Translink Press Release: Translink Moves Public Transport into Top Gear - Translink
28 January 2003
Today Translink announced details of a massive £22.6 million investment in 190 new buses, representing a significant boost for the travelling public.
The range of buses ordered are state of the art in terms of passenger comfort, quality and driver safety with features like the latest digital CCTV, and representing a major step in the development of a modern and safe public transport system.
Ted Hesketh, Translink’s Managing Director said,” We are extremely pleased to announce details of this major order for the bus fleet of Northern Ireland. Quality buses are an essential part of any journey and Quality buses are an essential part of any journey and the introduction of these new modern buses demonstrates our commitment towards delivering a quality public transport system for everyone.”
He added “The support and vision of the Minister for Regional Development along with the funding from the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation has been key in enabling us to make this investment, and credit is due to all those concerned”.
John McKinney, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes body which is the Managing Authority for Peace II said, “The monies provided by Peace II for Public Transport will go some way to continuing the provision of a reliable and punctual service to everyone. It will ensure that no individual or community is excluded from full participation in our society”.
All new buses ordered will comply with the very latest Disability Discrimination Act standards. This not only benefits passengers with disabilities including wheelchair users, but is also a major benefit to mothers with babies and young children.
As a result of the successful re-introduction of the Low Floor Double Decker buses which have been highly acclaimed by passengersbuses, which have been highly acclaimed by passengers, a further 25 will be purchased. The Double Decker bodies will be assembled in local company Alexanders of Mallusk using chassis supplied by Volvo.
In addition 80 Single Decker Low Floor Buses will be shared between Citybus (now Metro) and Ulsterbus to replace the remaining old Bristols and many of the ageing Leopards. The bodies of these buses will be assembled in local company Wrights of Ballymena using chassis supplied by Scania.
There are 35 new Low Floor Minibuses on order from Optare, and these will replace the current minibuses operating in the Ulsterbus fleet.
Finally, 50 Interurban Coaches will replace the older Goldliners and see use on scheduled services. These will be built to a very high standard of passenger comfort by Spanish Company Irizar using chassis supplied by Scania.
Each selected supplier has been involved in the manufacture of vehicles for Translink’s other recent orders, ensuring that the parts will be familiar to Translink’s engineering staff.
Translink has committed funding for the period 2003/2004 to this order. Mr Hesketh explained that this move ensured that the public received best value.
“By placing orders that account for two years’ funding at once, we have been able to achieve greater efficiency, and maximise our spending power. The investment also includes additional resources secured from the Northern Ireland Assembly ‘Reform and Reinvestment Initiative’ and the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company”.
Delivery of the new buses will begin in March this year and will be phased in over a twelve-month period.
-ENDS-
Issued by: Sarah Stanczyk
Public Relations Officer
Tel: 028 9089 9455
Mob: 07711205436
Fax: 028 9089 9452
Email:sarah.stanczyk@translink.co.uk
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