Northern Ireland Railways > Reviews > N I R, back on track!

Author's product rating:   

Frequency of trains	Excellent
Reliability of trains	Always on time
Comfort of trains	Very comfortable
On-board facilities	Satisfactory

Advantages:	Trains, ticket prices, friendly staff, efficient service  -  need I go on
Disadvantages:	Could have more lines and a catering trolley on board trains

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

I think it is time to give an updated review on N I Railways as so much has changed in recent years....

N I Railways is one of the very few Railway companies in the UK, that have radically changed the level of service they offer, in only 5 years! They are now a totally professional outfit and offer high standards of customer service and satisfaction - says I, a daily commuter from Lisburn to Belfast daily!

I pay £73.50 for a monthly ticket from Lisburn to Belfast and am very happy, not only with the price that I pay but with the service I receive. In comparison, this is around 27 percent cheaper than a similar distance journey in the UK.

I have watched this company transorm themselves with disbelief - 5 years ago, their rolling stock was crumbling and breaking down every day. Customer service was non-existant and staff looked shoddy and seemed to have an uncaring attitude to their job. Trains were always late and getting to work in the morning was a bloody nightmare - my boss did not need ask why I would be late twice or three times a week!

Now, however, this company who operates under the Northern Ireland Transport umbrella company, called Translink, has gone from strength to strength as they are truly providing a great 21st Century transport service; although a consistent stream of future investment is still needed to expand the network further.

Let's look at some statistics:

In the past five years, expecially with the introduction of new trains, passenger numbers have increased by as much as 60 percent on some lines! This is some achievement, which is aided by the fact that Belfast and its surrounding areas are undergoing a major road upgrade project on the M2 and Westlink, which is causing traffic mayhem and attracting new passengers to try the train.

The 23 new Caf 3000 trains, brought into service in 2004, have also helped achieve significantly higher passenger numbers - providing a quicker, cleaner and more professional service.

All train operating staff received new uniforms and the training they receive is said to be second to none. The company negotiated better contracts with unions in order for better conditions for staff. A typical Train Conductor informed me that he has a higher salary than a constable of the PSNI and now earns a basic salary of £21,000 including bonuses and benefits and as such, it is very obvious to passengers that the company are attracting a better calibre of applicants applying for jobs. They earn more than me and I am a recently qualified architect!

N I Railways has an enviable safety record - with better standards being achieved than any railway company or ATOC member in the UK. If you look at their punctuality figures also, they have an average of around 98 percent trains arriving on time - far higher than other UK companies.

All station platforms throughout the network are currently undergoing a much needed revamp in order to provide better acceess and signage for disabled people so that the company can fully apply with relevant legislation. Station platforms have never looked better.

So N I Railways has came on leaps and bounds in a small space of time - and the future is looking very bright too.... 20 new trains are planned to arrive by 2011, major infrastructure development is in the pipeline, including a much needed relay of portions of the Derry line, hopefully the re-opening of the mothballed Antrim to Lisburn line with a new station at the ever busy Aldergrove airport as well as hourly and high speed services to Dublin and Londonderry. New stations are coming up for Newry and Derry (and possibly Great Victoria Street??) as well as more park and ride halts.

It would be ideal if the railway lines in Northern Ireland were to expand again into once used territory - i.e. Armagh, Comber and Co. Tyrone, however, it is only a matter of time before this happens. Now we have local government, our local politicians are recognising the need for major transport development in the future. However, N I Railways must ensure that for the short term anyhow (the next 7 to 10 years), that they keep all existing lines and assets, and develop them to their full capacity so that they continue to have a good case for more funding and development. So do not expect new lines to spring up or old ones to re-open in the next few years. This will happen, but N I Railways must concentrate on what they have first and continue to provide an excellent value for money service.