FOI Request – NI Railways Milepost Documentation and Fare Structure Methodology
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting information related to Northern Ireland Railways infrastructure and fare systems, including both domestic and cross-border journeys. My questions are based on current operations as reflected in the official Translink website, where all tickets are purchased, including for cross-border travel.
1. NI Railways Milepost Documentation
Please provide:
A full list, table, or dataset of mileposts or chainages used on all active NI Railways routes, including branch lines.
Any supporting maps, GIS datasets, or schematic diagrams used internally to define distances between stations.
The designated starting point ("zero-mile post") used for each main line or route.
2. Fare Structure and Calculation
a) Domestic Journeys (Within Northern Ireland)
What model is used to calculate fares for journeys within Northern Ireland (e.g., Derry~Londonderry to Belfast, Adelaide to Portadown)?
=Are fares based on distance, zonal boundaries, stage-based bands, or another system?
Please provide fare tables or internal policy documentation used to determine these prices.
b) Cross-Border Journeys (e.g., Derry~Londonderry to Dundalk)
-How are fares for cross-border journeys set, particularly when booked via the Translink website?
-What role does Translink play in setting or processing these fares compared to Iarnród Éireann?
-Are cross-border fares subsidised or capped under Irish Government or all-island transport cooperation agreements?
-What agreements exist regarding fare calculation, revenue sharing, or price regulation for routes such as Derry~Londonderry to Dundalk or Portadown to Drogheda?
3. Fare Discrepancies, Passenger Flexibility, and Ticketing Technology
a) Fare Discrepancies and Subsidy Clarification
-Please explain why a through ticket from Derry~Londonderry to Dundalk (£12) is significantly cheaper than a ticket from Derry to Belfast/Grand Central (£15.50), despite both services using the same train for the majority of the route.
-Are cross-border fares subject to special fare capping or subsidy policies that do not apply to internal NI journeys?
b) Alighting at Intermediate Stations (Break of Journey)
Can passengers holding cross-border tickets (e.g., Derry~Londonderry to Dundalk) legally alight early at intermediate stations? Please clarify in the following contexts:
-At gated stations (e.g., Belfast Grand Central) where barriers are in use.
-At ungated stations (e.g., City Hospital) with open access.
-Does Translink officially permit or restrict "break of journey" usage of cross-border tickets?
4. Ticket Barrier Compatibility and Cross-Border Digital Integration
a) QR Code Incompatibility
-Why do Iarnród Éireann-issued QR code tickets not currently function at Translink ticket barriers, including major stations like Lanyon Place and Grand Central?
b) Planned Software Integration
-Will Translink's barrier systems be updated to accept Irish Rail QR code tickets in future.
-Is there a timeline or agreement in place for full digital ticketing system integration between Irish Rail and Translink?
c) Cross-Border Ticketing via the mLink App
-Will passengers be able to purchase and store cross-border tickets (e.g., to Dundalk, Drogheda, or Dublin) using the mLink mobile app in the future?
-If so, when is this functionality expected to become available, and will the tickets support QR/barcode access for use at automated gates?
d) Manual Exit Process at Gated Stations
-What is the current procedure for cross-border passengers holding paper or QR tickets issued by Irish Rail who arrive at gated Translink stations?
-Are they required to seek staff assistance, and is this assistance reliably available?
5. Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs)
-When will it be possible to purchase cross-border rail tickets (e.g., to Dundalk, Drogheda, or Dublin) at Translink Ticket Vending Machines, given that these destinations are already listed in some TVM interfaces?
-If this functionality is currently limited, please provide a list of stations where cross-border tickets can be purchased at TVMs.
Yours faithfully,
Dónal Rooney
Dear Mr Rooney
Freedom of Information Act 2000 - (Our Reference: 0087/2025/FOI)
We acknowledge receipt of your request dated 30 April 2025 under the
Freedom of Information Act 2000 ("FOIA").
You have requested the following information:
Request
1. NI Railways Milepost Documentation
Please provide:
A full list, table, or dataset of mileposts or chainages used on all
active NI Railways routes, including branch lines.
Any supporting maps, GIS datasets, or schematic diagrams used internally
to define distances between stations.
