New era in NI rail travel
Translink introduces new Central Corridor Service
21 June 2005
Passengers across Northern Ireland are set to benefit from an improved rail service which will see significant improvements and enhancements initially on the Central Corridor running from Bangor, via Belfast to Portadown
Fully serviced by new trains, frequency and speed of journey are two of the key features of this important development which is part of Translink’s ‘new rail service’ initiative, aiming to enhance all aspects of rail travel with patronage growth at its core.
The Central Corridor will see service frequencies increased particularly during the morning and evening peaks providing increased capacity of up to 50 %. In addition there is an improved weekend services. With the added benefit of a simple customer-friendly ‘clock face’ timetable, passengers can now enjoy express journey times from Belfast to Lisburn in ten minutes, to Bangor in seventeen and to Portadown in thirty-three minutes.
Speaking today (21 June) at the launch of the new rail service, Translink’s Chairman, Dr Joan Smyth, CBE described it as the most significant and exciting period in the history of NI Railways.
“The new rail service represents yet another key milestone in the revitalization of rail travel. It also marks the start of the step change in N I Railways services which will ultimately bring enormous benefits to passengers across Northern Ireland, greatly improving levels of reliability and comfort, and indeed the perception of rail travel as a modern, convenient means of transport.
“From the end of July 2005 all twenty-three new C3K trains will have been delivered and will be available for passenger service across the network.
Although a major triumph for Translink, the new trains represent just one part of the overall project to deliver a brand new rail service.
She also paid tribute to local representatives and thanked them for their on going support.
“Today’s launch marks the culmination of sustained effort over a long period of time and demonstrates what can be achieved by working in partnership with government. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and commend all those involved for their hard work and commitment in bringing the new rail service to fruition. I am confident that you will continue to build on these improvements to offer the best possible Public Transport service for the people of Northern Ireland.” Dr Smyth concluded
Speaking at the launch, the Permanent Secretary for the Department for Regional Development, Mr Stephen Quinn, said the launch of the New Rail Service Corridor is an illustration of Government’s continuing commitment to improving public transport in Northern Ireland.
“The Department has been pleased to provide our Translink partners with the finance for a number of very significant public transport investments in recent years. These investments include over £80m for the 23 new trains, £11m for the new train cleaning facility and £25m for the relay of the Bleach Green to Whitehead track. Some £23m has also been made available to Translink for 190 new buses, with about £48m allocated for a further 350 buses.
The Department’s capital Budget for bus and rail in the next three years is over £210m. And, as well as this, over £190m has also been allocated for revenue support to Public Service Obligation for Northern Ireland Railways, concessionary fares for both bus and rail, Fuel Duty Rebate and for other non-capital public transport schemes,” he added.
Chief Executive Keith Moffatt added that Translink was committed to replicating the service improvements of the Central Corridor across its rail network.
“Our aim is to use the Central Corridor between Portadown and Bangor as a
showcase service which will act as a benchmark for all future development.
“With the help of continued funding and investment we hope to upgrade our Londonderry and Larne Lines in line with the Central Corridor. Thanks to Government funding we will also be able to address many of the infrastructure and track renewal issues to provide even greater long-term benefits for passengers.
“A number of projects are being undertaken which are aimed at transforming our rail service and attracting new passengers. These have included the construction of a purpose-built train cleaning facility which is due to be completed later this Summer, the commencement of a network-wide station upgrade programme to improve accessibility, shelters, station furniture and signage, the introduction of industry leading new service policies and the extensive refurbishment and repainting of the 450 class trains in the new silver and blue livery.
“Most importantly, we recognise the value of our staff and the important role they have to play in delivering customer service. To this end we have implemented an innovative corporate culture programme aimed at providing greater focus on customer service and delivery of operations.
“By enhancing passengers’ travel experience; we are confident that the new service will clearly demonstrate return on recent railway investments, making the case for continued investment and network improvements.”
“Our progress in delivering a new rail service for Northern Ireland is in keeping with the vision outlined in the Regional Transportation Strategy which sets out targets to deliver a 60% increase in rail passengers by 2012 and is potentially one of the most important advances in public transport.
“Government figures predict car usage will increase by 50% over the next ten years. This projected level of car use simply cannot be accommodated without significant increases in traffic congestion, so it is therefore essential that we provide an attractive and feasible alternative.
Mr Moffatt concluded “With this in mind and within the context of the Regional
Transportation Strategy, Translink will continue to strive to provide a growing, integrated, modern and sustainable public transport network.
ENDS
For further information please contact Sarah Stanczyk, Translink Public Relations 028 90 899 455
Notes to Editor
New Rail Timetable - Increases in Capacity:
Morning Peak:
Current Timetable 6th June 2005
Bangor to Belfast Central 9 services 2,000 seats 14 services 2,800 seats
Portadown to Gt Victoria Street 4 services 800 seats 9 services 2,000 seats
Lisburn to Gt Victoria Street 10 services 2,200 seats 13 services 2,800 seats
Evening Peak:
Current Timetable 6th June 2005
Belfast Central to Bangor 9 services 2,000 seats 14 services 2,800 seats
Gt Victoria Street to Portadown 6 services 1,200 seats 8 services 1,800 seats
Gt Victoria Street to Lisburn 8 services 1,600 seats 12 services 2,600 seats
How the timetable has changed:
• 20 New C3K trains have been delivered to date. 16 are currently in service. All 23 will be available for service by the end of July 2005.
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