Angela Gleeson, Dublin (formerly of Carrick-On-Suir) was presented with a Family Day Return trip to Dublin as one of the first passengers to board the new Intercity Railcar at Plunkett Station, departing Waterford for the first time, pictured accepting her voucher from District Manager Emmet Cotter. | Photo: Photozone

The first new Intercity Railcar arrived in Waterford from Dublin for the first time on Thursday last.

The first passengers to board the 930 Waterford-bound train at Heuston on Thursday morning were impressed by the sleek new livery and the myriad of onboard features.

The new trains are set to transform quality, comfort and frequency on the Waterford route.

Initially operating Monday to Friday on the 9.30am Dublin to Waterford and 1.15 Waterford to Dublin afternoon service, the rest of the fleet will be rolled out on the line throughout the autumn.

The 183-carriage Intercity railcar order will see frequency improvements across all routes.

The fleet was ordered from Mitsui of Japan, in partnership with Rotem of the Republic of Korea (where the fleet was constructed) and Tokyu Car Corporation of Japan.

Together with a previous order of 67 carriages now operating hourly services on the Cork-Dublin route, the new fleet has transformed Ireland’s Intercity rail fleet from the oldest in the European Union to the newest.