DOCSLIB.ORG

A Manifesto for Rail Passengers V1.2

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
A Manifesto for Rail Passengers V1.2 A Manifesto for Rail Passengers Are we there yet? Fixing Irish Rail for the post-Celtic Tiger era An efficient public transport system provides access to employment, education, shopping, recreation and health care. It is an enabler of economic growth and development. With the price of oil continuing to rise, public transport services and in particular rail based transport offers the most efficient and sustainable transport means. In these difficult economic times, we are aware that any organisation making demands of the public purse is not likely to get a favourable reception. However, looking through the list of issues we present below, it is clear that we are not looking for money to be thrown at the problem — indeed, that was the tactic deployed over the last ten years to little effect. Instead, what this document is focused on are the simple things, based around the principle that that Irish Rail needs to put aside the petty bickering between government, management and unions, and re-orientate itself around the people that are supposed to be at the centre of it all: the passengers. 1 A Dedicated Transport Police Anti-social behaviour is a serious issue for passengers on all forms of public transport and is, without a doubt, making people think twice of travelling particularly at night. Vandalism, trespass, alcohol & other substance abuse and general hooliganism are serious issues, resulting in delays, cancellations, injuries to staff and passengers, resulting in substantial costs on transport providers and public inconvenience. Rail Users Ireland notes the success of the Garda Traffic Corps and believes a similar dedicated police force suitably trained in matters of rail and tram safety procedures should be provided to restore public confidence in public transport. 2 Rail Industry Structure 2.1 Abolish CIE CIE is seen a failed brand and is a byword for a broken service in the public conscious. CIE have not carried a passenger since 1987, and though three public transport companies are federated under CIE, public transport provision has fragmented rather than integrated in the interim period. The CIE holding company should be abolished and its assets be divided appropriately between its member companies. 2.2 National Transport Infrastructure Body A national transport infrastructure body should be formed by merging the Rail Procurement Agency, Irish Rail’s infrastructure division, and the National Road Authority. Given the fundamental functions of these agencies are the planning, construction and maintenance of large-scale transport infrastructure projects it appears considerable cost savings could be achieved while at the same time promoting integrated development between agencies, which in the past have been notorious for developing conflicting plans. Under EU law, a separation is reQuired between the company providing rail services and the company, which maintains the rail infrastructure. The continued failure to implement this separation is a significant barrier to the entry of third-party rail operators. 3 Boards of State Transport Companies 3.1 Political Appointees The current practice of political appointees to the boards of CIE, RPA and any future bodies should be stopped and instead the positions should be filled in an open and transparent manner. Board members should be selected on the merit of their professional experience in the public transport field, be it in terms of infrastructure or service provision. 3.2 Passengers as board members That there shall be at least one passenger representative on the boards of all state owned or supported public transport operators in the interests of ensuring the service is operated for the public and not for the interests of the companies involved. It seems only fair that the primary user of the service is represented at the highest level. 4 Reform of Free Travel Pass Scheme In recent times it has become clear that the free travel pass scheme is suffering from large- scale abuse and fraud. There is no way to confirm a pass is valid as the various government agencies don’t know how many passes are actually in circulation. The pass has no security features beyond a signature and is easily forged. To make matters worse, the passes have no expiry date and there is no obligation to carry photographic ID, despite a free photo ID card being offered. These weaknesses are resulting in substantial financial losses for which the fare-paying passenger must bear through increased fares. The roll out of the new social services ID card should be accelerated, as this will for the first time provide a secure, tamper-proof pass with a photo. These cards are smartcard enabled, which will eliminate the need to Queue for a ticket in many cases. It also means a pass can be cancelled if it is lost, stolen. or its owner is deceased. Those who correctly have been issued with passes and use them within the terms and conditions of the free travel scheme should be afforded equal privileges as other passengers, such as the ability to obtain tickets in advance and to book online. These can only be provided if there is a secure ID card in place. 5 Rail Passenger Rights 5.1 EC 1371/2007 We propose an immediate withdrawal of the widespread exemptions granted to Irish Rail from this EU regulation. Enforcement of this regulation would have an instant positive impact and finally provide a legal framework, which protects and promotes the rights of rail passengers. This regulation mandates a wide range of information including ticketing options be made available both before and during a rail journey. 