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IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND FOCUS


T


he first of 20 brand new Translink NI Railways trains recently ar- rived on schedule heralding the


next major milestone in the modernisation and renaissance of rail travel in Northern Ireland.


As the second new fleet for the company in recent years they represent an investment of £114m, funded by the Northern Ireland Department for Regional Development.


Known as the ‘Class 4000’, this next gen- eration of trains will replace remaining older trains and, once in service, Translink NI Railways will operate an entirely mod- ern fleet to cater for growing demand on local rail services.


Building on success


With over 60% customer growth since 2002, more people are now choosing the train as the more attractive and good value travel option in Northern Ireland. This year the train operating company is on schedule to carry even more rail customers than ever before.


These new trains will build on this recent success in order to contribute, in a sustain- able fashion, to the social, environmental and economic development of the region.


The new Class 4000 trains are being manufactured to the very latest industry standards, meeting the highest levels of performance, comfort, safety and acces- sibility.


Translink worked with Spanish rail manu- facturer CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) to deliver the new trains. CAF specialises in rail rolling stock for pas- senger transport and is an international market leader in the design, manufacture, maintenance and supply of railway vehi- cles, equipment and systems.


The Class 4000 trains have some similar facilities to the current C3k trains, how- ever many features have been improved following consultations with Translink NI Railways customers as well as learning from experiences with the C3k fleet.


Some of these enhancements include the introduction of new multi-purpose areas on board to accommodate parents with buggies or extra bicycles. In addition they will have the latest environmental features and be more fuel efficient with reduced carbon emissions.


Rigorous Testing


Safety is always a top priority and follow- ing delivery, each train will be subjected to a rigorous phase of testing before enter-


Translink Group chief executive Catherine Mason and Transport Minister Conor Murphy welcome the first of 20 new Class 4000 trains at Belfast Docks


ing public service towards the end of this year.


This process will take around six months and comprises:


- static testing including safety system checks;


- on-track testing involving trains crews and technical staff testing trains at speeds up to 90 miles per hour to assess the train’s technical performance and passenger facilities – this will be done day and night;


- fault-free running in which each train must complete 2,000 miles without a problem before the unit is accepted. This phase also monitors safety, per- formance and comfort levels.


A comprehensive employee training programme will take place from April – December for train drivers and conductors


Train specifications are impressive and include:


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212 seats including 33 tip-up seats, 24 priority seats, 14 tabled bays, wheelchair access and dedicated space for two wheelchairs and companion seats; automatic opening doors at 1/3 and 2/3 intervals; digital CCTV; fire detection and control system; external front and side destination displays; the latest environmental and passenger safety features; air conditioning; audible and visual passenger information system, signage in Braille and embossed lettering; space for eight bicycles; one fully accessible toilet; baby changing facilities; overhead luggage racks; adjustable armrests; litter bins.


and the ROTA train simulator in Belfast has been upgraded to facilitate the new Class 4000 specifications.


A new safety campaign will be launched to coincide with on-track testing to appeal to the wider community to stay extra vigi- lant and always follow directions given at crossings. The new Class 4000 trains are very quiet, similar to the C3K fleet, and will be operating continuously day and night across the network.


New Trains Projects


A series of platform extensions are cur- rently taking place at 19 stations and halts across the Northern Ireland network to accommodate longer trains and enhance onboard capacity where there is passenger demand.


Translink NI Railways also plan to con- struct a new train maintenance facility in Belfast. Existing premises are operating at or near to full capacity and the new depot will include engineering facilities, train ac- commodation, fuelling and stabling facili- ties and a train wash and storage area.


With soaring fuel costs and expensive car- parking, value-for-money is more impor- tant than ever for customers, so the train operator will continue to look at attrac- tive, convenient, innovative and cost ef- fective ways to get more people using local rail services and will implement specific marketing activity for the new trains when they are ready to enter passenger service.


The first new train will be deployed on the local Larne line and it is expected that all trains will be delivered and into passenger service during 2012.


Through this significant investment in lo- cal rail travel, Translink NI Railways are looking to develop a modern and dynamic public transport network that will help secure a long-term sustainable future for Northern Ireland.


FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit www.translink.co.uk


rail technology magazine Feb/Mar 11 | 41


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