At an event held earlier today, Wednesday, 29th March, at Irish Rail's Inchicore works in Dublin, Alstom revealed a mock-up of an X'trapolis DART+ carriage.
The event was to show what passengers in Greater Dublin will experience with the new DART+ trains, which are based on Alstom's X'trapolis commuter train platform. They will be Ireland's first modern battery train fleet, and provide a greater capacity and deliver decarbonisation benefits.
A full-size mock-up of the carriage was unveiled in the presence of the Irish Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan TD, Irish Rail's Chief Executive Jim Meade, Alstom UK & Ireland Managing Director Nick Crossfield, and Alstom Ireland Managing Director Piers Wood.
Irish Rail has a ten-year framework agreement with Alstom for up to 750 new X'trapolis commuter rail cars for Dublin's DART network. Firm orders have already been placed for 37 five-car X'trapolis trains, including a 15-year support services contract. 31 of the trains on order will be battery-electric multiple units, and six will be electric multiple units. They are being funded by the National Transport Authority under the National Development Plan 2021-2030.
As part of the contract, Alstom will provide a range of services and solutions, including Technical Support and Spares Supplies for the first 15 years of the fleet's operation. It will also deploy its HealthHub and TrainScanner technologies for predictive maintenance, and provide three train simulators to support driver training.
The new trains will have space for 550 passengers with wide, walk-through gangways, a low-level floor, and an automatic retractable step to maximise accessibility for all passengers. Other features include dedicated cycle and family areas, charging points for mobile phones, e-bikes and e-scooters, and CCTV throughout the train.
Nick Crossfield, Managing Director Alstom UK and Ireland said: “We are delighted to be able to show Irish Rail and the Irish public their new DART+ train in the flesh. The trains demonstrate Irish Rail's intention to move quickly to decarbonise the commuter network in Greater Dublin, Ireland's most populous suburban area.
“As a global leader in innovation and provider of green mobility solutions, Alstom is there to help Ireland bring transformative change to its citizens through sustainable rail transport.”
“We are delighted to be able to show Irish Rail and the Irish public their new DART+ train in the flesh. The trains demonstrate Irish Rail's intention to move quickly to decarbonise the commuter network in Greater Dublin, Ireland's most populous suburban area.”
Chief Executive of Irish Rail Jim Meade said: “Thanks to input from our customers and drivers, and the work of the Irish Rail and Alstom teams, we can now experience what the future of DART+ transport will be like. The sample carriage we see on display is modern, comfortable and customer centred and we look forward to having these carriages in use on our network serving new and existing communities for generations to come.”
So it looks like ironing board seats are coming to Ireland.