Irish Rail rolled out its pilot scheme of accessibility improvements for passengers with disabilities on the Dart network. The pilot runs for a period of six months, and only applies to stations on the Dart line.
The new system will see customer service officers operate out of 13 hub stations in Dublin and Wicklow, from where they can be deployed to nearby stations to operate ramps upon request. This allows it to cut the period of notice that disabled and sensory impaired passengers must give to 4 hours from the previous standard of 24 hours. Those who are unable to notify Irish Rail in advance of a journey can also expect a quicker response time for ramp access due to the hub system.
Further improvements will be realised following the pilot period. “We’re confident that in six months when this pilot is completed we’ll be in a position to deliver more improvements based on the feedback and experience,” Irish Rail spokesman Barry Kenny said.
The company is developing a new app which will facilitate such requests, along with a dedicated phone line. Irish Rail is also in the process of requesting funding for up to 300 new carriages which may come equipped with automatic ramps. Customer service officers will also be introduced to trains on selected Intercity routes, allowing for a “turn up and go” service on trains between Dublin and Cork/Belfast.
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