5.2 Passenger Charter A legally binding, independently monitored customer charter written with the passenger in mind should be provided for both Iarnród Éireann, Luas and Metro. The performance standards should be brought in line with European standards, which are much stricter than those currently used in Ireland. The punctuality target shall be set at 5 minutes, not the 10-minute standard Irish Rail use. Passengers should be entitled to refunds and discounts where performance targets are not achieved. For example a 10% reduction in monthly ticket prices where the previous month’s targets were not achieved. 5.3 Public Transport Users Ombudsman The public transport operators — the CIE group in particular — deal with passenger complaints in a highly variable manner. In many cases the operator won't change its ways, offer any compensation, or indeed respond at all. In line with other regulated industries, an ombudsman should be appointed to ensure that passengers unhappy with the response of the transport provider can seek redress and that the ombudsman can force improvements. Indeed, Ireland is required under EU regulation EC1371/2007 to provide an independent complaints body. 6 Infrastructural Investment The projects listed in Transport 21 must be prioritized so that the projects, which offer the greatest impact in terms of passenger numbers carried and congestion reduction, be given priority. This should be done in a manner not to delay any currently underway projects. With its potential to add up to 70 million passenger journeys per annum, we consider the DART underground to be the most important element of Transport 21. It is our opinion that beyond the Greater Dublin Region rail investment should focus on reducing journey times through small-scale investment in removing speed restrictions nationwide. We believe significant improvements in journey time are possible through targeted investment in this manner. Continued investment in the rail safety program is essential, in particular on regional routes such as Ballybrophy-Nenagh-Limerick and Limerick Junction-Waterford. The removal of level crossings significantly reduces accident risks, results in reduced running costs and in many cases allows trains to operate at higher speed. 7 Tax Incentives on Annual Tickets The current TaxSaver at source scheme for annual bus/rail/Luas tickets discriminates against the self-employed, those on short-term contracts and those working for companies which refuse to take part in the scheme. The scheme should be altered such that employers with over 50 staff members should be legally obliged to offer at source deduction over 12 months for annual tickets. Where the individual is self-employed on short-term contracts, self-employed, or working for a company below the 50 staff threshold, provision should be make for the passenger to receive an equivalent tax rebate from Revenue upon submission of a receipt in a form agreeable to Revenue from the transport provider. 8 Railway Byelaws The last revision of the byelaws concerning rail travel occurred in 1984. Since then a number of issues have arisen which have a serious negative effect on the experience of rail passengers. In the interest of the passenger, section 6 of SI 109 1984 should be revoked. This section prevents passengers from purchasing a ticket to a station beyond their destination, which is cheaper than a ticket to their actual destination. A similar rule was revoked in the UK over 10 years ago. The current byelaw allows Iarnród Éireann to overcharge its customers and restricts consumer choice. Similarly, the use of multiple tickets for the same journey should be permitted, on the condition that the train must call at the point where the passenger changes from one ticket to the other. The bye-laws reQuire urgent updating to clarify the exact regulations in force where stations are unstaffed either with or without a ticket machine. A new bye-law should be passed stating that consumption of alcohol is prohibited on all trains so designated. There appears to be no support in law or penalty for drinking on a train where the operator wishes to ban such currently. 9 Safety & Overcrowding Currently there exists no standards or regulations concerning passengers standing on trains.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • NTA Integrated Implementation Plan 2019-2024
    Integrated Implementation Plan 2019 - 2024 December 2019 Integrated Implementation Plan 2019 - 2024 Contents 1 Introduction 1 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Requirement for an Integrated Implementation Plan 2 1.3 Content of an Implementation Plan 2 1.4 Plan Process 3 2 Background to the Implementation Plan 4 2.1 Congestion 4 2.2 Environment 4 2.3 Spatial Planning 7 3 Scope of the Implementation Plan 9 3.1 Approach 9 4 Overall Infrastructure Investment Programme 11 4.1 Introduction 11 4.2 Available Funding 11 4.3 Priority Investment Areas 12 4.4 Overall Programme Approach 15 4.5 Accessibility Considerations 16 4.6 Environmental Considerations 16 5 Bus Investment 23 5.1 Background 23 5.2 Objectives and Elements 24 5.3 Proposed Investment Areas 24 5.4 Core Bus Corridors – BusConnects Dublin 25 5.5 Bus Fleet 29 5.6 Bus Stops and Shelters 31 6 Light Rail Investment 34 6.1 Background 34 6.2 Objectives 34 6.3 Proposed Investment Areas 35 6.4 MetroLink 36 6.5 Fleet and Network Enhancement 37 6.6 Network Development 38 7 Heavy Rail Investment 39 7.1 Background 39 7.2 Objectives 40 7.3 Proposed Investment Areas 40 7.4 DART Expansion Programme 41 7.5 City Centre Re-signalling Project 42 7.6 National Train Control Centre (NTCC) 43 7.7 Ticketing and Revenue Systems 44 7.8 Station Improvement and Other Enhancements 45 7.9 Non-DART Fleet 45 7.10 Network Development 46 8. Integration Measures and Sustainable Transport Investment 47 8.1 Background 47 8.2 Objectives 47 8.3 Proposed Investment Areas 48 8.4 Cycling / Walking 49 8.5 Traffic Management 51 8.6 Safety
