25 May 2007

Dear Colleagues,

This week we invited the Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy and the Minister for Education Caitríona Ruane to a special preview of the first of 110 new buses which are due to join our fleet later this year.

The launch, which was hosted by Assumption Grammar School in Ballynahinch, was very fitting as we are delighted to be taking receipt of such prestigious vehicles which will offer an even further enhanced level of safety and comfort to passengers.

The new buses will help end the ‘3 for 2’ seat-sharing and eliminate pupil standing by April 2009 on our dedicated school bus services. They will also be fitted with seat belts, are fully accessible and are high capacity with 66 seats or 62 seats plus one wheelchair.

Safety is always our company’s top priority; we currently provide transport for 60,000 pupils travelling to school every day. This launch has marked an important development of our integrated school bus model, which is renowned throughout the UK for its effectiveness in delivering excellent school services within an integrated network of other socially necessary and rural services.

We look forward to introducing this important investment, which will benefit our younger generations transport needs, as part of our fleet across Northern Ireland.

Finally, another significant investment, Strabane Buscentre, was officially opened this week - congratulations to all involved, we are now providing passengers in the town with a modern and fully accessible facility. Many thanks to John Murphy, David Spence and all the staff at Strabane, for making our guests very welcome. I was pleased to note that the new facility has been well used and maintained to a high standard.

Philip O'Neill

Acting Chief Executive

Safety is always our company’s top priority; we currently provide transport for 60,000 pupils travelling to school every
day.