11 April 2008

Dear Colleagues,

This week the Minister launched a report which recommends the development of a bus based rapid transit network for Belfast (as opposed to a light rail / tram network).  There are proposals for 3 lines into east Belfast, the Titanic Quarter and west Belfast (with possible links to the south of the city to Queens and the City Hospital). You can find details on http://www.drdni.gov.uk/issuesdetails.htm?id=iss30
 
No doubt many of you will be asking what this means for us.
 
This is an initial feasibility report – the next steps will be for the Minister to consult ahead of preparing an economic appraisal. If all went successfully then it would be included in the budget for 2011/12 – 2013/14.

It is good that the Minister is recognising the importance of public transport and is securing investment to support this.  Talking about the bus rapid transit scheme he highlighted the importance of measures to speed buses through traffic and that QBC’s or dedicated bus corridors could precede and complement a rapid transit network.  Clearly we would strongly support this.
 
My comment to the media was; "as Belfast's principal public transport provider we deliver innovative and successful transport for the city.  Since we introduced the new Metro bus network over 5 million more people choose to travel with us each year because the services are getting better.  We will review this report on rapid transit in Belfast and continue to offer our expertise to help deliver the Minister's stated aim of an integrated public transport network."

The report also suggests that the rapid transit system would be constructed by the DRD and its operation then tendered; which Translink could bid for.  Again this is a proposal. Given our expertise and success in delivering innovative public transport solutions for Belfast I am confident we could make a strong case for involvement.  It is all to play for!

Catherine Mason,

Group Chief Executive