopnaise is extra?

save the rail · 09-11-2010 02:12PM

foggy_lad wrote: »

any sandwiches i have enquired about on any train have been €5.50

go for the ham and cheese so its €3.50 or was 3 weeks ago

Judgement Day · 09-11-2010 02:36PM

save the rail wrote: »

I pay €2.05 for a cup of tea, its €2.00 in a cafe, i paid €3.50 for a ham and cheese sandwich 3 weeks ago on the train which i think is reasonable.
Myself and my colleague manage to work everytime we travel on the train, I dont have any problem with noise and noone else has complained of noise. As for the waiting area, there are benches and you are sheltered from the rain, its a public service not a 4star hotel :eek:

According to the Rail Gourmet menu which I have in front of me and which I got on the train a few weeks ago, a cup of tea is €2.10 and Sandwich Range €4.99 - so you did well! You may not have trouble with noise but I assure you I do - as a regular traveller - and I do not find the train easy to work on especially with people standing in the aisle almost on top of you.

As regards the waiting area on Platform 5 - which it is necessary to hang about it in to ensure getting a seat - it has only recently acquired seats fit to sit on and there's no reason why other Inter-city passengers (Belfast/Sligo) should have better facilities. You're already beginning to sound like an apologist for CIE management and staff 'its a public service not a 4star hotel' - what sort of a stupid comment is that? What I have suggested is that some of the offices currently used by CIE/IE employees to hide from the public on platform 5 should be revamped as a waiting room for Inter-City passengers - shock horror!! - you know something like the one at Wexford station ....cost millions no doubt. :rolleyes: You really think that CRAP is about you taking over as IE's PR spin doctors - give me a break. Incidentally, until recently how long have you been using Rosslare/Connolly services? I have used them for 40+ years and I think I am better placed to give an opinion on them but feel free to tell us how long you've used them and how often?

save the rail · 09-11-2010 02:41PM

Judgement Day wrote: »

According to the Rail Gourmet menu which I have in front of me and which I got on the train a few weeks ago, a cup of tea is €2.10 and Sandwich Range €4.99 - so you did well! You may not have trouble with noise but I assure you I do - as a regular traveller - and I do not find the train easy to work on especially with people standing in the aisle almost on top of you.

As regards the waiting area on Platform 5 - which it is necessary to hang about it in to ensure getting a seat - it has only recently acquired seats fit to sit on and there's no reason why other Inter-city passengers (Belfast/Sligo) should have better facilities. You're already beginning to sound like an apologist for CIE management and staff 'its a public service not a 4star hotel' - what sort of a stupid comment is that? What I have suggested is that some of the offices currently used by CIE/IE employees to hide from the public on platform 5 should be revamped as a waiting room for Inter-City passengers - shock horror!! - you know something like the one at Wexford station ....cost millions no doubt. :rolleyes: You really think that CRAP is about you taking over as IE's PR spin doctors - give me a break. Incidentally, until recently how long have you been using Rosslare/Connolly services? I have used them for 40+ years and I think I am better placed to give an opinion on them but feel free to tell us how long you've used them and how often?

I have been using the service regularly for over 15yrs.
If there is something wrong with the service I will be the first to complain, however, some people think that they should have their own coach with servants to wait on them hand and foot, hhmm maybe heated seats can be installed for you and all :rolleyes:

Judgement Day · 09-11-2010 02:49PM

save the rail wrote: »

I have been using the service regularly for over 15yrs.
If there is something wrong with the service I will be the first to complain, however, some people think that they should have their own coach with servants to wait on them hand and foot, hhmm maybe heated seats can be installed for you and all :rolleyes:

Where have I said that? I want trains that are not overcrowded, with 1st class on some trains, with a proper buffet car on some services with reasonably priced food and drink. I want trains that have room for bicycles and parcels - which bring in additional revenue - contrary to what Foggy Lad believes. I want CIE removed from the scene as they have proved after 65 years that they are out of control and accountable to nobody. Anyway there's not much point arguing with you as Barry Kenny has obviously got to you. :rolleyes:

oharach · 09-11-2010 02:58PM

KC61 wrote: »

The CRO don't always get everything online that quickly....give them a chance!

That's true. I wasn't trying to criticise – just interested in reading what they had registered.

