A life-size prototype has been demonstrating the improved accessibility of the new DART+ fleet of carriages at Inchicore Railway Works, the major engineering centre for railways in Ireland.

Iarnród Éireann, supported by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and in partnership with railcar provider Alstom, has provision for commissioning up to 750 electric/battery electric powered vehicles over a 10-year timescale. This order represents the purchase of the largest and most sustainable public transport fleet in Irish history.

One of the primary objectives of the design of the DART+ Fleet is to provide improved accessibility for train users, such as low-level flooring and entrance doors to reduce the stepping height for passengers and improve access for persons with reduced mobility.

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The new carriages will prioritise independent access, with each of the low-height doorway thresholds equipped with an automatic retractable step to offer the potential for unassisted level access from suitable platforms, aligned with platform enhancements.

Additionally, the new Fleet will also provide larger dedicated wheelchair spaces with easy access from adjacent doors, inductive hearing loops and new passenger information displays, to enhance customer information, including for sensory impaired customers and a mixture of seating and standing layouts to accommodate diverse passenger needs.

Both electric and battery/electric powered trains are being invested in to allow the updates that make full use of the existing infrastructure while electrification is being progressed through the four DART+ projects.

The four projects include DART+ West – Maynooth/M3 Parkway to the City Centre, DART+ South West – Hazelhatch & Celbridge to the City Centre, DART+ Coastal North – Drogheda to the City Centre and DART+ Coastal South – Greystones to the City Centre.

Ultimately, the overall order will see the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) total rail fleet and up to 80 per cent of all heavy rail journeys in Ireland, set for a potentially emissions-free future.

Northern Trains recently gained a prestigious national award for its unique and innovative approach to improving accessibility on trains and at stations.

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https://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-ekrem-older-man-on-train-accessible.jpghttps://thiis.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/pexels-ekrem-older-man-on-train-accessible-150x150.jpgMillie YorkNewsroomSector Newsaccessible railway,accessible travel,Alstom,disabled travel,Ireland,National Transport AuthorityA life-size prototype has been demonstrating the improved accessibility of the new DART+ fleet of carriages at Inchicore Railway Works, the major engineering centre for railways in Ireland. Iarnród Éireann, supported by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and in partnership with railcar provider Alstom, has provision for commissioning up to...News, views & products for mobility, access and independent living professionals