SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin has welcomed SDLP Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon’s launch of longer walk-through train carriages as part of a £66m investment in rail.
Seven trains are to be converted with 21 new carriages allowing passengers to walk the full length of the train.
The new carriages are part of SDLP Minister Mallon’s £66m investment in railway infrastructure with other improvements including work at depots, platform extensions and an upgrade to the driver training simulator.
Minister Mallon launched the first of the new longer carriages on Wednesday.
Said the Foyle MLA said: “I am delighted to see progress in SDLP Infrastructure Nichola Mallon’s £66m project to transform our railways.
“These new longer carriages will result in a much-improved experience for travellers.
“They boast a wide array of new features including more seats which will help deal with the increased demand for public transport, particularly on busier routes.
“The new carriages will also offer increased comfort, quality and accessibility with modern soft furnishings, USB chargers for travellers and upgraded air conditioning.
Further investment to our rail depots and platform extensions will also help modernise our train stations.
“This investment also demonstrates SDLP Minister Mallon’s commitment to tackling the climate crisis by offering an improved public transport experience and encouraging more people to leave their car at home.
“We need to take the opportunity to rebuild our society in a greener and more sustainable way after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“This work is an important step as part of Minister Mallon’s plans to realise an ambitious rail programme, led by the All-Island Strategic Rail Review.”