The designated starting point ("zero-mile post") used for each main line
or route.
2. Fare Structure and Calculation
a) Domestic Journeys (Within Northern Ireland) What model is used to
calculate fares for journeys within Northern Ireland (e.g.,
Derry~Londonderry to Belfast, Adelaide to Portadown)?
Are fares based on distance, zonal boundaries, stage-based bands, or
another system?
Please provide fare tables or internal policy documentation used to
determine these prices.
b) Cross-Border Journeys (e.g., Derry~Londonderry to Dundalk) -How are
fares for cross-border journeys set, particularly when booked via the
Translink website?
-What role does Translink play in setting or processing these fares
compared to Iarnród Éireann?
-Are cross-border fares subsidised or capped under Irish Government or
all-island transport cooperation agreements?
-What agreements exist regarding fare calculation, revenue sharing, or
price regulation for routes such as Derry~Londonderry to Dundalk or
Portadown to Drogheda?
3. Fare Discrepancies, Passenger Flexibility, and Ticketing Technology
a) Fare Discrepancies and Subsidy Clarification -Please explain why a
through ticket from Derry~Londonderry to Dundalk (£12) is significantly
cheaper than a ticket from Derry to Belfast/Grand Central (£15.50),
despite both services using the same train for the majority of the route.
-Are cross-border fares subject to special fare capping or subsidy
policies that do not apply to internal NI journeys?
b) Alighting at Intermediate Stations (Break of Journey) Can passengers
holding cross-border tickets (e.g., Derry~Londonderry to Dundalk) legally
alight early at intermediate stations? Please clarify in the following
contexts:
-At gated stations (e.g., Belfast Grand Central) where barriers are in
use.
-At ungated stations (e.g., City Hospital) with open access.
-Does Translink officially permit or restrict "break of journey" usage of
cross-border tickets?
4. Ticket Barrier Compatibility and Cross-Border Digital Integration
a) QR Code Incompatibility
-Why do Iarnród Éireann-issued QR code tickets not currently function at
Translink ticket barriers, including major stations like Lanyon Place and
Grand Central?
b) Planned Software Integration
-Will Translink's barrier systems be updated to accept Irish Rail QR code
tickets in future.
-Is there a timeline or agreement in place for full digital ticketing
system integration between Irish Rail and Translink?
c) Cross-Border Ticketing via the mLink App -Will passengers be able to
purchase and store cross-border tickets (e.g., to Dundalk, Drogheda, or
Dublin) using the mLink mobile app in the future?
-If so, when is this functionality expected to become available, and will
the tickets support QR/barcode access for use at automated gates?
d) Manual Exit Process at Gated Stations -What is the current procedure
for cross-border passengers holding paper or QR tickets issued by Irish
Rail who arrive at gated Translink stations?
-Are they required to seek staff assistance, and is this assistance
reliably available?
5. Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs)
-When will it be possible to purchase cross-border rail tickets (e.g., to
Dundalk, Drogheda, or Dublin) at Translink Ticket Vending Machines, given
that these destinations are already listed in some TVM interfaces?
-If this functionality is currently limited, please provide a list of
stations where cross-border tickets can be purchased at TVMs.
Please be advised, the FOIA allows us up to 20 working days (excluding any
UK statutory holidays) to process a valid request for information. We may,
however, need to contact you if we require any clarifications on your
request. If no clarifications are required, you should expect to receive a
response on or before 29 May 2025.
Yours sincerely
Information Governance Team
Legal & Governance Department
22 Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7LX
[1]Website | [2]X/Twitter | [3]LinkedIn
A close-up of a logo Description automatically generated with medium
confidence
Dear Mr Rooney
Freedom of Information Act 2000 (Our Reference: 0087/2025/FOI)
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request of 30 April 2025. Your
requests and our responses are noted below.
Requests
1. NI Railways Milepost Documentation
Please provide:
A full list, table, or dataset of mileposts or chainages used on all
active NI Railways routes, including branch lines.
Any supporting maps, GIS datasets, or schematic diagrams used internally
to define distances between stations.
The designated starting point ("zero-mile post") used for each main line
or route.
