Welcome to the DART+ Fleet Project
To support the expansion in rail services planned under the National Development Plan 2021 to 2030 and to meet the infrastructural capacity increases delivered by the DART+ Programme, additional rolling stock is required. Iarnród Éireann, supported by the National Transport Authority (NTA) and in partnership with railcar provider Alstom, have provision to commission up to 750 electric/battery electric powered vehicles over a 10-year timescale. This order represents the purchase of the largest and most sustainable public transport fleet in Irish history.
Supporting the expansion in rail services
We’re investing in both electric and battery/electric powered trains that will allow us to make full use of the existing infrastructure while electrification is being progressed through the four DART+ Projects;
- DART+ West – Maynooth/M3 Parkway to the City Centre
- DART+ South West - Hazelhatch & Celbridge to the City Centre
- DART+ Coastal North - Drogheda to the City Centre
- DART+ Coastal South - Greystones to the City Centre
Ultimately, the overall order will see the Greater Dublin Area (GDA) total rail fleet and up to 80% of all heavy rail journeys in Ireland, set for a potentially emissions-free future.
Passenger Accessibility
One of the primary objectives of the design of the DART+ Fleet is to provide improved accessibility for train users. Low level flooring and entrance doors reduce the stepping height for passengers and improve access for persons with reduced mobility. The new carriages will prioritise independent access, with each of the low-height doorway thresholds being equipped with an automatic retractable step and offering the potential for unassisted level access from suitable platforms, aligned with platform enhancements.
The new Fleet will also provide:
- Larger dedicated wheelchair spaces with easy access from adjacent doors
- Inductive hearing loops and new passenger information displays, to enhance customer information, including for sensory impaired customers
- Uncluttered family areas to fit pushchairs and located close to doors
- A mixture of seating and standing layouts to accommodate diverse passenger needs
- Bike stowage areas - 4 bicycle spaces per train with 2 spaces in each front and end vehicle
- Charging points for “last mile” options such as e-bicycles and e-scooters
- Wide gangways between carriages to allow ease of movement, create a more open connected train and a greater feeling of security
- USB charging points and Wi-Fi throughout
- 4 CCTV cameras per car to support passenger safety and security