12 November 2008:
Glencraig Integrated Primary School Pupils (l-R) Anna Patterson, Kate Adair & Ruth Moore with NI Railways Route Manager Gerry McAtarsney launch the ‘School Run Challenge’ that aims to encourage pupils and parents to use the local NI Railways service for journeys to and from school. This exciting new transport initiative aims to cut congestion at school gates, enhance pupil safety on local roads and save the environment. Pupils will place rail tickets into a pirate¹s treasure chest and NI Railways will award participants with ³treasure² prizes at the end of the challenge in Spring 2009. For further information click www.translink.co.uk or call 02890666630. Picture by Brian Morrison
A local primary school has joined forces with NI Railways in an exciting new transport initiative aimed at cutting congestion at school gates, enhancing pupil safety on local roads and saving the environment.
Glencraig Integrated Primary School outside Seahill near Holywood today (Wednesday 12 November) launched a ‘School Run Challenge’ encouraging pupils and parents to use the local rail network for journeys to and from school. Seahill Railway Station is located directly across from the school gates with a railway-line that serves passengers travelling in both Bangor and Holywood directions and beyond.
Speaking about the initiative, School Principal Shaunagh McKirgan said:
“Like many local schools, we experience heavy traffic congestion at our school gates in the mornings and at home-time. Pupils’ safety is a top priority and with less cars pulling up nearby, it will help reduce the risk of car accidents as well as improve access, pupils’ health and save the environment.
“We are very fortunate to have this wonderful facility so close-by – not only are trains a sustainable form of transport but they are also a much more exciting way for pupils and parents to travel. We have been working closely with NI Railways to communicate the benefits of rail travel to parents and children by providing timetables to and from Seahill and School Run Challenge posters have also been put up to grab pupils’ interest.”
“We really hope that this travel initiative will successfully reduce car-dependency amongst parents and pupils and perhaps encourage other local schools to consider promoting alternative transport options.”
NI Railways Route Manager Gerard McAtarsney said:
“We are delighted to see a local school being so proactive about rail travel. Our Bangor line offers a fast, modern and comfortable service and is a viable alternative to the school run by car. We hope to see more pupils and parents onboard over the course of this Challenge and that it may also change long term travel habits. It is important to set a good example for young people especially with the increasing focus on more sustainable living. I would like to congratulate Glencraig on their efforts to push public transport use and encourage other schools to also give it a go.”
The School Run Challenge will run until Spring 2009 and as a further incentive to get involved, Glencraig is using a ‘pirate treasure’ theme with all rail tickets being placed in a treasure chest throughout the initiative. NI Railways will then provide fantastic travel prizes and certificates to all participants.
Notes to Editors
20% of cars on roads in urban areas at morning peak time of 08.50am are taking children to school.
Since 1994, there has been an increase from 30-40% in number of children driven to school.
Children aged 16 and under make 62% of all trips as car passengers.
(Source: Travelwise NI)
All media enquiries to:
Ursula Kelleher, PR Officer, Translink on 9089 9400ext 2734 or mob 07786 884024.
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