AQW 26579/11-15

Mr Steven Agnew
Green Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 01/10/2013
Answered On Date: 21/10/2013
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Regional Development whether he plans to increase the capacity of railways to enable cyclists to bring their bicycles onto trains before 9.30am.

Answer:

NI Railways advise that virtually all trains operating into Belfast each morning are carrying large numbers of standing passengers in addition to all seats being occupied and passenger numbers are continuing to grow.

NI Railways are now assessing future additional rolling stock requirements however it is expected that any future capacity provision will continue to have to be reserved for passengers rather than passengers and cycles prior to 09:30. Any economic appraisal for new rolling stock has to meet a rigorous set of economic and financial/cost criteria before funding is considered for new train capacity.

Where space exists on more lightly loaded trains leaving Belfast in the morning, cycles are permitted and NI Railways expect to continue this practice going forward.