“TRANSPORT ACCESS FOR ALL”

Rail Services

Heavy Rail

There are three distinct areas of rail operations that have a critical bearing on the accessibility of rail services. These are rail infrastructure [1], carriage fleet and the interface between the train and the platform.

Rail Infrastructure

Accessibility improvements to date

It is now the established policy of Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) that, in the design and construction of new railway stations and in the refurbishment of existing stations, provision is made for the needs of passengers with mobility and sensory and cognitive impairments. Accordingly, accessibility is now a standard feature in the design of all new and refurbished rail stations.

This policy has been implemented in the course of constructing new stations (e.g. Clontarf Road, Grand Canal Dock, Howth Junction, Bayside and Monasterevan) and in carrying out major general refurbishment work at existing stations (e.g. Heuston, Connolly and Dun Laoghaire).

The policy was also implemented in the course of the recently completed Malahide to Greystones DART Upgrade Project.[2] Practically all of this work is now completed and accessibility has been improved at the 23 stations.

In recent years major accessibility-specific improvements have also been made at many stations, e.g. Laytown and Skerries.

Planned railway accessibility improvements

In order to plan a comprehensive programme of remedial station accessibility works on a strategic basis, Iarnród Éireann, supported by the Department of Transport, commissioned a comprehensive accessibility audit of all stations on the rail network in 2003.

The audit details the works that are necessary to bring each station up to an acceptable accessibility standard. In planning the implementation of the findings of the audit, and in line with one of its recommendations, Iarnród Éireann has decided to carry out this work on a line-by-line basis and to prioritise the lines with the highest passenger numbers. In adopting this policy, the company is confident that it is addressing the priority needs of people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments.

Under this policy, the stations on the Dublin - Cork line will be the first to be completed. Design work has already been completed in respect of these stations and construction work has commenced. This work will complement the introduction of new accessible rolling stock which is currently being brought into service on the route. In this way, the accessibility benefits for people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments will be maximised. Also, in 2006 design work will commence in respect of stations on the Dublin - Galway and Dublin - Dundalk lines.

The accessibility upgrade works at each station will concentrate on the following facilities:

  • Station access, including car parking for passengers with disabilities, set down facilities for passengers and pedestrian access to the station.
  • Facilities to aid step free passenger movement throughout the station and its environs, including the installation of ramps, automatic doors, facilities for crossing the railway to other platforms, tactile surfaces, improved lighting and improved colour contrasting schemes.
  • Ticket Offices with split-level counters, non-reflective glass, significant colour contrasting, induction loops, improved lighting and security.
  • Customer Information and public address systems, help points (with associated CCTV, improved lighting and induction loops) and improved signage.
  • Customer Facilities including accessible toilets and improved waiting areas.

All the works are being designed to be in conformity with current regulations, guidelines and international best practice. In addition to conforming with the Building Regulations and the provisions of COST 335, the works will also comply with the following: the National Disability Authority's Building for Everyone, the UK Strategic Rail Authority's Code of Practice, British Standard BS 8300: 2001 Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs of disabled people and the UK Department for Transport recommendations on Inclusive Mobility.

It is anticipated that the railway station accessibility programme will be completed on a phased basis, line-by-line, by 2015.

Lightly Used Stations

Following an examination of the passenger figures at some small, lightly used stations, Iarnród Éireann has decided that it would not represent value for money to invest heavily to bring these stations up to accessibility standards. It is important to note that this does not conflict with the company's policy on accessibility; alternative provision will be made for the passengers affected. Passengers with mobility and sensory impairments within the catchment area of these stations, who need an accessible station to help them to board or egress a train, will be facilitated by the company through the provision of a taxi or hackney to the nearest accessible station. A list of these lightly used stations will be available shortly on the Iarnród Éireann website, at www.irishrail.ie.

Carriage Fleet

The carriage fleet is the second area of critical importance to rail accessibility. The useful life of railway carriages can extend up to forty years and this is a significant factor when addressing the accessibility of railway services. Some of the carriages still being operated by Iarnród Éireann are over thirty years old and many of the remainder have been in service since the early 1980s. The older carriages are currently being phased out and replaced by modern units. All carriages purchased since 1995 are wheelchair accessible and all carriages ordered in recent years have been designed to comply with the UK Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR).

Carriages on commuter rail services

All the rolling stock (DART and diesel railcars) on suburban rail serving Dublin and Cork is almost accessible, with the earliest DART rolling stock currently being refurbished.

