We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued patronage on NIRailways services. As a valued customer, we aim to keep you up-to-date with this quarterly newsletter specific to your line. We will up-date you on our latest reliability and punctuality figures and provide you with news about the local rail network and items of interest from your area. We are delighted to let you know that passenger journey growth continues on the Bangor line with 2,064,232 journeys recorded for 2007/8. This equates to an increase of 5.49% on last year.
Our passenger’s charter sets out clear targets for punctuality and reliability for services on the Bangor line. 95% of all trains will arrive within 5 minutes and 99.2% of all trains will operate as planned. These targets have been set in agreement with the Consumer Council (NI).
Gerard McAtarsney, Route Manager, Bangor line
* Passenger’s Charter statistics exclude delays to services outside of NI Railways control, for example security alerts and vandalism. A total of 511 services were disrupted as a result of “uncontrollable” incidents occurring on the Bangor line between 1/10/07 – 30/3/08
New Trains Consultation
It’s not too late to have your say on the acquisition of our new trains due to arrive in 2011. Following the announcement of funding from the NI Assembly to purchase 20 new trains, NIRailways are asking the public what they want to see in the new trains. Public consultation is underway and we are keen to hear back from regular train users on their preferences and suggestions. The new trains will help increase capacity and will replace the older trains currently used on the Larne line. Passenger numbers have grown by 40% since 2002 and further investment will mean continued growth and fewer cars on the roads. Closing date is 16 May.
Infrastructure Projects
The track life extension project on the Derry line between Ballymena and Coleraine, provided for under the recently agreed NI Executive budget, moved a step closer recently when Translink took delivery of 1,500 tonnes of new rail. This will be used to complete the works which are planned to get underway in late 2008, following a competitive tendering process. The work involves the removal of the track joints between Ballymena and Coleraine as well as the replacement of 5 miles of track between Ballymena and Ballymoney. The Wet-Bed Rectification project between Ballymena and Coleraine also continues – repairing areas of weakness in the stone ballast supporting the track and is due for completion by late Summer 2008.
The Disability Discrimination Act Work at stations and halts is now complete on the Bangor line (with the exception of Helen’s Bay), whilst the Portadown line has a couple of stations remaining. Work is progressing on the Larne and Londonderry lines which will result in new lighting, surfaces, shelters, signage and in some cases, new ramps for those with mobility issues. Whilst the improvements mean greater access for disabled customers, the enhancements will benefit all our passengers. Unfortunately however, there has already been extensive vandalism to the new shelters in particular. This not only ruins facilities for other passengers but is also expensive and time-consuming for Translink to maintain. We would ask local people and communities to be vigilant and help us to provide a safe and pleasant environment for all.
Positive Close to 2007/08
Final Passenger Journey figures for 2007/8 are extremely positive for NIRailways showing overall journeys at 9.5 million. The Portadown line has achieved 3 million journeys for the first time, which equates to more than 20% growth since the previous year and the Bangor line has reached 2 million passenger journeys for the first time. The Larne line has also almost reached 2 million passenger journeys with over 10% increase since 2006/7. The Londonderry line also boasts very healthy growth of over 15% in the last year. Furthermore the 2 independent monitoring surveys on customer satisfaction levels for NIRailways in 2007 achieved the best results since monitoring began in 1994.
A new NIRailways brand campaign was launched in March 2008 with a new strap-line, “A Better Way to Get There” replacing “Getting There is Getting Better”. This portrays a more confident message in light of the growing passenger numbers, improved service and frequency of journeys, positive punctuality and reliability results and the best monitoring results since 1994.
Emmerdale Extravaganza
ITV’s Emmerdale Farm fans will be excited to hear that the cast will be taking part in a huge fundraising event at The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum on Saturday 7 June. Translink are delighted to sponsor the “Emmerdale Extravaganza” aimed at raising money for The Anthony Nolan Trust, “Taking back lives from Leukaemia”. This unique event brings the public together with celebrities from the popular television soap opera for the largest extravaganza of its kind. Family events include, 10K Run, Bike Ride, Go Loopy Aircraft Challenge, Treasure Hunt, Football and Golf. We are encouraging event goers to use public transport by arriving into Cultra by train or by bus from Laganside Bus Centre.
Additional rail services will operate between Belfast Central – Cultra – Bangor from 0835hrs – 1255hrs and from 1500hrs and 1930hrs. Trains will depart Belfast Central at 05,15, 35, and 45 minutes past the hour, during the specified times. Further information and sponsorship forms are available from www.translink.co.uk/emmerdaleextravaganza.
Save Time, Buy Online!
Avoid the queues at stations and pre-purchase your weekly and monthly tickets online. Monthly tickets are available for purchase between the 20th and 1st of each calendar month at www.translink.co.uk.
We welcome any comments and suggestions you may have on improving our service. You may contact us in person, by phone, in writing or by e-mail. If you are not happy about any part of our service, we would like to know about it. Contact: NIRailways Customer Services: 028 9089 9400 or email feedback@translink.co.uk.
Timetables made easy: Call 028 90 66 66 30
or click www.translink.co.uk Textphone: 028 9038 7505
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