Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 13 Mar 1990

Vol. 396 No. 9

Written Answers. - DART Trains Overcrowding.

Michael Joe Cosgrave

Ceist:

207 Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Tourism and Transport if his attention has been drawn to overcrowding on DART trains, particularly at peak times; if he will arrange to meet Iarnród Éireann officials to discuss the possibility of providing extra carriages to prevent overcrowding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Tourism and Transport (Mr. S. Brennan)

Passenger carryings on the DART have continued to grow in recent years. Passenger journeys have increased from 11.7 million in 1985 to an estimated 15.3 million in 1989.

Iarnród Éireann have responded to recent increases by introducing, with effect from 19 February 1990, a new timetable which includes an additional peak-hour train in the morning and retiming and extension of some existing services.

DART, in common with all urban rapid transit systems, is designed to cater for standing passengers. While the high passenger loads carried at peak periods may sometimes cause discomfort, Iarnród Éireann has assured me that this is not dangerous and is not a safety risk. I understand that the number of standing passengers experienced on the DART is much lower than would be accepted as normal elsewhere.