Our man in Havana · 09-11-2010 03:00PM

Actually the CRO are very fast at updating their website once documents are processed. It is them processing the documents that takes time unless you used a proper company formation agent who can jump the queue at the CRO.

save the rail · 09-11-2010 03:01PM

Judgement Day wrote: »

Where have I said that? I want trains that are not overcrowded, with 1st class on some trains, with a proper buffet car on some services with reasonably priced food and drink. I want trains that have room for bicycles and parcels - which bring in additional revenue - contrary to what Foggy Lad believes. I want CIE removed from the scene as they have proved after 65 years that they are out of control and accountable to nobody. Anyway there's not much point arguing with you as Barry Kenny has obviously got to you. :rolleyes:

NO JD, no point in arguing as no matter what we achieve, it will never be good enough for you, Barry Kenny Dick Fearn or anyone else has nothing to do with me or my opinions. You have an axe to grind with IR, fair enough but we are trying to do something productive and all you can do is complain, CIE/IE will be there for a long time to come regardless of what anyone wants, we are trying to work with them to improve the service for people like you, people who need/choose to use public transport. At least we are trying do do something about the issues.

Judgement Day · 09-11-2010 03:10PM

save the rail wrote: »

NO JD, no point in arguing as no matter what we achieve, it will never be good enough for you, Barry Kenny Dick Fearn or anyone else has nothing to do with me or my opinions. You have an axe to grind with IR, fair enough but we are trying to do something productive and all you can do is complain, CIE/IE will be there for a long time to come regardless of what anyone wants, we are trying to work with them to improve the service for people like you, people who need/choose to use public transport. At least we are trying do do something about the issues.

As I have tried to do since 1979 and I can assure you that you are wasting your time - remember where you first heard it! I look forward to seeing services transformed on the Rosslare/Connolly line but I won't be holding my breath.

parsi · 09-11-2010 03:34PM

save the rail wrote: »

OK update time

We have recieved a business plan from company number 1
we are meeting with company number 2 this week.
We have set up as a company and will be known as SWIFFT - (South Wexford Integrated Forum for Transport) from here on in
We are working with Irish Rail in a CRP on the Rosslare to Gorey stretch of the line.
We will be meeting with company number 3 in 2weeks time.

How were these companies chosen ? Who chose them ? Was it publicly tendered ?

Transportuser09 · 09-11-2010 07:58PM

I agree that the catering is overpriced. In all fairness 1.60 for a 330ml can of mineral is a bit pricey, when most shops will sell a 500ml bottle for that price or less in many cases.

As regards the waiting area in Connolly, what can be done? Despite what's being said the offices on platform 5 are needed and used. The only service to have its own special waiting area is the Belfast Enterprise, the fare for which is much higher than that of the routes.

Anyway, at least the CRP is trying, they may fail, they may not, but the only that's 100% certain is that nothing will happen if nobody does anything. Out of curiousity, is the CRP for the Dublin line seperate to that of the SWIFT, or is the south Wexford title being used for all?

Judgement Day · 09-11-2010 08:36PM

Transportuser09 wrote: »

I agree that the catering is overpriced. In all fairness 1.60 for a 330ml can of mineral is a bit pricey, when most shops will sell a 500ml bottle for that price or less in many cases.

As regards the waiting area in Connolly, what can be done? Despite what's being said the offices on platform 5 are needed and used. The only service to have its own special waiting area is the Belfast Enterprise, the fare for which is much higher than that of the routes.

Anyway, at least the CRP is trying, they may fail, they may not, but the only that's 100% certain is that nothing will happen if nobody does anything. Out of curiousity, is the CRP for the Dublin line seperate to that of the SWIFT, or is the south Wexford title being used for all?

What are the offices on Platform 5 needed for that the invisible staff could not be relocated? As regards fares there are many €10 fares on the Belfast service. Belfast/Sligo passengers have the benefit of being able to stay on the main concourse until the last moment whereas as I already mentioned it is essential to hang around on Platform 5 to ensure that one gets a seat on the miniscule Rosslare train.

Losty Dublin · 09-11-2010 10:17PM

Judgement Day wrote: »

What are the offices on Platform 5 needed for that the invisible staff could not be relocated? As regards fares there are many €10 fares on the Belfast service. Belfast/Sligo passengers have the benefit of being able to stay on the main concourse until the last moment whereas as I already mentioned it is essential to hang around on Platform 5 to ensure that one gets a seat on the miniscule Rosslare train.

Last time I checked, it's a train station and not the Hibernian Gentleman's club; you don't need luxuries that you'd likely claim to be a waste of money if they were there. Gone are the days of first class, silver service and china cups; leave that toff stuff with the Orient Express.

