Shaky start for new Luas line after test run crash

THE Luas got off to a shaky start before it was even opened officially yesterday by the Taoiseach - Mr Ahern got off the first tram before it even reached the notorious Red Cow Roundabout.

A crash involving a tram on a test run and a car at Smithfield near Dublin city centre threw a shadow over the much heralded opening of the new Red Line to Tallaght.

The first tram journey along the 15km route from Tallaght to Connolly Station took 11 minutes more than the 43 minutes projected. Luas chiefs insisted however, that safety was the top priority as motorists continued to stray onto the many junctions along the route.

The tram carrying Transport Minister Seamus Brennan and other dignitaries took all of two minutes and 50 seconds to negotiate the notorious roundabout.

Luas officials admitted that they faced teething problems with the Red Cow traffic lights.

The Taoiseach boarded the first tram in Tallaght at 10.06am, but left it at the Red Cow Depot stop just before the busy junction. Mr Ahern was then whisked away to the National Ploughing Championships. The tram had to stop for up to five minutes at Heuston Station.

However, faced with a spate of motorists driving onto junctions, tram drivers have been told not to compromise safety in the interest of schedules. Up to 40,000 people are expected to travel on the line daily, but the Rail Procurement Agency (RPA) will not run trams at five minute intervals at peak hours until it is safe to do so. These safety fears were highlighted yesterday after a car crashed into the side of a tram at Smithfield at around 7am yesterday.

The Luas was travelling through a junction in accordance with a traffic signal. However, the car collided with one of its doors. Both vehicles suffered minor damage. Passengers will benefit form six free travel days from yesterday until the last tram next Sunday.

RPA chairman Padraic White appealed to pedestrians, cyclists and motorists not to "block the box" at junctions, which could slow down the trams.

Frank Allen, RPA chief executive, said the service will be increased over a period of time and he appealed to other road users to show courtesy to the tram at junctions and in the city centre.

Speaking at the official opening, the Taoiseach said the first official day of the Tallaght line marked another significant step in the provision of modern, world-class infrastructure for the city and country.

"Luas has already become an icon for Dublin. It has come to represent the modern city in the new century, both to visitors and to native Dubliners. I believe it will be regarded with great affection for many years to come," said Mr Ahern.

Denis Naughten, Fine Gael transport spokesman, called for an urgent investigation into any collisions between Luas trams and cars at the 34 yellow box and other junctions where they meet.

There are 23 stops between Tallaght and Connolly, compared with 13 on the Sandyford to St Stephen's Green line.

The Tallaght service has far more traditional on-street running and greater interaction with cars, trucks, pedestrians and other road users, than the Sandyford service.

This significantly increases collision risks.

Significantly, the Tallaght line will link the mainline, suburban rail and Dart services at Connolly and Heuston stations with provincial bus services at Busaras.