Overcrowding on trains in Kildare called out
An incident of overcrowding on a train in County Kildare has been called out by a local representative.
The situation was highlighted by Social Democrats councillor Chris Pender, who is based in Newbridge.
He took to social media to explain that delays experienced by passengers on Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) yesterday were partly caused by a signal fault.
However, Cllr Pender also shared photographs displaying overcrowding on a train — he explained: “The 9.21 from Newbridge was already standing room only before it even reached Newbridge, and passengers say it was only three carriages.
“That is the bigger issue; this is becoming normal.”
Cllr Pender added that he has written to both Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority in relation to the matter.
He also said: “We also need to be serious about remote working again.
“If people can work from their own communities for part of the week, that takes pressure off peak-time transport and keeps more time and spending in places like Newbridge.
“That does not remove the need for more trains and more carriages; we need both.”
Cllr Pender concluded by releasing this appeal to the general public living in Kildare: “If your train is regularly like this, send me the time, number of carriages and what conditions were like.”
The Leinster Leader has contacted Irish Rail / Iarnród Éireann for comment in relation to this instance of overcrowding.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.