16 May 2008

Dear Colleagues,

At times when we are focusing on our own job it is too easy to lose sight of the huge range of activity going on within the Group and just how far we reach into every community in Northern Ireland.  For example, within the Infrastructure Division there are currently 137 ‘live’ projects!
 
These include:

• major track renewals / track life extension work between Ballymena and Coleraine where initial works have started on site


• the renewal of track between Knockmore and Lurgan which is at feasibility stage and from Coleraine to Londonderry, at project identification stage


• work on the sea defences along the rail lines to Larne and Londonderry – some work is on site and some is still being appraised


• construction of a bridge at ‘McWhirter’s’ user worked crossing; currently on site


• construction of a new bus centre at Lisburn; this will open very soon


• construction of a new rail station at Newry; started on site


• ongoing work at rail halts across the network to make them more comfortable and accessible.  This includes ramps, shelters, seating, lighting and signage.  This work is well progressed with improvements finished on about half the network


• the development of Park & Ride facilities at many locations on the bus and rail networks


• adjustments to canopies and kerbs at Ulsterbus depots to allow the use of double deck buses and coaches; at feasibility stage


• and modifications to pits at bus engineering workshops to facilitate easier working on low floor vehicles, this is also at feasibility stage

Each project needs to go through many stages from the beginning to the end – conception, feasibility / appraisal, design, procurement, construction and handover. As they progress through the stages they are monitored carefully to ensure that they are running on time and very importantly that they offer good value for money and are on budget.

This programme of work is an indication of the improvements we continue to make to the services we provide and all adds up to more reasons why more people will choose to travel with us.

Catherine Mason,

Group Chief Executive