Chief Executive's Summary
In addition to a review of the last year, this publication summarises our plans for the future including investments contained within the Government’s Regional Transportation Strategy 2012 and operating plans developed by NITHCo/Translink.
Looking back over the 12 months of the financial year 2005/06, I am delighted to report significant progress has been made by changing our networks and services in order to attract greater numbers of passengers.
The task now is to continue to secure the support of the public and politicians for our plans and the necessary funding. The case for continued re-investment in Northern Ireland’s public transport network is best made by being clear about what needs be done and based on a solid track record of delivering success on the ground.
Highlights of the year are the early success of the new Belfast Metro bus network, the growth in Goldline patronage and the introduction to passenger service of all 23 of the new trains, enabling the launch of the new rail service and subsequent growth in passengers carried.
In addition, passenger satisfaction ratings (independently monitored) across all bus and rail operations rose to a 10 year high.
By the first birthday of Metro, in February 2006, more than 10% more people were using the improved and more frequent services.
To continue Metro growth, we must continue to improve our bus networks and service frequencies. Crucially, enhanced bus priority measures are central to ongoing growth and success. Better priority means a fairer deal for bus passengers. With faster journeys and more frequent buses more people will choose the bus, benefiting the economy and environment of the city. We will continue to work with DRD Roads Service and other partners to deliver these measures.
Enhancements to the Goldline express coach network introduced in April 2004 are also achieving steady growth in passenger journeys, now showing an impressive 20% increase to date.
Building on this success a comprehensive strategic review of all Ulsterbus operations and services has begun. This process will simplify and reorganise services, strengthening those where we can attract more passengers.
2005/06 will be remembered as an important year in local railway history. Delivery of the 23 new trains was completed, with the final new train entering public service in September.
The new rail service was launched in June 2005 and a significant growth in passenger numbers is already being achieved.
Other major achievements on the railway include the completion of the Larne Line relay project, the opening of the new Train Care Centre at Fortwilliam and the programme of infrastructure improvement works at rail stations around the network.
By the time of the Larne line reopening in February 2006, unfortunately we had insufficient staff to maintain the enhanced timetable on the Bangor to Portadown line. Consequently a revised timetable was introduced on a temporary basis, reducing off peak capacity. This is now operating reliably and we will resume our growth strategy later this year.
Good progress has been made this year across Translink. We are beginning to experience the start of the regeneration of public transport in Northern Ireland and feel the benefits of the increased and very welcome investment from Government.
This programme of change will continue as we work to introduce further service
improvements and seek to develop key partnerships which will allow us to deliver
growth in line with the challenging targets as set out in the RTS.
I thank each and every one of our staff and management team for their continued support in implementing change to provide better services for more people.
Keith Moffatt
Chief Executive Translink and Board Member
NITHCo
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