5 April 2001
Heralded as the first of the `next wave’ of public transport facilities, the new Bangor Bus and Rail Centre received the official seal of approval today from Gregory Campbell, MLA, who performed the opening ceremony and unveiled the commemorative plaque.
Speaking at the high-profile event, which was attended by a large number of local and visiting dignitaries, Dr Joan Smyth CBE, Chairman of NITHC and a Bangor resident, told the gathering how it gave her a great deal of pleasure to welcome them to the opening of Northern Ireland’s first purpose-built integrated bus and rail interchange.
"The opening of the Bangor Bus and Rail Centre marks of a new era in public transport for Northern Ireland and for Bangor. Though Bangor has enjoyed over a hundred years of bus and rail services, this 21st-century facility will now provide modern and comprehensive amenities to all who use it."
Ted Hesketh, Managing Director of Translink also addressed the gathering and said, "This travel centre, which ranks among the best in Europe, represents the quality which will attract more and more people to public transport. It is continuing proof of NITHC's and Translink’s determination to provide their passengers with the best possible facilities and of their commitment to the environment, by making the changeover from private car to public transport as easy and pleasurable as possible."
Mr Hesketh also referred to further developments, both completed and planned, which have and will benefit public transport users throughout Northern Ireland.
Guests at the opening ceremony included the Mayor of Bangor, Councillor Alan Chambers; the Chief Executive of North Down Borough Council, Mr Trevor Polley; Town Centre Manager, Mr Stephen Dunlop; President of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr Evan Ward; MP for North Down, Mr Robert Mc Cartney; North Down MLAs and Councillors; MEPs; Permanent Secretary at the Department of Regional Development, Mr Ronnie Spence and representatives of the Northern Ireland Assembly’s Regional Development Committee; of the DRD Roads Service; the RUC; the General Consumer Council; North Down User Group and trades unions.
Damian Bannon, Translink’s newly-appointed District Manager for Bangor, said, "Now that we have a first-class travel facility in Bangor Bus & Rail Centre myself and my staff aim to provide a first-class service to all our passengers. We welcome any comments or suggestions which they would care to make."
For further information please contact:
Leanne O'Malley, Public Relations Officer, Translink
Tel: (028) 9089 9455
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