Please see document at this link: [1]xls icon Response to Q1 - Mileposts
- 0087-2025-FOI - Rooney.xls
Please be aware that you will have access to this link for 14 days from
the date of this response, after which, any further access will be
switched off permanently.
2. Fare Structure and Calculation
a) Domestic Journeys (Within Northern Ireland) What model is used to
calculate fares for journeys within Northern Ireland (e.g.,
Derry~Londonderry to Belfast, Adelaide to Portadown)?
Are fares based on distance, zonal boundaries, stage-based bands, or
another system?
Please provide fare tables or internal policy documentation used to
determine these prices.
NI Railways operates on a fare stages model that is aligned with mileage.
There are also zonal boundaries in place across the network to promote
integration across bus and rail. This is offered through Translink’s
iLink integrated smartcard.
Translink’s fares policy is devised in the context of the Transport acts
(Northern Ireland) 1967 and 2011. Fares (levels and structures) on
Translink services are set to deliver the primary objective of
commerciality while balancing the objective of delivering ‘social need’ as
defined by Government policy and ensuring that public transport remains an
attractive and affordable proposition.
b) Cross-Border Journeys (e.g., Derry~Londonderry to Dundalk) -How are
fares for cross-border journeys set, particularly when booked via the
Translink website?
-What role does Translink play in setting or processing these fares
compared to Iarnród Éireann?
Various factors are taken into consideration when setting fares for the
Enterprise cross border service, not least the local fares offered by both
rail companies and the received levels of government funding support.
Translink have standard internal fares and offer online promotional fares
that are subject to availability and limited numbers.
-Are cross-border fares subsidised or capped under Irish Government or
all-island transport cooperation agreements?
In the Republic of Ireland, the Irish government subsidises fares to a
higher level and have discounted public transport fares by 20% across the
board.
-What agreements exist regarding fare calculation, revenue sharing, or
price regulation for routes such as Derry~Londonderry to Dundalk or
Portadown to Drogheda?
There is a revenue sharing agreement in place between Translink and Irish
Rail for cross-border fares.
3. Fare Discrepancies, Passenger Flexibility, and Ticketing Technology
a) Fare Discrepancies and Subsidy Clarification -Please explain why a
through ticket from Derry~Londonderry to Dundalk (£12) is significantly
cheaper than a ticket from Derry to Belfast/Grand Central (£15.50),
despite both services using the same train for the majority of the route.
The quoted Derry~Londonderry to Dundalk fare is a single ‘Low’ fare
available online only and is subject to availability. Translink’s online
fares structure for the Enterprise differs from station fares. The fare
from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry is an internal journey which operates on
a different fares structure as mentioned above. Translink introduced a
new online fares structure in October 2024 for the Enterprise service
which is more closely aligned with Irish Rail’s web fares structure.
-Are cross-border fares subject to special fare capping or subsidy
policies that do not apply to internal NI journeys?
Translink and Irish Rail are subsidised in different ways and to different
levels. In the Republic of Ireland, the Irish government subsidises fares
to a higher level and have discounted public transport fares by 20% across
the board.
b) Alighting at Intermediate Stations (Break of Journey) Can passengers
holding cross-border tickets (e.g., Derry~Londonderry to Dundalk) legally
alight early at intermediate stations? Please clarify in the following
contexts:
-At gated stations (e.g., Belfast Grand Central) where barriers are in
use.
-At ungated stations (e.g., City Hospital) with open access.
-Does Translink officially permit or restrict "break of journey" usage of
cross-border tickets?
Translink offers a wide range of ticketing solutions for travel including
point to point tickets and zonal tickets. Customers travelling point to
point, ie. from one specific station to another can avail of point to
point tickets and customers who would like to disembark and reboard at
intermediate stations would be best placed with zonal ticketing options.
Where the fare from any station to an intermediate station exceeds the
fare to a more distant station, a person shall not for the purpose of
travelling to such intermediate station, take, use or attempt to use a
ticket for the more distant station with intent to avoid payment of the
additional fare to such intermediate station.
