West on Track challenge passenger figures report

THE recent publication in two national newspapers of figures purporting to show that passenger numbers on Phase 1 of the Western Rail Corridor are lower than predicted has been challenged by the West on Track campaign.[private] The statement from West on Track was made in response to a claim that Department of Transport figures show that passenger numbers on the first phase of the Western Rail Corridor were falling far short of projections made in the business case for the route. The figures published were based on passenger numbers between May and September last, which averaged 4,800 a month. This figure translates into between 62,400 and 67,158 a year when it was assumed the figure would be 100,000. In the statement released by Iarnród Éireann under a Freedom of Information request, the company said the figure from the end of October until December had dropped even further to 4,330 per month. However, West on Track strongly dispute this reading of the figures. A spokesperson said that in actual fact the figures for the line as a whole are in line with predictions made by Iarnród Éireann last March. 'The following are the facts: The business case prediction made almost five years ago was based on the following premise: â€Â¢ Seven services per day in each direction between Galway and Limerick. Only five per day were granted i.e. four services less per day. â€Â¢ A major commuter station sited in Oranmore. Construction is only beginning this summer on Oranmore station, which is expected to be one of the busiest on the route. Since these services began last March, there has been a major increase in passengers travelling between Athenry and Galway. These passengers, among others, are not included in the numbers quoted, nor are passengers with passes e.g. OAPs and Social Welfare recipients. 'Contrary to the impression conveyed in today's reports, Iarnród Éireann is confident that the line will continue to develop as evidenced by a number of further developments which will take effect in May. These include: Two new additional services per day, including a later evening commuter service ex-Galway, expected to generate a large number of new commuters from stations further south. Services to Dublin from the WRC with the introduction of connectivity for 3 trains in each direction. Commencement of construction of new stations at Oranmore and Crusheen.[/private]