Translink

The integration of Citybus, Northern Ireland Railways and Ulsterbus began in January 1995 when the government announced comprehensive changes to the provision of public transport. The principal objective was to promote the transfer from private car to public transport on a sustainable basis and the co-ordination of bus and rail services.

Among the many measures to be introduced was the new policy of co-ordination between the bus companies, Citybus (now Metro) and Ulsterbus, and the railway company, NI Railways. The aim was to improve services for the public by offering co-ordinated timetables, through-ticketing, feeder buses to railway stations and the joint development of transport facilities.

Since the announcement, a common management structure has been developed, reporting to a single Board. Chief Executive, Keith Moffatt, took up office in October 2003.

The organisation is now one of the largest companies in Northern Ireland with approximately 3,500 employees and a turnover in excess of £100m. Over 75 million passenger journeys are made on Translink services each year. The company is split into six divisions:

Operations - Bus
Operations - Rail
Marketing
Human Resources
Finance
Infrastructure and Property.
Translink is the brand name of the integrated public transport operation of Citybus, NI Railways, and Ulsterbus. The three operating companies have retained their legal status.

Translink is also committed to improving the accessibility of its services for all passengers including people with disabilities.

Translink have made significant developments to enhance and develop the public transport network in Northern Ireland. These include the re-opening of the Antrim to Bleach Green Line, the purchase of new rolling stock, the re-lay of Bangor and Larne lines and the refurbishments of several bus and rail stations across Northern Ireland including Bangor Bus and Rail Centre, Coleraine Bus and Rail Centre, Ballyclare Bus Centre and Magherafelt Bus Centre.

In February 2005 Translink introduced Metro, Belfast’s new and improved bus service.

Designed for ease of use, the new simplified Metro network integrates Citybus and greater Belfast Ulsterbus services, and is made up of 12 key arterial routes and an additional network of services within the greater Belfast area.

The new fully accessible high frequency service will operate throughout the day Monday to Friday (7am- 6pm) at 5, 7.5 or 10-minute frequencies, along the 12 key corridors, with a lower frequency operating at other times.

Translink
Central Station, East Bridge St, Belfast, BT1 3PB, United Kingdom

phone: 028 90 66 66 30
email: feedback@translink.co.uk
web: www.nirailways.co.uk

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