Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 263: To ask the Minister for Transport the capacity for Metro North; the way this figure compares to the total capacity on the DART and Luas lines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18237/08]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The maximum capacity of each of the three modes mentioned in the Deputy's question and the basis for each calculation are provided below.

Luas

Current capacity on the Green line is approximately 4,340 passengers per direction per hour. This is based on 14 x 40 metre trams per hour, each with a capacity of 310 passengers. The ultimate capacity of the line is 8,100 passengers per hour.

Metro

The initial capacity will be 10,000 passengers per direction per hour. This is based on a frequency of 15 x 90 metre trains per hour, each train having a capacity of 667 passengers. The ultimate capacity will be 20,000 passengers per hour based on 30 trains per hour.

DART

Following refurbishment of the fleet later this year, the capacity of the DART will be 9,800 passengers per hour northbound and 8,400 per hour southbound. The northbound figure is based on 7 trains per hour, each train having a capacity of 1,400 passengers. The southbound figure is based on 6 services per hour. Following completion of the Interconnector project, the capacity southbound will increase to 22,400 passengers per hour based on 16 trains per hour and the northbound capacity will increase to 14,000 passengers per hour based on 10 trains per hour.

In comparing the capacity of each mode, it is important to recognise their different characteristics. For example, the DART's capacity is constrained by the fact that it is sharing line capacity with intercity and outer suburban services. The Luas capacity is constrained by on street operation with other traffic. Metro North, on the other hand, is completely separated from other road and rail traffic and can therefore currently provide a higher capacity than the other two modes.