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Inniskeen · 12-11-2012, 12:16

The level crossings most explicitly haven't been "like that for 28 years" and absolutely can be sequenced to give a clear run - the signalling system is capable of distinguishing between fast and slow services. Irish Rail disabled or ceased to use the feature only within the last few years.

I am not suggesting wrong line running as such, I am merely suggesting pausing DARTs in Dun Laoghaire for a few minutes to allow faster services take precedence. In the southbound direction, based on the current timetable, it would be generally possible to route southbound DARTs to the northbound platform and have a full 9 minutes before the next northbound train. Similar scenarario applies in the nortbound direction, northbound DART through the southbound platform with a full 6 minutes before the next southbound train. Its not a perfect solution but would save around ten minutes between Dun Laoghaire and Bray southbound and around the same between Dun Laoghaire and Pearse northbound.

Yes I agree trains should be running at increased speeds south of Greystones (rather than Gorey !) although this should be in addition to other measures rather than an alternative.

The major issue is DART, specifically the half hourly service pattern to Greystones and the elongated DART journey times which have become standard in recent recent years. A DART performance review is long overdue to understand how journey times could be reduced. Even a few minutes reduction would reduce congestion considerably. Are stations stops of one one minute really necessary to load/offload a few tens of passengers. Is it really necessary for trains to crawl along from Williamstown to Booterstown ? Why is the speed limit on the southbound line between Dun Laoghaire and Sandycove still 20 mph ? Is it really necessary to crawl into Bray - afterall ther are no buffer stops to collide with ! Etc Etc Etc

Incidentally, prior to the DART upgrade northbound Rosslare trains could easily over-take six-car DART trains (and often did) at Dun Laoghaire but the loop was removed to facilitate the extension of the northbound platform. The crossover at the sout end of the station was removed in connection with the yet to be completed removal of the slab track.

Irish Rail are in a dreamworld if they think the current Rosslare line offering is going to either grow or sustain business.

12-11-2012, 12:16	#4
Inniskeen Really Regular Poster Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 951	The level crossings most explicitly haven't been "like that for 28 years" and absolutely can be sequenced to give a clear run - the signalling system is capable of distinguishing between fast and slow services. Irish Rail disabled or ceased to use the feature only within the last few years. I am not suggesting wrong line running as such, I am merely suggesting pausing DARTs in Dun Laoghaire for a few minutes to allow faster services take precedence. In the southbound direction, based on the current timetable, it would be generally possible to route southbound DARTs to the northbound platform and have a full 9 minutes before the next northbound train. Similar scenarario applies in the nortbound direction, northbound DART through the southbound platform with a full 6 minutes before the next southbound train. Its not a perfect solution but would save around ten minutes between Dun Laoghaire and Bray southbound and around the same between Dun Laoghaire and Pearse northbound. Yes I agree trains should be running at increased speeds south of Greystones (rather than Gorey !) although this should be in addition to other measures rather than an alternative. The major issue is DART, specifically the half hourly service pattern to Greystones and the elongated DART journey times which have become standard in recent recent years. A DART performance review is long overdue to understand how journey times could be reduced. Even a few minutes reduction would reduce congestion considerably. Are stations stops of one one minute really necessary to load/offload a few tens of passengers. Is it really necessary for trains to crawl along from Williamstown to Booterstown ? Why is the speed limit on the southbound line between Dun Laoghaire and Sandycove still 20 mph ? Is it really necessary to crawl into Bray - afterall ther are no buffer stops to collide with ! Etc Etc Etc Incidentally, prior to the DART upgrade northbound Rosslare trains could easily over-take six-car DART trains (and often did) at Dun Laoghaire but the loop was removed to facilitate the extension of the northbound platform. The crossover at the sout end of the station was removed in connection with the yet to be completed removal of the slab track. Irish Rail are in a dreamworld if they think the current Rosslare line offering is going to either grow or sustain business.