If you don't like traveling on the train or the services it offers then get the bus instead but by the looks of your caterwauling over the years you'd whine about that; nothings a walk in the park for you, is it?:D

Judgement Day · 09-11-2010 10:23PM

Losty Dublin wrote: »

Last time I checked, it's a train station and not the Hibernian Gentleman's club; you don't need luxuries that you'd likely claim to be a waste of money if they were there. Gone are the days of first class, silver service and china cups; leave that toff stuff with the Orient Express.

If you don't like traveling on the train or the services it offers then get the bus instead but by the looks of your caterwauling over the years you'd whine about that; nothings a walk in the park for you, is it?:D

Care to expand on that since you don't know me from Adam? If you were intelligent enough to read what I have said you would not come out with such a pile of horse ****e.

-Chris- · 09-11-2010 10:39PM

Let's take it down a notch and make it less personal please. Attack the post, not the poster.

The Stroller · 09-11-2010 11:22PM

Regarding the catering service I think it is much better now than the service Network Catering provided on the route. It has a much better range than the Network trolley service, the staff are helpful. Yes it is dear but you can always bring a flask!

Cookie_Monster · 10-11-2010 12:31AM

jasus lads, there's no train never mind catering. one step at a time.

Cookie_Monster · 10-11-2010 12:37AM

parsi wrote: »

How were these companies chosen ? Who chose them ? Was it publicly tendered ?

+1
who actually makes the final decision, I assume it'll be the Dept of Transport / NTA, presumably with only a recommendation from Swift Ltd, right?

topnotch · 10-11-2010 12:40AM

Save the rail (SWIFFT) are softening up and are spending too long listening to the Irish Rail spin doctors. If they want to do something constructive they should try to sort out the shambolic replacement bus serivces and be meeting with bus eireann.

Losty Dublin · 10-11-2010 02:16AM

Judgement Day wrote: »

Care to expand on that since you don't know me from Adam? If you were intelligent enough to read what I have said you would not come out with such a pile of horse ****e.

Expand I will by looking back at your record of posts over the years keeping away from the personals

As a company goes, they are caught between a rock and a hard place. They need to run as a private company and to do it as cheaply as possible yet they are stuck with a residual public service mandate and network that dates back to the time when railways were moulded and mapped by the landed gentry and not modal needs.

You personally seem to have an axe to grind with Irish Rail and that's fair enough given your negative relationships with Irish Rail and CIE as you described on here as you dealt with them in Mallow, Cahir, Fenit and Dromod. Now that said, while nobody doubts that they fall down on a lot of stuff (Least of all their employees, of which my Father was one and my brother in law is currently) but it's not always the case. If you expect waiting rooms and first class on what is effectively a commuter line then you are looking at pie in the sky. Irish Rail offer a level of service that is no worse than what airlines provide in and out of Ireland, it's no worse than many rail services in the UK provide, it's a lot better than coach companies offer in terms of ancillaries to the passenger and price wise it's reasonable enough in the main.

Overall they are there to provide a service and in a country of 4 million souls and with a network serving towns that are met with roads which aid with rival means of transport that compete with them for passengers and freight (Such indeed as Fastrack which is a dead duck) they do quite well considering how much their paymaster cuts their work out for them

KC61 · 10-11-2010 07:55AM

topnotch wrote: »

Save the rail (SWIFFT) are softening up and are spending too long listening to the Irish Rail spin doctors. If they want to do something constructive they should try to sort out the shambolic replacement bus serivces and be meeting with bus eireann.

What is the problem with the bus services?

Losty Dublin · 10-11-2010 11:01AM

KC61 wrote: »

What is the problem with the bus services?

Isn't it clear? There are far too many services, that's what

Cookie_Monster · 10-11-2010 11:03AM

Losty Dublin wrote: »

Isn't it clear? There are far too many services, that's what

that'll be a first then

Losty Dublin · 10-11-2010 11:06AM

Cookie_Monster wrote: »

that'll be a first then

I know, it's a disgrace and what with these buses stopping in all the towns en route instead of the bus, it's a disgraceful situation, the bus service is in a state of chassis, I tells ya!:p

Cookie_Monster · 10-11-2010 11:09AM

Losty Dublin wrote: »

I know, it's a disgrace and what with these buses stopping in all the towns en route instead of the bus, it's a disgraceful situation, the bus service is in a state of chassis, I tells ya!:p

KC61 · 10-11-2010 12:15PM

Losty Dublin wrote: »

Isn't it clear? There are far too many services, that's what

Top Notch is suggesting that they are shambolic yet there is now an increased bus service in the area - I am asking what the specific problem is with them (leaving the removal of rail services aside).

CRP on Rosslare Rail Line

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