    [Show full text]
  • Stakeholder and Public Submissions Report
    Greater Dublin Area Draft Transport Strategy 2011-2030 2030 Vision Stakeholder and Public Consultation Submissions Report National Transport Authority Dun Scéine Harcourt Lane Dublin 2 June 2011 Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................... 1 2. Overview of Submissions ........................................................................... 2 3. Submission analysis and categorisation of issues ....................................... 3 4. Taking account of issues raised .................................................................. 5 5. Proposed amendments .............................................................................. 5 6. Next Steps.................................................................................................. 5 APPENDIX A: List of consultation responses from organisations and stakeholders .................................................................................................... 7 APPENDIX B: List of consultations from private individuals ............................ 10 APPENDIX C: Summary of consultation issues raised and response ............... 13 1. Introduction In accordance with Section 12 of the Dublin Transport Authority Act 2008, the National Transport Authority is responsible for preparing the Strategic Transport Plan for the Greater Dublin Area (the Strategy). In accordance with Section 12(8) of the Act, the Authority is required to consult with and consider the views of the Minister for the Environment,
    [Show full text]
  • An Bord Pleanála Inspector's Report
    An Bord Pleanála Inspector’s Report DETAILS OF THE APPLICATION Case Reference No: 29N.NA0004 Proposed Scheme: St. Stephen’s Green to Broombridge Light Railway – Line BXD Applicant: Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) Planning Authority: Dublin City Council (DCC) Application Type: Railway Order (RO) under Section 37, Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 [as amended by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006]. Submissions/Observations: Yes. Site Inspections: Various dates/times. Inspector: B. Wyse. ___________________________________________________________________________ PL29N.NA0004 An Bord Pleanála Page 1 of 274 TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION PAGE 1.0 INTRODUCTION 3 2.0 PROPOSED SCHEME 3 3.0 THE PLANNING FRAMEWORK 47 4.0 SUBMISSIONS/OBSERVATIONS 49 5.0 ORAL HEARING 119 6.0 ASSESSMENT 217 7.0 RECOMMENDATION 268 ___________________________________________________________________________ PL29N.NA0004 An Bord Pleanála Page 2 of 274 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Application This is an application under Section 37 of the Transport (Railway Infrastructure) Act 2001 [as amended by the Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006] for a Railway Order (RO) to authorise the Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) to provide for the construction, operation and maintenance of a light railway from St. Stephen’s Green to Broombridge, a distance of approximately 5.6 kilometres. The RO sought would, if granted, have a lifespan of 10 years from the date on which the RO comes into operation except in relation to the possible future stop within the Broadstone Bus Depot where it would have a lifespan of 15 years. The application documentation comprises the following: - • Draft Railway Order (Draft RO) • Plans of the proposed railway works.
    [Show full text]
  • Rail Users Ireland Policy 2020Ed
    Are we there yet? Fixing Irish Rail Rail Users Ireland Policy January 2020 Introduction Rail Users Ireland (RUI) is Ireland's official rail passenger body. Since its foundation in 2003, its members have campaigned on behalf of rail users in Ireland. This document briefly outlines the state of Ireland's rail service, what we think is wrong and what we believe should be done. Focusing primarily on Irish Rail rather than Luas, we have selected ten of the most pressing issues that face rail passengers in Ireland and have matched them with simple, practical proposals for addressing them. Despite the improved economic times, we are aware that any organisation making demands of the public purse is not likely to get a favourable reception. However, looking through the list of issues and policies we present below, it is clear that we are not looking for money to be thrown at the problem — indeed, that was the tactic deployed during the Celtic Tiger era with little effect. Instead, what this document is focused on are the simple things, based around the principle that that Irish Rail needs to put aside the petty bickering between government, management and unions, and re-orientate itself around the people that are supposed to be at the centre of it all: the passengers. Rail Users Ireland Committee 2020 Thomas J. Stamp Mark Gleeson Thomas Ralph Colm Moore Published By: Rail Users Ireland C/O Thomas J Stamp Clonboo, Templetouhy, Thurles, Co Tipperary. Further Information: Website: http://www.railusers.ie Email: [email protected] Media Inquiries: Mark Gleeson +353 (0)86 864 2583 [email protected] Thomas J Stamp +353 (0)85 771 4950 [email protected] Executive Summary This document seeks to highlight and address common problems faced by users of rail services in Ireland each day.
    [Show full text]