Luas Green line may get 25% more trams for morning rush

The Railway Procurement Agency (RPA) is "actively considering" proposals for a 25 per cent increase in the number of trams it runs on Dublin's Green line during the morning peak time.

The agency has also ordered four new 40-metre trams for the Green line and recently deployed one additional tram from the Red line, in a bid to address demand, particularly in the morning peak.

However, the agency said it is not currently considering running shuttle trams on the inner stretches of the line, as it does between Heuston and Connolly stations on the Red Line.

The moves come as commuters are frequently unable to board morning peak-time trams, which are full by the time they reach Dundrum on the journey from Sandyford to the city centre.

An RPA spokesman said that a delay during yesterday's morning peak, which led to a build-up of commuters at each tram stop, was an unusual event caused by the need to call an ambulance for a passenger at the Harcourt Street stop. The delay occurred at about 8.55am and resulted in further hold-ups.

However, regular commuters have complained of gaps in frequency which result in crowds massing on platforms. In that case commuters may not be able to board a succession of trams.

Currently trams are scheduled to run between Sandyford and the city centre at four-minute intervals, but the agency acknowledges "a very particular problem" within the morning rush.

The spokesman told The Irish Times a decision to move to a three-minute frequency had not been finalised "but is under active consideration".

"Basically there is a problem between 8.15am and 8.45am, so we are looking at a three-minute frequency." He added that it was one of a number of measures which included an order for four more trams. But he warned these trams have a "lead-in" time of about 18 months before they are delivered.