Northern Ireland railways are a good idea in theory. The train's a good idea for those travelling outside Belfast into the city, as it's more relaxing (in theory) and there's no traffic jams to worry about. If only it was that simple.....
NIR are well known for their lack of reliability in Northern Ireland. It's rare that the trains run on time, and because the stock is so old, they're very prone to breaking down. I have also heard the usual excuses, such as leaves on the line, and even the train my boyfriend was on that hit a cow along the track! They also seem to have developed a worrying trend of going on fire recently…
The main problem in my opinion is the old rolling stock, caused by lack of funding within Translink, its parent company. Because of the age of the stock, the trains are generally shabby, and unkempt. There are 2 types of rolling stock within Translink, trains with electric doors and trains with manual doors.
The electric door ones are newer, but in my opinion worse. They’re very open plan, and draughty. They also are very bumpy and can be a very uncomfortable journey at higher speeds. There are also no headrests or much back support on the seats, and the seats are very hard.
The manual door trains are slightly better, although older. They hold more people, and the seats are more comfortable. There is also some privacy, or as much privacy as you can have on the train. They also tend to be more comfortable in general.
Translink offer good discounts, such as the Sunday saver, where you can travel anywhere within the rail network in Northern Ireland for £4. There are also similar rates available during the summer months. There are also good offers on certain routes, but they change frequently. They also offer half price rail travel for those on Job seeker’s allowance, so long as you have a card provided free of charge from the social security office.
Staff in general are very helpful, however, I have found a few very rude staff, especially in Belfast. I even had my jobseeker's card torn up once in Belfast by a member of staff
The company also has an excellent safety record. There have been no major crashes and few people have been killed along the rail network. Some people have killed themselves by driving under trains, but accidents involving actual trains are few and far between. The incident with the train at Great Victoria station a couple of years ago shows a commitment to safety, they wouldn't let passengers leave a broken down train 200 yards from the station due to safety fears.
The stations often leave a lot to be desired as well. There is regeneration within the Translink network, and some stations have been knocked down and rebuilt, and central station in Belfast was recently renovated. However, some stations have no, or few facilities, and can be very draughty.
Another negative is the rail network itself. A large portion of the country has no rail network at all, and in other areas, it is severely limited. The reopening of the old Bleach Green line has helped times between Belfast & Londonderry, however, those living along the old lines, such as Crumlin are now suffering from less trains than before. Translink are opening new stations, but for the whole province to be covered would take a lot of money that the company don't have.
At the time of writing, it has been announced that NIR are buying new rolling stock. It remains to be seen if these new trains can help save the rapidly depreciating train service. .
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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
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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Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Northern Ireland Railways
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