7th March 2008:
Translink have welcomed confirmation of the Northern Ireland budget for 2008/09 – 2010/11 by the NI Assembly as a huge boost for bus and rail users which will put on the ground new vehicles, facilities and better services.
In particular, the budget means 20 new trains to replace 13 older trains used on the Larne line and more capacity and frequency across the rail network
Track upgrade work between Coleraine and Ballymena and Knockmore and Lurgan will mean faster, more comfortable journeys and the major track relay project on the Londonderry Line between Coleraine and Derry can commence.
Bus passengers will enjoy 200 new buses to continue to modernise the fleet, improve accessibility and expand services.
In addition, the very popular free travel scheme for those aged 65 and over will be extended to 60 – 64 year olds.
“This is great news for public transport in Northern Ireland” said Catherine Mason, newly appointed Group Chief Executive of Translink. “Credit is due to the Minister and NI Executive – they have seen our bus and rail services are a great success with growth in passengers of 20% on Metro since 2005, over 20% on Goldline since 2004 and a massive 40% on N I Railways since 2002. Delivering more investment into our services allows us to build on this success and lock in this cycle of growth. More people using buses and trains means fewer cars on the roads and a better quality of life for everyone.”
Notes to the editor
These are large and complex programmes; Translink will start to procure the new trains immediately. This will ensure their earliest possible delivery, with the first one in place for testing by 2011. The new trains will replace existing rolling stock and the resulting improved quality and capacity, supported by the infrastructure works scheduled to be carried out between now and 2013, they will help build on the 40% growth in rail travel achieved since 2002.
The new buses will be rolled out within the next three years advancing Translink’s ongoing fleet modernisation programme to replace older stock and expand services. This will mean Translink will meet fleet age targets and more importantly accessibility targets set out in the Regional Transportation Strategy 2002-2012. Metro bus service has seen 20% passenger growth since launch in 2005; Goldline services have grown by more than 20% since 2004
The extension of the Concessionary Fares Scheme to include those over 60 is planned to begin in October 2008, as set out by the Department for Regional Development.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Dana McCusker, Morrow Communications, 028 90 393837
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