The train leaves Dublin on time and travels west through lush, sunny countryside like a glitzy Irish Rail commercial. Some passengers doze off, while others read, converse, or simply stare out the window at the passing fields.
Daisy Arrey, a 19-year-old student travelling to Longford, enjoys the trip since it is inexpensive and peaceful. After visiting the capital, 38-year-old Karen Mulligan was returning to Mullingar and was relieved to skip the tolls and parking problems. A couple in their 60s travelling to Edgeworthstown, Tom and Marita, like not having to negotiate winding country roads.
This train appears to be a showcase for public transportation and advancement in Ireland’s efforts to wean people off of cars in order to minimise carbon emissions. It terminates at Sligo, which is on the Atlantic coast.
For the first time since 1947, fares on Irish public transportation were reduced by 20% starting in April through the end of the year and permanently for those between the ages of 19 and 23. According to analysts, anecdotal evidence indicates increased ridership on a number of routes.
The experiment spans all of Europe. A month of limitless travel on urban and regional networks is provided via Germany’s “€9 ticket” initiative. From September to the end of the year, Spain is offering some commuter routes free of charge. For three euros per day, Austria’s “climate ticket” allows access to the whole network.
The town of Sligo has a new e-bike rental service, and the station has a new bicycle storage area as part of Ireland’s larger efforts to encourage environmentally friendly transportation.
However, the same passengers show blemishes in this rosy picture. Arrey wants a car since she has been harassed on transportation.
Mulligan, who resides in a remote place, can only get to her job by car. To purchase their third car, Tom and Marita are travelling to Edgeworthstown.