‘Get On Board’ Northern Ireland’s first ever Bus and Train Week

‘Get On Board’ Northern Ireland’s first ever Bus and Train Week
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council join forces with Translink to promote the value of public transport

Councillor Mickey Ruane is calling on everyone to ‘Get On Board’ Northern Ireland’s first ever Bus and Train Week which runs from 6 June to 12 June 2016.

Bus and Train Week is a new initiative to encourage more people to give the bus and train a go, and to emphasise the importance of public transport to the economy and wider society. The week is based around six key themes which demonstrate how an efficient public transport system makes our economy stronger andsupports education, tourism, environmental responsibility and health and active travel while also building a more inclusive society. Throughout the week there will be events, special fares and other activities taking place in the local area, with community organisations and business representatives involved.

Gemma McMurray, Translink, explains:

“Translink is focused on providing integrated public transport, to enable towns and cities across Northern Ireland to thrive. Buses and trains play a vital role in supporting communities across Northern Ireland - they drive economic growth, reduce congestion, get people to work and education, and benefit the environment.

Gemma continued, “During Bus and Train Week, passengers in the Newry, Mourne and Down areas will benefit from a range of discounted fares in addition to our everyday value tickets across all of our services. So we are asking people and organisations to ‘Get On Board’ Bus and Train Week 2016 and help us promote the many benefits of public transport. In particular we would love for people who don’t normally take the bus or train to give it a try, so they too can see the benefits for themselves.”

Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Mickey Ruane commented, " I am delighted to encourage local residents to get involved with the first ever Bus and Train Week. I would urge everyone to take this opportunity to leave the car behind and take public transport, which plays a vital role in connecting people and places within our community. Not only does it bring us to work and school, an efficient public transport system is also essential for attracting visitors to the area.  Over recent years more and more people have started to take the bus and train and increasingly people tell us they love the benefits of using the services – by saving money and time, relaxing on-board and avoiding traffic congestion. So what are you waiting for, get on-board the inaugural Bus and Train Week and give public transport a go.”

A series of events and celebrations will be hosted in stations, businesses and organisations across Northern Ireland during the week of the 6 June to 12 June. For more information and a full list of special offers visit www.translink.co.uk/busandtrainweek.  Join in the conversation online using #GetOnBoardNI.