As a valued NIRailways customer, we want to keep you up-to-date with the latest reliability and punctuality figures as well as news and information on your line. Our passenger journey figures are still increasing at a very positive rate and we are optimistic that numbers will continue to grow as we deliver amore reliable and professional rail service. In an era where “reducing your carbon foot-print” is on everyone’s lips, we would ask you as a current train user, to try to encourage your friends, family and work colleagues to try NIRailways. They might be surprised how convenient, comfortable and fast rail is compared to their cars!
Our passenger’s charter sets out clear targets for punctuality and reliability for services on the Bangor line. 95% of all trains will arrive within 5 minutes and 99.2% of all trains will operate as planned. These targets have been set in agreement with the Consumer Council (NI).
Philip Blair, Route Manager, Bangor line
* Passenger Charter statistics exclude delays to services outside of NIRailways control, for example security alerts and vandalism. A total of 484 services were disrupted as a result of “uncontrollable” incidents occurring on the Bangor line Q2 2007/8
Special Late Trains for Snow Patrol Concert
Many of you will be aware or may have attended the recent Snow Patrol Concert held in Ward Park in Bangor on Saturday 1 September 2007. NIRailways worked with Wonderland Promotions, North Down Borough Council and the PSNI to provide a safe and environmentally friendly transport option for concert goers. With 30,000 fans descending on the sea-side town, it was imperative to try to reduce the number of people traveling by car. NIRailways carried over 8,500 between Belfast and Bangor on the additional concert trains. This initiative was a huge success and commended by our partners and the media.
DDA Station Enhancement Works
As part of our commitment to delivering a better rail service, a £7 million programme of station and halt enhancement works commenced in May 2007 on the Bangor – Portadown – Newry line. A second package of work will start on the remaining lines in November with all work due to be completed by Summer 2008. The aim of the project is to make our facilities more compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act, allowing greater access for disabled customers and a better environment for all our passengers. The improvement works includes:
New Clear Signage New Shelters, Lighting & Seating Improved Surfaces & Ramps
In addition, at certain key stations, lifts to platforms, accessible ticket counters and disabled toilet facilities will be added. The new enhanced facilities will improve the environment and journey experience for all our passengers. New lighting for example will provide a safer atmosphere at night at remote halts.
It is intended that, with the exception of a few stations across the network, that work will last no more than 10-12 weeks at any halt. Disruption for passengers and local residents will be kept to a minimum. We apologise if you are affected, but hope you will support us in our efforts to make our services accessible to all.
Low Adhesion and Winter Planning Programme
As Autumn temperatures start to drop, the Low Adhesion and Winter Planning Programme begins at NIRailways. We have been planning the programme since last Winter and continue to make every effort to minimise the negative impacts of bad weather throughout the coming months.
In simple terms, low adhesion is a measure of the grip available between the wheel and the rail. Low adhesion therefore occurs when there is a low amount of grip between the wheel and the rail, making the ability to drive and control the train more difficult. This is caused by leaves from nearby trees falling onto the rails, being crushed and forming a coating on the rails. The reduction in adhesion quality causes a subsequent reduction in traction and braking performance. The programme to combat these conditions includes: daily met office fore-casting; regular briefing with fully trained drivers; daily high pressure water jetting of rail-head, regular application of sandite to improve rail friction as well as engineering modifications to our rolling stock.
The winter months bring their own problems, but once again NIRailways Winter Planning Programme should help to minimize disruption to our services. Work includes: installation of point’s heaters at key locations, use of special anti-freeze products and winter engineering programme. For further information, please pick up a leaflet at your nearest station or check www.translink.co.uk/leaffall.asp.
Biodiversity Project
Translink have teamed up with The Ulster Wildlife Trust to appoint a Biodiversity Officer who will be responsible for developing and implementing a biodiversity strategy. Biodiversity can be defined as the total variety of all life on the planet, which includes not only the plant and animal species that live in an environment but also the habitat they exist in. For example, rail corridors with their hedgerows, buildings and bridges may be home to birds and bats. Railway lines, being largely undisturbed, can act as “wildlife corridors” providing an important role in the conservation of biodiversity across the province.
The project will ensure that Translink meets its obligations and commitment to protect and conserve wildlife across its operations, particularly in relation to its rail corridors and structures.
We welcome any comments and suggestions you may have on improving our service. You may contact us in person, by phone, in writing or by email. If you are not happy about any part of our service, we would like to know about it. Contact: NIRailways Customer Services: 028 9089 9400 or email feedback@translink.co.uk.
Timetables made easy: Call 028 90 66 66 30
or click www.translink.co.uk Textphone: 028 9038 7505
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