4. Ticket Barrier Compatibility and Cross-Border Digital Integration
a) QR Code Incompatibility
-Why do Iarnród Éireann-issued QR code tickets not currently function at
Translink ticket barriers, including major stations like Lanyon Place and
Grand Central?
There are two separate ticketing systems in place. The Translink
ticketing system is designed to support Ulsterbus, Metro, Glider and NI
Railways. Iarnród Éireann-issued QR code tickets are a different
format/standard to Translink-issued QR Code tickets. Iarnród Éireann also
have a different ticketing device hardware supplier to Translink (i.e.
different models of Electronic Gate and different models of integrated
barcode reader on Iarnród Éireann and Translink’s gatelines).
b) Planned Software Integration
-Will Translink's barrier systems be updated to accept Irish Rail QR code
tickets in future.
-Is there a timeline or agreement in place for full digital ticketing
system integration between Irish Rail and Translink?
Translink is currently in detailed discussions with Iarnród Éireann in
relation to how we introduce new functionality to accept each other’s QR
Code tickets, not only on Iarnród Éireann/Translink Gate devices, but also
on Iarnród Éireann/Translink Handheld ticketing devices (which conductor’s
use on-trains). However, this will be a complex software integration
which will take time (and cost), with the assistance of both of our
Ticketing System Suppliers, to specify, develop, thoroughly test and
implement before this can be introduced for customers.
There is no current timeline for acceptance of Iarnród Éireann-issued QR
code tickets on Translink ticketing devices (and vice versa). This will
be a complex project.
c) Cross-Border Ticketing via the mLink App -Will passengers be able to
purchase and store cross-border tickets (e.g., to Dundalk, Drogheda, or
Dublin) using the mLink mobile app in the future?
-If so, when is this functionality expected to become available, and will
the tickets support QR/barcode access for use at automated gates?
Cross border rail tickets are not currently available to purchase via
Translink's mLink mobile ticketing app. The reason for this is that we
need to manage customer demand (with a limited number of seats) on busy
Enterprise journeys via our online ticket sales systems (Translink
website). mLink is not currently integrated with our (and Irish Rail’s)
online sales systems (which manage capacity for each Enterprise journey)
so our key concern would be that customers could buy a ticket via mLink
only to subsequently find that the train they want to travel on is full.
Translink is investigating the possibility of fulfilling cross border
tickets purchased via the Translink website to the mLink app so customers
can access their tickets there if they already have a mLink account.
d) Manual Exit Process at Gated Stations -What is the current procedure
for cross-border passengers holding paper or QR tickets issued by Irish
Rail who arrive at gated Translink stations?
-Are they required to seek staff assistance, and is this assistance
reliably available?
Current procedure is that our Ticket Barrier staff at Grand Central
Station will advise customers to go to the Wide-Access Gates (on either
side of the Gateline Booth). Irish Rail customers’ tickets will be
visually checked for validity by our staff at these Wide-Access Gates and,
assuming the customer’s ticket is valid, they will be allowed to pass
through the Gate without any need to scan the ticket (as the Gate is in
freeflow mode whereby it will open automatically when anyone enters the
Gate). Ticket Barrier staff position themselves close to these Wide
Access Gates in order to assist these customers.
5. Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs)
-When will it be possible to purchase cross-border rail tickets (e.g., to
Dundalk, Drogheda, or Dublin) at Translink Ticket Vending Machines, given
that these destinations are already listed in some TVM interfaces?
-If this functionality is currently limited, please provide a list of
stations where cross-border tickets can be purchased at TVMs.
Cross border rail tickets are not currently available to purchase from
Translink Ticketing Vending Machines. The reason for this is that we need
to manage customer demand (with a limited number of seats) on busy
Enterprise journeys via our online ticket sales systems (Translink
website). Our Ticket Vending Machines are not currently integrated with
our (and Irish Rail’s) online sales systems (which manage capacity for
each Enterprise journey) so our key concern would be that customers could
buy a number of tickets from Ticket Vending Machines only to subsequently
find that the train they want to travel on is full.
The cross-border destinations are currently visible on Translink Ticket
Vending Machines because customers can currently buy online (via the
Translink website) and collect their cross-border ticket from a TVM (which
many customers do).
