€148 fine for getting wrong train is damaging tourism

Monday, 18 July 2011 15:12

Westport is in danger of losing tourism business because of Iarnrod Eireann policy to fine punters €148 if they get on a train other than the one they're booked onto.
The matter was raised by Councillor Brendan Mulroy who admitted he had failed to find the clause when booking online, though another Westport Town Council colleague seemed to be aware of it.
The on-the-spot fines, Councillor Mulroy told the authority's monthly meeting, had been brought to his attention by a number of people.
He explained the situation was that if you book a ticket online, for example, for the Dublin train to Westport at 3 p.m. but don't make your train, and so take a later one, you'll be hit at your journey's end with a €148 fine.
Travellers, he said, should be stopped before they ever get on the train. By going through an automated system, if tickets weren't valid people shouldn't be let on.
"If they let you on the train in Dublin, it is letting you on to fine you," said Councillor Mulroy.
"From a Westport point of view it would be colossal the amount of business we would lose over this. It is not good policy."
Councillor Mulroy said he also understood if you get on the train without a ticket the fine imposed is €100.
"This is an issue of tourists and locals being hit down and people are not aware of it until they are fined."
It was agreed at the meeting to write to the rail company authorities for an explanation.