The Better on Board Charter is a new initiative designed to drive a modal shift in transportation across Northern Ireland. The goal is to encourage more people to choose public transport, reducing congestion, improving air quality, and creating a more sustainable future for everyone.

The Better on Board Charter has been launched with two initial Chapters - Belfast and Derry~Londonderry - where the need is most urgent, and where the potential for positive impact is greatest. Both cities are grappling with severe traffic congestion, which affects quality of life, mobility, and the environment. As population growth and increased car ownership put further strain on these urban areas, the opportunity to shift towards sustainable, public transport solutions is clearer than ever.

Both cities have significant opportunities to improve mobility and reduce the reliance on cars. Investing in sustainable transport solutions will directly benefit communities by reducing congestion, improving air quality, and contributing to a healthier and greener future.

Partners signed up to the Charters collectively represent more than 100,000 people across Northern Ireland. Those supporting the initiatives across Belfast and Derry~Londonderry include Alchemy, All State, Belfast Chamber, Farrans, FinTru, GRAHAM, IoD NI, KPMG, Linen Quarter BID, McLaughlin & Harvey, NI Chamber, North West regional College, PwC UK, Queen's University Belfast, Ulster University, Utility Regulator and Visit Derry.

Why Now?

• Population Growth & Increased Car Ownership: Northern Ireland has seen a 16% increase in the number of licensed vehicles over the past decade, putting greater strain on road space. With cities like Derry~Londonderry becoming more densely populated, traffic congestion is a growing problem.
• Public Transport Benefits: More investment in public transport has a tangible impact. Since launching in September 2023, Translink's zero emissions Foyle Metro service has facilitated over 3 million passenger journeys, covering more than 1.3 million emissions-free miles. The service has also saved over 2,000 tonnes of CO2, supporting a greener and healthier region.
• Grand Central Station & Infrastructure Improvements: The expansion of key transport hubs like Belfast Grand Central Station — now ten times larger than its previous facilities — aims to handle 20 million journeys annually, improving local, cross-border and international travel links. This infrastructure upgrade is central to enhancing connectivity across Northern Ireland and our efforts to achieve modal shift.

The Movement for Change

The Charter is a call to action, encouraging stakeholders from all sectors to join forces in endorsing and working toward a more sustainable transportation system. Public and private partners are being asked to pledge their support to help increase the use of public transport, reduce car dependency, and achieve Norther Ireland's climate goals.

As a key player in this initiative, Translink has set ambitious goals to become climate positive by 2050. The company already facilitates almost 80 million passenger journeys each year and plays a central role in driving Northern Ireland's transition to a more sustainable future. Translink's vision is not only to reduce emissions but to improve the overall quality of life for all residents and visitors.

Principles of the Better on Board Charter

1. Encouraging Increased Public Transport Use
   • Actively promote the use of public transport services within their organisations and across their wider networks, helping to make public transport the first choice for travel.
2. Communicating the Need for Change
   • Clearly communicate to employees, customers and the public why we need to change how we move around our cities. Demonstrate how investing in modal shift will benefit everyone in society, from reducing congestion to improving quality of life.
3. Improving Air Quality and Reducing Congestion
   • Support the use of zero-emissions or low-emissions vehicles to reduce air pollution, ease road congestion and minimise noise pollution, contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment for all.
4. Making Travel Information Accessible
   • Highlight the convenience, savings and flexibility of public transport by providing easy access to information such as Translink’s journey planners, ticketing tools and travel cards/passes. This ensures that everyone in your organisation can make informed travel decisions.
5. Promoting Health and Lifestyle Benefits
   • Encourage the health and lifestyle benefits of active travel, such as walking and cycling. By integrating these options with public transport to promote a healthier, more active lifestyle.
6. Incorporating Public Transport into Sustainability Plans
   • Include public transport as a key component of the organisation’s current or future sustainability plans, ensuring that transportation solutions are aligned with long-term environmental goals and so that progress can be measured and benchmarked.
7. Collaborating with Translink on Future Initiatives
   • Support and collaborate with Translink on future public transport initiatives, working together to improve services, infrastructure and community engagement to drive modal shift.

Case Studies