Translink Press Release Investment in New Buses
13 December 2004
Translink today (13 December) welcomed the investment of almost £50 million to purchase new buses. The details were announced by Mr Stephen Quinn, Permanent Secretary for the Department for Regional Development at an event held at Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
The announcement comes just weeks after the first of the new C3K trains went into passenger service, and will become Translink’s latest investment in modernising Northern Ireland’s public transport network.
Attending the event, MLA’s, local Mayors, and other key passenger group representatives from across Northern Ireland gathered to view some examples of the standard of buses to be ordered, and hear details of the investment which will see over 300 state of the art buses join the Translink fleet.
Translink Chairman, Dr Joan Smyth CBE remarked, “Today marks the latest milestone in the regeneration and transformation of Northern Ireland’s public transport services. We believe this financial support to be largest single investment for buses in the history of Citybus (now Metro) and Ulsterbus.
“We are indebted to the government once again for having the foresight to allocate such significant investment in public transport.”
Officially welcoming the announcement, Translink Chief Executive, Mr Keith Moffatt said, “We very much welcome today’s funding announcement which will enable us to place an order for over 300 of the most modern and technologically advanced new buses available.”
“Fitted with features like digital CCTV, anti-lock brakes and air-conditioning, these state of the art buses will have a significant impact on the delivery of a modern, safe, high quality public transport system. They will effectively reduce the fleet age and will clearly play a key role in maximising growth in patronage in line with Regional Transportation Strategy targets.
“Perhaps most importantly, this order will allow us to significantly increase the proportion of low-floor buses in the fleet,” Mr Moffatt continued. “This not only benefits passengers with disabilities including wheelchair users, but is also a major benefit to the elderly and mothers with babies and young children.
“We aim to transform the company, in partnership with our staff and passengers, modernising the entire transport network and thereby attracting drivers from their cars. We have begun to strategically review our bus networks to target and deliver growth in line with the Regional Transportation Strategy targets. The review has resulted in a number of changes already implemented, such as the enhancement of the Goldline network. Patronage has since increased significantly and we will continue to build upon this success.
“Further developments are planned for the forthcoming year, such as the introduction of the new Metro network, which is the most significant change for the Belfast Bus network in over 30 years. The review is the first phase of change which uses existing resources to create a ‘virtuous circle’ of growth, and is based upon models in cities such as Edinburgh, Nottingham, Oxford and Brighton. However we need continued government support to deliver our vision.
“Covering both Citybus (now Metro) and Ulsterbus operations, Metro has been designed for ease of use, creating a single simplified network for all customers in Belfast. It has been designed to provide a comprehensive network of services throughout the city made up of 12 key corridor routes, which offer fully accessible, high frequency services throughout the day Monday to Friday, (7am- 6pm) at 5 and 10-minute frequencies and will serve the majority of the Belfast population.
“We consider effective implementation and enforcement of Bus priority measures crucial in the delivery of faster and more frequent services. We also recognise appropriate road management can improve the efficiency of the road network for all users whether, cyclist, car driver or indeed bus user. To this end we are already working with roads service to establish a Quality Bus Corridor programme to compliment the new Metro network. Better bus priorities will enable us to provide faster and more frequent bus services which will in turn attract more passengers.
“Our ticketing plans are also progressing well. Smartlink Cards have already proved popular with Senior Citizens and on Citybus (now Metro) services, and we are currently in the process of introducing a multi-journey card for Ulsterbus. New ticketing plans for Metro are also under development and will be introduced in line with the launch next year. We are currently working on our long term plans to introduce a flexible, convenient ticketing system which offers integrated travel facilities on all bus and rail services.
“These operational changes will be complimented by the investment, and we are positive that our bus passengers will be impressed with the enhanced quality and levels of comfort these new vehicles will offer.
“We also recognise the key role our staff play in the delivery of services, so we have been engaging with them and the trade unions to ensure a smooth transition to implement the forthcoming strategic changes.
He concluded, “These initial changes are only the start of a strategic program which will develop a more attractive bus and rail networks and ultimately growth. Translink is determined to deliver a modern, sustainable, safe transportation system which benefits society, the economy and the environment and which actively contribute to social inclusion and everyone's quality of life”.
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