Newtownards Area Ulsterbus Strategic Review - Ulsterbus - Translink
Newtownards Area Ulsterbus Strategic Review 2007
(Changes effective from 3rd September 2007)
WHAT IS THE ULSTERBUS STRATEGIC REVIEW?
AIM
The Ulsterbus Strategic Review is a major project which covers all the operational and delivery functions of Ulsterbus. The aim is to:
- Transform the effectiveness, efficiency and integration of Ulsterbus services
- Review and redesign the network
- Serve key market segments and aspirations of customers, stakeholders and public policy
THE ULSTERBUS STRATEGIC REVIEW PROVIDED THE DATA REQUIRED TO:
- Develop plans for sustainable growth in passenger numbers in line with the Regional Transportation Strategy
- Redesign the Ulsterbus network to provide more attractive core services
- Plan changes that will maximise the use of all resources
KEY PROJECT DRIVERS
- Need for simplification
- Need for business growth
- Need to improve commercial performance
- Changes to public policy
- Need for modernisation of networks
KEY GOALS
- Modernise the route network
- Develop route networks on more commercial lines to deliver better services
- Generate growth in demand
- Secure funding for socially necessary, non-commercial support services
- Maximise opportunities provided by new flexible working agreement
- Invest in fleet and infrastructure, in accordance with network development objectives
- Establish ‘Quality Partnership’ with external agencies (eg Roads Service, local councils)
- Implement appropriate integrated ticketing, fares, timetabling and marketing policies in accordance with network developments
Key Benefits of the Improved Services in Your Local Area.
NEWTOWNARDS TOWN SERVICES
- Standardised modern route network designed to meet customer needs.
- Improved simplified timetabling.
- Service 307A to Stratheden every hour throughout the day with additional services at peak times.
- Service 307B to Ringhaddy & Bowtown: Most services depart at half hourly intervals Mon – Fri and hourly on Saturday.
- Service 307C to Beverley & Glen Estate: Hourly clockface service throughout the day with half hourly services at morning peak times
- Service 5D / 307D: New enhanced Town Service to West Winds Estate.
- Service 307E: 7 return services Mon – Fri
- Service 307F: 2 return services Mon – Fri
- Service 307N: Hourly service to/from Ards Shopping Centre:
- To Glen Estate from 1830
- To Bowtown from 1900
- Accessible low floor buses on most town services
- Extension of the Day Ticket to include cross town travel onto Ards Shopping Centre
- Promotional fare of £1.70
- Improved bus waiting facilities planned for Gibson’s Lane
- Smartlink promotion – free cards (initial £1.50 charge waived) until 31st October 2007
WHAT CHANGES ARE BEING MADE?
A timetable has been agreed for the complete re-organisation of all Ulsterbus services throughout Northern Ireland. This will involve the ‘grouping’ where possible of all services into particular categories, such as:
- Town services
- Inter Urban services
- Key County services
- Rural services
- School services
To date local area reviews have been implemented at Coleraine; Londonderry; Strabane; Limavady; Enniskillen; Omagh; Dungannon; Craigavon; Portadown; Lurgan; Armagh; Newry; Banbridge; Newcastle; Downpatrick; Carryduff.
Changes have been well received by passengers; Coleraine and Foyle areas, Enniskillen Town Services and Strabane Town Services among others are already delivering significant growth. In addition the review provides improved passenger information including simple easy to use timetables and modern new bus stop infrastructure. We are confident that the local area plans are meeting performance and service delivery objectives and improved customer satisfaction.
INTER-URBAN SERVICES
Newtownards – Belfast: 53 services Mon – Fri
Service Numbers: 5, 5A, 5D, 7, 7A, 9, 10, 206
NEW SERVICE
- Service 26C Newtownards to Sprucefield Shopping Complex via Comber, Ballygowan, Saintfield, Temple and Lisburn City Centre
- Three return journeys Monday – Friday
- Passengers can travel on this service to Saintfield and change for onward travel to Downpatrick and Carryduff.
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