Better Rail Services - Corporate Plan - About us - Translink
6. Better Rail Services - 2008/09 Action Plan
6.1 NI RAILWAYS
Translink is committed to delivering a rail service which is recognised as the best in the UK and Ireland with continuing growth in passenger numbers. New rolling stock introduced during 2005/06 and the upgrade of all aspects of the service, including a fresh brand positioning, timetable development, passenger information, advertising, customer service delivery and station improvements are delivering significant growth in usage and enhanced passenger satisfaction. During 2008/09 this progress and growth will be consolidated through:
- Completion of a fleet reliability plan (C3K trains)
- Commissioning a driving van trailer for Mark II push / pull train
- Commissioning 3 refurbished Class 80 / 4 car units
- Implement CIS / LLPA upgrade at Jordanstown, Great Victoria Street, City Hospital, Botanic and Central Station
6.2 NEW TRAINS TWO
The Budget for NI 2008/09 - 2010/11 provides for the purchase of an additional 20 trains to replace 13 trains currently used primarily on the Belfast - Larne commuter line. This would deliver a significant growth in capacity and permit frequency enhancements on all lines. During 2008/09:
- Invitation to tender documents will be issued
- Tender evaluation and recommendations will be completed
- A contract will be awarded
- Associated projects (train care facility / platform extensions) will commence
6.3 INFRASTRUCTURE AND PROPERTY PROJECTS
The Budget for NI 2008/09 - 2010/11 includes the following major infrastructure / property projects:
- Ballymena – Coleraine partial relay / removal of ‘wet spots’ (line closed for work)
- Knockmore – Lurgan track renewal / line speed recovery work to commence
- Completion of appraisal to relay and upgrade the rail line between Coleraine and Derry and associated design specifications.
- Construction of Newry Railway Station and associated Park and Ride
- A programme of infrastructure work is ongoing at stations and halts across the network, including new shelters, signage, improved lighting, additional seating, bins, improvements to disabled access, including re-grading of ramps and provision of lifts in line with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act; this programme will be completed during 2008/09.
In addition, an investment priority matrix is used to schedule the ongoing programme of maintenance of permanent way, signalling, bridges, embankments and sea defences and the continued upgrade programme for accommodation crossings to reduce usage risk.
6.4 ENTERPRISE
Passenger numbers traveling from Belfast to Dublin have increased due to an ongoing online yield management programme, aggressive marketing and the upgrading of the on-board (catering) offering.
In the longer term Translink is working with Irish Rail to develop a business case for an hourly service.
6.5 SAFETY
Actions from the current safety plan to be delivered during 2008/09 – 2010/11 are outlined in section 9. Translink’s approach to safety strategy and its priorities and action plans to deliver the Group safety objective are outlined in a separate document ‘Translink Safety Strategy 2007/08 – 2010/11’ available on translink.co.uk.
6.5 KEY ISSUE
Budget for NI 2008/09 - 2010/11
- “The latest draft Investment Strategy currently being considered by the Executive includes provision for the complete relay of the line between Coleraine and Derry commencing in 2011. This is a major project which, in addition to a new line, also involves provision of new signalling and a passing loop. Total costs are estimated to amount to around £64m. As with any capital scheme of this size it is critical that the project is properly planned, specified and procured. This takes time to do and that is why it is not possible to commence the scheme any earlier than 2011.” (Minister for Regional Development, 21st November 2007)
- The budget proposes that a reducing proportion of the NI Railways income is derived from the public service obligation (PSO) support from government, at a time when service levels are planned to increase significantly. This must mean that, despite increased efficiency and cost reductions where they do not adversely impact on service quality, passengers will bear a rising proportion of the costs of operations through above inflation fares revisions.
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