It appears that every child in Northern Ireland has required hospitalisation over the last few weeks...
It appears that every child in Northern Ireland has required hospitalisation over the last few weeks - we've been run into the ground in work. Plus staff off sick = me doing extra shifts = no time to ciao!
Member since:10.03.2001
Reviews:64
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I was never interested in driving, never had to go anywhere far enough away that meant driving… that was until I started University - then I decided I would move to Belfast. Well, that didn’t go down so well financially, so I moved back home, and from that day on I have become acquainted to Northern Ireland Railways.
Well, what can I say? I could tell you that it’s a wonderful service, that the trains are always on time etc. but I doubt that many of you would believe me, and you would be right!
There are 5 main lines operating out of Central Station in Belfast. There is the Londonderry Line, The Portadown Line, The Bangor Line, The Dublin Line (known as the Enterprise service) and last, but certainly not least the Larne Line - notoriously bad, well known for being delayed.
At the moment, both Central Station and Bangor stations are being renovated. Hopefully this will mean greater improved services for everyone, or at the very least, somewhere warm to sit while you wait on your late train.
I take the Larne Line. As a student it costs me £4.20 return every day to Belfast. Students are only entitled to this if they have a International Student Identity card (ISIC) along with a travel save stamp. In all this little money saver costs £14, and when you consider that this lasts for a year and that you are saving £2 on return journeys, its well worth it.
For those who use the trains often there are weekly and monthly tickets which all offer discounts, and they promise that if the trains are late for a certain percentage out of a month, that they will take 10% off all weekly and monthly tickets for the next month, provided that you can prove that you are a regular traveller by showing the previous week’s ticket.
Onto the trains then. There are two types of train, we call them the "Old and nice " Trains and the "new and draughty" Trains. The older trains have the old style doors and high backed seats, whilst the new ones have low backed seats and electric doors. I guess it all depends on your preference, but I like being warm. The older trains tend to hold more as well, so if a "New" train pulls up at the station, there will always be a groan because we all know it’s going to become a tight squeeze by the time we reach Belfast!
The toilets are no go areas. I don’t think I shall say any more than that. As are the so called "school trains", unless you don’t mind being hit on the head with a school bag, and having an hour of screaming children.
Recently there has been the threat that the railways would shut down. This sparked a "Save our Railways" Campaign, which indeed worked. NIR have now promised new trains, along with their new stations, so maybe things can only get better. Until then, I’m taking my stereo (To block out school kids noises) Clothes peg (to block out toilet smells) Gloves, scarves and Hat (in case I end up on a new train) and a crow bar (in case I end up on an old train and can’t get out). Either that or get a car… but then again, they don’t pay us student nurses enough for that!
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Advantages: Fares are reasonable with frequent promotions, staff are generally helpful, all trains have disabled access (despite their age). Disadvantages: Frequent delays, old and dirty trains, some stations lack basic facilities.
Advantages: Trains, ticket prices, friendly staff, efficient service - need I go on Disadvantages: Could have more lines and a catering trolley on board trains
BarryLove 22.07.2008 (22.07.2008)
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Review of Northern Ireland Railways
Advantages: Trains, ticket prices, friendly staff, efficient service - need I go on Disadvantages: Could have more lines and a catering trolley on board trains
BarryLove 22.07.2008 (22.07.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Northern Ireland Railways
May 2nd, 2001
very helpful by (100%):
