26 January 2018
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
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Strong Growth also recorded on Cork/Cobh & Cork/Midleton Commuter Services
A total of 3.15million passenger journeys were recorded on the Dublin/Cork rail line in 2017, the highest figures ever figures recorded on the route. This represents a 6.5% increase on 2016. Strong growth was also recorded on the Cork/Cobh and Cork Midleton commuter routes. Cork/Cobh passenger numbers were up 10% to 908,000 journeys and Cork/Midleton were up 9% to 413,000.
The Cork Dublin service continues to be Iarnród Éireann’s flagship Intercity service, with 31 services a day operating. With improved journey times and busier road traffic, more and more people are opting take the train when travelling between the two cities. Economic improvements, greater numbers of people in employment, and record tourist numbers, particularly those disembarking from Cruise ships at Cobh have all contributed to the major increase in passenger numbers on the Commuter routes. Reduced transport costs through Leapcard also make commuting in Cork even better value for money.
Nationally, passenger numbers grew to 45.5million passenger journeys, equalling 2007, which was the highest number of passenger journeys ever recorded.
Commenting on the figures, Chief Executive of Iarnród Éireann, David Franks said: “As an organisation it is great to see our passenger numbers returning to peak levels. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we are working hard to ensure that we can provide an even better service throughout 2018”
During 2018 Iarnród Éireann will continue invest in improving the Dublin/Cork line to further reduce journey times in the future and provide punctual, frequent and value for money transport for the people of Cork.
