Sir, - I travelled by train from Tullamore to Athlone on August 9th. Due to various delays on the part of Iarnrod Eireann, the train arrived in Athlone two hours late. During the delays no explanation was given and no apology was made. Iarnrod Eireann had made no other arrangements to bring passengers to their destination.
The delay would have been pardonable if Iarnrod Eireann provided a quality service. In my experience of travelling by rail, no train has left at the time on the timetable. The trains are overcrowded at peak times with no evident planning to cater for busy periods. There have been many journeys where my ticket has gone unchecked. The fares vary, depending on the day, bank holiday and the experience of the vendor. The franchised catering company, Network Catering, charges exorbitant prices for an uninspired choice of standard fare (£1.80 for an unadorned ham sandwich).
The advertising campaigns run by Iarnrod Eireann are an affront to anyone who has travelled with the company. The ads promote trains as a reliable and luxurious mode of transport. Their sepiatinted views of Iarnrod Eireann's contribution to Irish life are galling in the extreme. The reality is that, in Ireland, rail travel is used as a last resort and is probably more stressful and erratic than any other means of getting from A to B.
Iarnrod Eireann has lamented a want of customers. When it treats the existing ones with such insensibility, it is easy to see why other transport companies do so well. If Iarnrod Eireann offered a better service, perhaps it could survive without the bolstering of the taxpayer. - Yours, etc., JOAN CURRY,
Baylough,
Athlone,
Co Westmeath.