The newer DART and diesel railcars are accessible with features including equipment to facilitate automated audible station announcements. These accessibility features are being extended to the early generations of DART carriages, as part of Iarnród Éireann's current refurbishment programme. It is envisaged that these DART cars will begin to return to service in 2007.

Carriages on inter-urban rail services

Iarnród Éireann is in the process of replacing the vast bulk of its inter-city carriages. All the new carriages are specified to the UK Rail Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (RVAR). Among other things these specifications provide for the following features:

  • Up to three wheelchair spaces per train (in fact the new Iarnród Éireann carriages will have a wheelchair space in each carriage.)
  • 10% of seating designated as priority seats for disabled people
  • Use of contrasting colours for visually impaired people
  • Audio and visual passenger information systems
  • Handrails and handholds designed for use by mobility and sensory impaired people
  • Accessible toilets.

Since their introduction in the late 1990's, the carriages on the Dublin-Belfast Enterprise service have been accessible. The new diesel railcars recently introduced on Dublin-Sligo route are compliant with the RVAR.

Iarnród Éireann has now taken delivery of sixty seven new Intercity carriages. These are currently being brought into service on the Dublin - Cork route progressively over the course of 2006.

A further one hundred and fifty diesel railcars are on order and these will start arriving in 2007 and will be put into operation on the other inter urban routes.

The net effect of this investment is that practically all inter-urban passenger rail services will be provided with accessible carriages by 2009.

In-train audiovisual systems

The Department will continue to press Iarnrod Éireann to ensure that the in-train audio and visual communication systems for passenger information is accessible and operational at all times.

Inter-action between platform and train

A further area of potential difficulty on the railway that a mobility or sensory impaired passenger encounters is accessing the train from the platform and vice versa. The problems here are caused by vertical and/or horizontal gaps between the platform and the train. These problems are exacerbated at platforms, which are built on curves.

These problems are being addressed by Iarnród Éireann as part of its extensive platform lengthening and renewal programme, which has been initiated on all intercity routes. Platforms are being lengthened to accommodate longer trains and accessibility improvements are being incorporated in these works. With regard to the physical access from platform to train, Iarnród Éireann has investigated a number of possible solutions to the problems and has concluded that the safest one is provided by the use of mobile ramps. Every manned station now has a mobile ramp in place for the needs of people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. Station staff will assist passengers in using such ramps.

The company has put in place special procedures (provision of alternative transport or staff assistance, if feasible) to cater for the needs of passengers with mobility and sensory impairments at unmanned stations provided sufficient notice is given. Iarnród Éireann has agreed to publish on its website information concerning its special procedures.

It should be noted that the EU Trans European Conventional Rail Systems technical Specification for interoperability, which is due to be finalised later this year, is likely to include requirements for accessibility, both of rolling stock and infrastructure on certain routes. Its application in Ireland is unclear at this stage but will be pursued as necessary on its adoption.

Light Rail

The Luas light rail network and the Luas trams have been designed from the outset to provide a very accessible public transport service. From its commencement in June 2004, Luas has been providing highly accessible services. Currently two lines are in operation: the Green line from Sandyford to St. Stephen's Green and the Red Line from Tallaght to Connolly.

Transport 21 proposes the linking of both these lines and the construction of a further six new Luas projects. In keeping with the original Luas concept, all of these new services will also be highly accessible for people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments to the same standards as the existing Luas services.

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) and Veolia Transport (formerly Connex Transport Ireland Ltd) have established a number of accessibility initiatives related to Luas services including disability awareness training for senior managers and front line staff, systems guides in accessible formats and a customer charter.

The major accessibility features of the Luas system are:

  • The floor of the tram is at same level as the platform.
  • There is a very narrow gap between tram and platform.
  • Up to four wheelchair spaces are provided per tram.
  • The interior has been colour designed to ensure maximum visibility of grab rails and other features.
  • Audio-visual information is provided on board and at platforms.
  • All platforms incorporate ramps or lifts for access purposes.
  • All platforms feature help points, which incorporate induction loops for people with hearing impairments.
  • Changes in level, platform edges and crossing points are highlighted using tactile paving.
  • Veolia Transport has produced audio and Braille guides to the system as well as a tactile map of the system.
  • The Luas ticket vending machines are equipped with audio support options as well as a user selectable high contrast interface.
  • The smartcard validation system incorporates audio and visual function indicators.

