Public Transport key to successful Christmas trading period
10th December 2007:
Right on the money! Translink has urged all passengers to either use their Smartcard or ensure they have the correct change for their journey. Shopper Rosaleen Martin shows bus driver Emma Steele that she's well prepared
Belfast retailers are anticipating for a bumper trading period this Christmas thanks to a strongly improved retail offering and enhanced public transport network.
With over 20,000 Metro services now operating each week, and a 20% rise in passengers since February 2005, Belfast's bus network is increasingly the option of choice for commuters keen to get in and out of the city with the minimum of fuss.
As retailers across the city count down to Christmas, Belfast City Centre Manager Andrew Irvine has said that "an accessible, well-priced and reliable public transport is key to healthy trading over the Christmas period".
Mr Irvine said: "Our members work hard to promote a great retail mix across the city centre and ensure that Belfast offers the highest standards of customer service, not just in retail, but also across the hospitality sector.
"We want to ensure the best possible consumer choice and customer experience, and a n excellent public transport system plays a key role in this. W e find that a satisfied passenger makes for a happier shopper - so it's reassuring that Translink provides options that give visitors the comfort of knowing that they can get in and out of the city efficiently and cost-effectively."
According to Translink, Goldline services have grown by more than 20% since 2004; NI Railways saw a 34% growth in passenger numbers since 2001/02; and Metro buses are now carrying around 500,000 passengers every week.
And in order to play their part in ensuring Translink delivers the most reliable and punctual services it can, the company is urging all passengers to either use their Smartcard or ensure they have the correct change for their journey.
Translink Central Area Manager, Billy Gilpin, said: "We continue to invest in services. Last year 60 low-floor double-deckers were brought online, which increased hourly capacity by over 1300 additional seats. When people use our services they're actively contributing to a cleaner environment and to a reduction in congestion.
"People like our services and they're voting with their feet. We're bringing more people to the city than ever on transport that's more up-to-date and comfortable than ever. As a result, we're preparing for big increases in passenger volumes when shopping intensifies in the week leading up to Christmas."
Concluding, Mr Irvine said: "The Bank of England's 0.25% interest rate cut has set the right tone going forward and should add a real boost to consumer confidence in the weeks ahead.
"I would like to wish a Happy Christmas to everyone visiting Belfast and also to all those who are contributing to make the Belfast shopping experience so positive and memorable."
ENDS
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