14 November 2008

Dear Colleagues

It was with great sadness that I learnt of the tragic accident involving one of our Metro buses in Belfast city centre on Tuesday evening in which 16 year old Ciara Park sadly lost her life.
 
Our first thoughts are with the family and friends of Ciara and on behalf of you all I would extend sincere condolences to them. I know Ciara’s death made many of us pause for reflection and think of our own families.
 
An accident like this is also very difficult for our colleague driving the bus. Our thoughts and concerns are with him and his family. We are of course giving all the support we can at this time.
 
There was extensive coverage in the media of this incident and it is a matter for the police to investigate. Even though media coverage extended to more general issues we decided it would not be appropriate for us to comment at length as we thought it would be insensitive to and intrusive on the family.  
 
Our customers and the public should know as I do that safety is paramount in all our daily jobs and there is a strong awareness of our own responsibilities in terms of safety among all colleagues.

Catherine Mason,

Group Chief Executive