Train needs passengers to return

Trains will run at lower speeds over the new section for the next month

It has been three months since a 20-metre section of railway between Dublin and Belfast collapsed into the sea.

BBC reporter Barra Best took the train to Dublin on Monday, as the rail line reopened months ahead of schedule.

As the train rolled over the viaduct at lunchtime, it was almost as though part of it hadn't collapsed just a few months ago.

Commuters barely batted an eyelid at the event, choosing instead to read newspapers, use computers or catch up on gossip with friends.

It seemed that travellers on board were just happy the service was back to normal.

"It's better than on the buses," said pensioner Willie McCartney.

"The last time I came, I had to go by bus and it took an extra couple of hours. I'm a pensioner of 72 and I wouldn't go back again to the buses."

The challenge now facing the rail companies is getting passengers who have switched to cars and buses in recent months back onto the trains

Joan Guerin was travelling by train with her daughter on the day the viaduct collapsed.

"We were waiting and waiting, and then the next minute we were told there was a problem. No-one really knew what to do. Then they got us buses."

The collapse didn't put her off travelling today though.

"Not at all" she said. "I put my trust in them (the trains)."

Although many people chose to travel on the reopened Enterprise service, the challenge now facing the rail companies is getting passengers who have switched to cars and buses in recent months back onto the trains.

It is estimated passenger numbers have dropped by 60%.

Translink's Ciaran Rogan says they are confident that will happen.

"We saw a lot of people moving to the car but actually, looking out the window today and seeing weather like this, I think there's no option between train and car - the train is much more relaxing," he said.

"To really get as many people back on board as possible, we're going for some extremely low fares between now and the new year."

If you do decide to hop on the train, be sure to add a few minutes to your journey time.

Trains will run at lower speeds over the new section for the next month.