More people used Translink bus and rail services during 2011-2012 compared to the previous year. Combined rail and bus passenger numbers increased from 77 million in 2010-2011 to 77.3 million in 2011-2012 beating the budget of 76.4 million. A record 10.7 million passengers used Translink NI Railways services: 3.7 per cent above 2010-2011 figures.
During a time of economic instability, these figures are encouraging. Transport industry research shows that passenger transport plays a key role in strengthening a country’s economy.
A shift towards greater passenger transport use and sustainable mobility helps economies reduce their dependency on depleting expensive fossil fuel reserves and is responsible for both direct and indirect employment opportunities. Translink itself provides around 4,000 local jobs and its infrastructure projects, in particular, employ the skills and expertise provided by external local suppliers.
Passenger transport plays an important role in the overall Northern Ireland visitor experience. It brings more people into cities, towns and villages where they will in turn sample local attractions, shopping and leisure facilities.
There has been an unprecedented number of high-profile events over the past year in Northern Ireland in which Translink bus, coach and rail services have played an important role by transporting large numbers of people.
The successful transportation plan for the Irish Open golf clearly shows how passenger transport fulfils the travel needs of thousands of people, reducing road congestion and contributing positively to the overall visitor experience. Most recently, more than 120 Translink coaches were used for the Olympic Games transportation plan in London with a team of over 160 Translink employees successfully delivering this high-profile service.
Translink’s approach to corporate governance also aims to give the taxpayer best value and means that the organisation operates as efficiently as possible. Translink’s current operational model is efficient and this has been independently verified.
The organisation has made over £12 million of savings over the last few years and its energy consumption was reduced by 14 per cent in 2011-2012 compared to the previous year.
Meaningful integration remains key to Translink’s continued success and sustained high customer satisfaction levels. Smart ticketing such as the iLink travelcard provides integrated travel on bus and rail services throughout Northern Ireland using a zonal system to suit customer requirements. Park & Ride sites also offer commuters improved convenience and flexibility for their journeys, letting them use their car for the first leg then transfer onto Translink services. New and extended sites have opened at Jordanstown, Finaghy, Carrickfergus, Maghera and Millbrook.
Value for money remains a top priority for consumers and passenger transport needs to remain affordable to keep people moving and supporting the economy. Translink’s range of popular promotions have all been developed to ensure best value for the customer.
Translink remains committed to developing its network, providing attractive passenger facilities and services. Translink has also started a major project in partnership with the Department for Regional Development and the Strategic Investment Board to develop and construct a new ‘Integrated Transport Hub’ for bus and rail services.
It will be a signature transport facility situated within Belfast and the scheme will provide an opportunity to review Translink bus depot facilities. It will also provide a new strategic transport link to support the economic growth of Belfast, whilst creating substantial job opportunities and generating additional revenue.
Looking ahead, Translink faces significant challenges. Per capita funding for passenger transport from the public purse is lower in Northern Ireland than any other region on these islands yet service provision is higher. In addition, the current funding profile as per the comprehensive spending review places huge pressure on the organisation in 2013-2014.
Translink is committed to supporting the local economy so it is imperative that funding for passenger transport should not fall below current provision in order to maintain service levels and reap the important benefits that passenger transport can bring to the Northern Ireland economy.
Contact translink:
Tel: 028 9066 6630
Web: www.translink.co.uk
