Irish Rail has said it expects to save more than €3 million a year by reconfiguring its fleet to better meet peak demand.
The operator has announced plans to shorten off-peak DART trains in Dublin in an aim to reduce energy usage and free up capacity during peak times and major events.
With around 65 per cent of all DART passengers travelling during the morning and evening peak, Irish Rail believes the move, which will see a major increase in the use of two-car trains, will reduce fuel consumption without impacting on the quality of service.
Intercity trains will also be reconfigured under the plans from the current fleet of 48 three-car trains and 15 six-car trains to 45 four-car and 18 three-car vehicles.
Irish Rail has said that the new setup will be in place by the end of the year.
