The RPA and route selection (a bit ridiculous?)

[Roll_On]

Obviously the RPA has failed utterly to deliver integrated ticketing. But in this thread I would like to highlight how their route selection process is not adequate.

Firstly let's talk about metro and how the almost exact same level of service can be delivered for less money if the heads in the RPA just used a little cop:

There were 3 route options. One of those three was so ridiculous I don't think it should have been considered(i.e. via broadstone and Finglas). Eventually they picked a route that merged two potential routes, i.e. one that was not even considered at first and therefore not available for the public to express views on.

A slightly different route(mostly above ground) could have been built within the department's budget. The present metro North is at least 50% over priced.

I believe it should be part of the RPA's duty to at least offer a cheaper alternative in the design/consultation stage.

The route I would propose is:

Deep bore tunnel between Stephen's Green and Kings Inns law library, where the tracks would rise to ground level. There should be an intermediate stop under the liffey in the area of the Ha'Penny bridge with entrences in Temple Bar and Liffey st(connect for luas red line at Jervis and encourage shoppers to use the line, making the City's Henry st and Grafton st areas better connected). The tracks could then continue at surface level through royal canal park and back into a short tunnel under phibsboro.

build a new combined Irish Rail/metro station at Prospect road for integration purposes, this can be also cut and cover job. Then emerge from the tunnel at Ballymun Road and continue in the central reserve of Ballymun road, new bridge over the M50, surface track all the way through the airport and terminus at Swords.

That would save almost half the costs compared to the current proposal (I reckon). The only draw backs would be:
-No stop at Drumcondra(change for Maynooth line at Prospect road instead)
-No Mater Stop (Phibsboro stop 150metres away instead, comercial area of Phibsboro would cater to more passengers anyway)

http://www.rpa.ie/Documents/Metro%20...p_Feb_2011.pdf

Secondly The Luas BXD route alignment.

It's just ridiculous building the looped section. It would be cheaper, less visually intrusive to the O'Connell st area and less disruptive to Dubliners to put both tracks on Marlborough st. It would also offer better connections between the red and green lines. I just don't see the benefits of the loop at all.

http://www.rpa.ie/Maps/Luas%20Line%2...ish%200109.pdf


the RPA has now been charged with designing a new BRT system for Dublin, I just don't think the heads down there have any concern for the public purse when drafting route options, I don't believe they have cost effectiveness in mind at all.

[David Cochrane]

Eh, Leap Card?

[Roll_On]

As has been discussed in other threads, that's now being managed by the NTA, not the RPA and it's a bit of a disaster thus far.