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Unread 30-08-2012, 20:44   #15
Charlie Hungerford
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 37
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It's really surreal, especially as NIR, who are facing their own funding issues, have adopted the opposite strategy in their attempts to cope with the downturn.

Earlier this week, they announced plans to significantly expand services with longer trains and better frequencies. They are even planning a hourly service from Belfast to Coleraine.

They are also continuing to expand their empire of park and ride facilities, offering free car parking for railway customers.

Unlike Iarnrod Eireann, they also have been undertaking various minor works which will increase journey times or passenger comfort. They are quietly resignalling the Larne commuter line at the moment and they have also extended many of their platforms to take longer trains over the past 18 months.

They have also been trying to minimise their fares. Their strategy seems to be working better - passenger numbers rose by 3% last year.
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