Waterford councillor calls for use of Winterval train as shuttle bus alternative for the North Quays
Concept art for the North Quay's sustainable transport bridge/ Waterford's Winterval train. Photo: Joe Evans
Social Democrats councillor Mary Roche has called for the potential use of Waterford’s miniature Winterval train as an alternative public transport measure for the North Quays sustainable transport bridge.
A recent feasibility report commissioned by the National Transport Authority (NTA) declared that an electric shuttle bus- a key element in the plans for Waterford’s North Quays sustainable transport bridge- was unviable.
Among a myriad of reasons, there was no turning area built for the bus on the north side of the River Suir.
The NTA said they would be open to proposals from Waterford City and County Council should they wish to explore an alternative “innovation-focused autonomous vehicle trial when the regulatory environment allows.”
“The Winterval train is already used for up to 8 weeks every year and the people of Waterford are very familiar with it," Cllr Roche said.
“The miniature train would likely be narrow enough and light enough to cross the bridge while allowing adequate space for cyclists and pedestrians.
“It has operated in the highly busy pedestrianised heart of the city for many years now as part of our annual Christmas Festival activities.
"It is a shame that the North Quays - which is such a massively positive project for the city has been overshadowed by this particular issue but rather than just shrugging our shoulders we should look at innovating our own solution," she said.
Cllr Roche estimated the train cost roughly €25,000 to lease for Winterval, and could function as a tourist attraction in its own right.
Cllr Roche said she has written to the Chief Executive of Waterford City and County Council Seán McKeown to ask him to consider the solution.
It is unclear where the train would be able to turn at the North Quays. In its feasibility report, The NTA also said that there was no legislative basis to permit motorised vehicles on cycle tracks under current regulations.
The NTA said funding for additional Bus Connects routes will be the NTA's priority for public transport in Waterford.
Read More
