Train fare hike condemned

Enterprise train from Dublin pulls into Belfast Central station

Certain fares on the Belfast to Dublin railway service are to increase by three times the rate of inflation, it has been claimed.

Price increases, which come into effect on Monday, include a 9.5% rise in the Enterprise train's day return fare, bringing it to £23.

The General Consumer Council said the "stuttering performance of the service" meant the price increases could not be justified.

Alan Walker, the council's head of consumer affairs, said passengers had the right to ask why they had to pay "a premium price for a non-premium service".

"It is almost six years since the Enterprise service was launched and yet a recent survey showed that only three of every four trains arrive within 10 minutes of the advertised time," he said.

"While recent improvements in on-board catering are welcome, passengers want urgent action to deal with punctuality, particularly on peak commuter services.

FARE INCREASES Single journey £22, up 4.8% Monthly return £32, up 3.2% Day return £23, up 9.5% First Class single £36, up 2.9% First Class monthly return £57, up 3.6%

"Extending journey times to two hours and 15 minutes is not the answer."

Passengers who use the lower day return fare would be hit hardest, the council found.

"The day return fare, popular with many passengers for affordable day trips to Dublin, is being increased by 9.5%, which is more than three times the rate of inflation," Mr Walker said.

However, Translink argues that the price rise is a modest £2 and despite some problems, it believes the service is punctual and reliable.

"We acknowledge, and it is well publicised, that we have had problems with Enterprise performance ," said Ken McKnight.

"Those problems have and continue to be addressed and we know that the General Consumer Council support the actions we have taken and which we will continue to take to strive for increasing improvements to the service."