FOI Documents Expose Reasons For Delays In Commuter Zone Fare Scheme, Impacting Kildare Commuters

The setbacks triggered a ripple effect, pushing key milestones such as the integration of Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) and Leap Card systems back by months.

A series of critical delays, primarily caused by late software updates and some internal confusion, derailed the Dublin Commuter Zone fare determination project impacting commuters in Kildare South, according to documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act.

The setbacks triggered a ripple effect, pushing key milestones such as the integration of Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) and Leap Card systems back by months.

Originally slated for completion in the third quarter of this year, the project is now expected to drag into 2025.

The delays have sparked anger in Kildare South, where residents were counting on significant fare reductions - from 45% for Newbridge to up to 37% for Kildare Town.

Social Democrats councillor and general election candidate Chris Pender, who obtained the documents from Irish Rail, has slammed both Irish Rail and the National Transport Authority (NTA) over, what he says, is a lack of accountability.

"Kildare South residents deserve better. Commuters have been left in the dark, and this is simply not good enough."

The FOI papers detail a cascade of issues, including software delays that impacted the installation of vital systems, leading to missed deadlines and internal confusion.

Another major cause of delay is the changing scope of the project.

Internal communications show that there were revisions in the National Transport Authority (NTA) requirements mid-project, such as revised fare zones and Leap product integration. These changes added complexity, requiring additional project meetings and revised plans.

From the FOI: Minutes detailing changes to the scope of the project

Originally expected this year, the project now faces a significant delay, with full completion unlikely before 2025.

From FOI: Issues arise over suggested timelines

Internal project management issues have also contributed to delays.

Discussions highlight scheduling challenges, with different streams of work requiring separate timelines.

“It is clear from the information I obtained that delays to the Dublin Commuter Zone project were avoidable – plain and simple," Pender said.

He added: "What’s worse is that instead of transparency, commuters have been given no clear information on how these delays would affect them," Pender said.

He also criticised Irish Rail for considering last-minute cuts to key elements, such as the ability to sell Leap products via TVMs.

He called the situation a "failure of leadership," urging proper oversight and accountability from both Irish Rail and the NTA.

"People in Kildare South can’t be left behind like this. This constant disparity with Kildare North is a slap in the face. We deserve the same level of investment and advocacy as any other community," he said.

Kfm has contacted Irish Rail for comment.

A spokesperson for the NTA said they are disappointed with the revised timeline of the introduction of the next phase of the National Fares Structure and "deeply regret the delay that this introduction will have on customers in Kildare".

They said the project involves significant technical challenges, including the addition of new stations into the scheme including infrastructure, validators and gates, and configuration of the new stations in the existing back office systems.

They said existing ticket validators and gates need to be configured to comprehend the zonal restructuring and overlap for existing period products and the newly introduced products; and Software changes to cater for the addition of a large number of new multimodal products.

They explained that the Fares determination was published in January and Irish Rail was consulted on the changes prior to document release.

"Our understanding is that Irish Rail first discussed requirements with their supplier in early March but a requirements document did not go to their supplier until May. In mid-June from information provided to us by Irish Rail it was becoming clearer that the Q3 timeline was going to be problematic. NTA informed public reps in the Kildare area of this in early July," the spokesperson said.

They said the issue is "not one of funding" and that the supplier has "limited resources and capability available to support earlier delivery of both projects".