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Unread 26-08-2013, 11:35   #37
James Howard
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Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Sligo Line
Posts: 1,115
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Perhaps if they put the 22k on an intercity service rather than a rush-hour Maynooth service, then there wouldn't have been a problem. Actually, standing on a 22k commuter service must be a real struggle, but isn't as bad on inter-city as you don't have a stop every 5 minutes with people trying to shove past you to get off.

Long-distance rolling stock is for long distances, commuter rolling stock is for short distances. The former is optimised for seating capacity, cruising speed and comfort while the latter is optimised for standing capacity and acceleration. To take your point to its logical conclusion why not just rip all of the seats out of the 22ks which would create loads of standing room.

Yes, standing on intercity services is not comfortable but you can avoid it by either booking or arriving early. On a Sligo line service with adequate capacity, it is very rare to see large numbers standing beyond Maynooth in any case.

If I were travelling to Sligo and the only train option available was a 29k, I would take the bus out of preference. It takes about the same time, it is usually cheaper, you are guaranteed a seat (on Bus Eireann), it is quieter and more comfortable.
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