Passenger self-evacuation causes suspension of DART services

DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) services were suspended for a time on July 24, when passengers selfevacuated a train just outside Bray station. Services were exceptionally busy because of the Bray air show which was taking place for the first time after Covid-19. Spectators had been advised by the organisers and the National Transport Authority to use public transport. Iarnród Éireann (IÉ) had put on nine extra services to supplement the existing DART timetable and it was on one of these services that the selfevacuation took place. Following the incident, IÉ CEO Jim Meade apologised for the delay, inconvenience and distress caused on what is traditionally one of the busiest days for the DART. Mr Meade said: “As the last (special) – the 13:45hrs Connolly to Bray, approached Bray station, it stopped outside the station, waiting for a platform to become clear ahead. Unfortunately, doors were forced open on one of the carriages after it had been stopped for approximately six minutes, and a number of people descended onto the track to walk towards the station. “Immediately, trains had to be halted in both directions due to the presence of people on the track. Quite quickly, others – now concerned at the extending delay, and at the very warm conditions – also left the train, and this continued across a number of carriages. A second train – the 13:05hrs Howth to Greystones – was stopped further back towards Shankill, and after approximately 20 minutes, passengers also out of concern for the delay and heat on board, began to leave the train.” While trains were unable to move during this time, staff, Gardaí and Dublin Fire Brigade were at Bray, and travelled to the second train to assist passengers. In addition, passengers were assisted from two other trains in a controlled manner. Mr Meade added that the operational plan would be reviewed and lessons would be learned. The review would look at:

■ Demand before the event, and capacity available to passengers. Notwithstanding the additional DARTs which operated, there was significant pressure on capacity reported.

■ Information available to passengers on board and at station.

■ Response to the initial incident of detraining.

■ Ventilation on board. The incident received widespread coverage in the national media. The majority of the DART fleet currently in service, including the 1984-built Class 8100 EMUs, do not have airconditioning. The new DART fleet on order from Alstom will include air-conditioning.