Review Procedure
If you are not satisfied with this response, you may request a review by
writing to the Translink General Counsel and Company Secretary, who has
overall responsibility for Freedom of Information and Data Protection
issues within this organisation. Correspondence should be addressed to the
above-mentioned at:
Translink, 22 Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7LX or by email to
[2][NITHCo / Translink request email].
If you want us to carry out a review, please let us know within 40 working
days from the date of our response to you.
If having exhausted the review process you are not content that your
request or review has been dealt with correctly, you have a further right
of appeal to the Information Commissioner who will make an independent
judgement. The address of the Information Commissioner’s Office for
Northern Ireland is:
10th floor, Causeway Tower, 9 James Street South, Belfast, BT2 8DN.
Yours sincerely
Information Governance Team
Legal & Governance Department
22 Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7LX
[3]Website | [4]X/Twitter | [5]LinkedIn
A close-up of a logo Description automatically generated with medium
confidence
Dear Mr Rooney
Thank you for your email below.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused by the link not working.
This is because the email address to which the link was sent, is generated
by the website ‘whatdotheyknow.com’ and not a personal email address.
If you are happy to provide a personal email address, we can send the link
to it where it should work for you without any issues.
Alternatively, we can provide the data to you on an encrypted pen drive
which will attract a cost of £10 to cover the purchase of the pen drive.
Please advise how you would like to proceed.
Kind regards
Information Governance Team
Legal & Governance Department
22 Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7LX
[1]Website | [2]X/Twitter | [3]LinkedIn
A close-up of a logo Description automatically generated with medium
confidence
Reminder: Confirm your need for
access.
[1]Translink
[2]Informational Azure Active Directory is now Microsoft Entra ID.
[3]Learn More.
Please review Guest Users Access Review 2024 in Translink:
Please review by Tuesday, 10 June 2025 to confirm your continued need for
access.
[4]Learn more about reviewing your access.
[5]Review access >
Want to try our new experience (preview)? Click Here
[6]Privacy Statement
Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052
Facilitated by
[7]Microsoft
References
Visible links
3. https://aka.ms/EntraID
4. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/a...
5. https://myaccess.microsoft.com/translink...
6. https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=...
Reminder: Confirm your need for
access.
[1]Translink
[2]Informational Azure Active Directory is now Microsoft Entra ID.
[3]Learn More.
Please review Guest Users Access Review 2024 in Translink:
Please review by Tuesday, 10 June 2025 to confirm your continued need for
access.
[4]Learn more about reviewing your access.
[5]Review access >
Want to try our new experience (preview)? Click Here
[6]Privacy Statement
Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052
Facilitated by
[7]Microsoft
References
Visible links
3. https://aka.ms/EntraID
4. http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=8...
5. https://myaccess.microsoft.com/translink...
6. https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=...
Reminder: Confirm your need for
access.
[1]Translink
[2]Informational Azure Active Directory is now Microsoft Entra ID.
[3]Learn More.
Please review Guest Users Access Review 2024 in Translink:
Please review by Thursday, 10 July 2025 to confirm your continued need
for access.
[4]Learn more about reviewing your access.
[5]Review access >
Want to try our new experience (preview)? Click Here
[6]Privacy Statement
Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052
Facilitated by
[7]Microsoft
References
Visible links
3. https://aka.ms/EntraID
4. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/azure/a...
5. https://myaccess.microsoft.com/translink...
6. https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=...
Reminder: Confirm your need for
access.
[1]Translink
[2]Informational Azure Active Directory is now Microsoft Entra ID.
[3]Learn More.
Please review Guest Users Access Review 2024 in Translink:
Please review by Thursday, 10 July 2025 to confirm your continued need
for access.
[4]Learn more about reviewing your access.
[5]Review access >
Want to try our new experience (preview)? Click Here
[6]Privacy Statement
Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052
Facilitated by
[7]Microsoft
References
Visible links
3. https://aka.ms/EntraID
4. http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=8...
5. https://myaccess.microsoft.com/translink...
6. https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=...
We work to defend the right to FOI for everyone
Help us protect your right to hold public authorities to account. Donate and support our work.
Donate Now