AQW 25214/11-15

Mr Daithí McKay
Sinn Féin
North Antrim

Tabled Date: 03/09/2013
Answered On Date: 18/09/2013
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether he has given consideration has to installing vertical storage facilities for bicycles on trains, to provide more space for cyclists and other passengers.

Answer:

Translink is responsible for the design specification when it commissions new trains.

For Class 3000 train design, various methods of cycle storage were considered including vertical storage. Class 3000 trains entered service in 2004-05. The final design was based on a flexible multi-purpose area incorporating tip-up seats, space for parents with buggies, standing passenger space or accommodating up to 4 bicycles which are securely stowed with minimum effort.

The design team believed that this arrangement was superior to vertical storage in regards to ease of use; less risk to other passengers and best use of space. The concept proved very successful in operation and in the design of Class 4000 trains, which entered service in 2011-12, the multi-purpose/bicycle area was duplicated in both driving cars providing a total space for 8 bicycles in a 3 car train.

In striving to provide as much capacity as possible and to carry as many passengers as possible, Translink have placed no restrictions on the number of folding bicycles that they can carry provided they are completely folded down. These may also be carried at any time, including prior to the normal 09.30 restriction.