The RPA has a policy of continuous improvement informed by representative groups as well as the Luas Disability User Group. Having investigated options for further improving the system in consultation with the NCBI and Irish Wheelchair Association, the RPA recently installed information panels at all stops to improve passenger information.

Luas Accessibility Projects

The Department of Transport has agreed to provide accessibility funding to the RPA for the following improvements to be carried out in 2006/2007 on the existing Luas system:

Tram Threshold Modifications: This project will reduce the platform gaps on the existing Luas tram fleet by modifying the removable threshold at each double door access. The proposed modification was tested in 2005 and was found to have greatly improved the ease with which wheelchair users boarded and disembarked from the tram. The risk of trapping the front wheels in the gap was also reduced. This project has commenced and is due for completion by the end of 2006.

On board Induction Loop project: This project sets out to modify the internal public address system and emergency communications systems on board the tram to interface with an induction loop system so as to assist people with hearing impairments. This will enable those with a hearing aid to hear the on-board automated announcements and manual announcements made by the driver. It also allows two-way communication using the emergency intercom to do the same. This is an innovation for light rail systems. Technical tests were carried out previously and the feasibility of such a system was proven. This project has just commenced and is due for completion in early 2007.

Lift installation at Dundrum: Many complaints have been received about the current access for people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments to Dundrum Main Street from the Luas stop. The current access involves a significant detour and is less than optimum. Able-bodied persons with prams and buggies have also complained. It is proposed to construct a lift to full mobility standards in order to provide a direct link between the Luas platforms and the main street. Planning application documents are being drawn up at present and, subject to planning permission, the project is expected to be completed in early 2007.

New Rolling Stock: Improvements have been made to the specification regarding accessibility features. These have been included in the tender evaluation documentation as one of the assessment criteria for new tram purchases.

Luas Accessibility Newsletter: A newsletter-format users guide to the accessibility features of the Luas system is in preparation by the RPA. It will be published in 2006 and will be available in different formats.

Metro

Transport 21 proposes the development of two new Metro services - Metro North from St. Stephen's Green to Swords and an orbital line, Metro West, linking the Tallaght Luas line with Metro North. The metro service will incorporate the most up to date accessibility provisions for people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments in line with those already provided on the LUAS network.

Transport 21 envisages that Metro North will be completed by 2012 and Metro West will be completed by 2014.

Railway Safety Act 2005

The Railway Safety Act 2005 puts in place a modern regulatory framework for railway safety. It contains a number of provisions concerned with ensuring the safety of rail travel for people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. The following are of particular relevance in this regard.

Under Section 39, the Railway Safety Commission is empowered to publish guidance on appropriate technical principles and specifications and railway undertakings must have regard to such guidelines. The guidelines dealing with requirements for the design of railway infrastructure and rolling stock will be published in the third quarter of 2006. Particular reference will be made in the guidelines to making provision for disabled passengers as regards the construction of:

  • Stations (spatial design, entrances, exits and doors as well as stairways, steps and ramps)
  • Platforms (platform construction)
  • Underground stations (additional general guidance)
  • Level crossings (general guidance and tactile thresholds)
  • Trains (access provisions, internal environment, sanitation and communications)
  • Tramways (pedestrian footways and crossings, pedestrian zones, tramstops, tramstop platforms, platform height, access and egress as well as tram interiors).

Under Section 69, the Railway Safety Commission, with the consent of the Minister for Transport, may make regulations in relation to standards, specifications and procedures to be used by railway undertakings to safely facilitate the special requirements of passengers with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments. However, to date, the Railway Safety Commission has not found it necessary to make such regulations.

Under Section 82, a Railway Safety Advisory Council is being established as a forum for consultation on issues relevant to railway safety and to make recommendations to the Railway Safety Commission or the Minister for Transport as appropriate. At least one member of the Council will be nominated by organisations representing the interests of persons with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments.

The Railway Safety Commission is at present drafting guidelines relating to the risks that passengers and third parties are exposed to and that they impose on the railway. Consultations with Iarnród Éireann, Veolia Transport and transport accessibility organisations will take place in this connection. Guidance for people with mobility, sensory and cognitive impairments and people traveling with children will be included in the document.

[1] Such as access to railway stations, condition of platforms, passenger facilities, and access across platforms.

[2] It will not be possible to complete work on Seapoint and Salthill stations until the resolution of certain planning issues.