15 June 2002
One of Northern Ireland’s best known businessmen Ted Hesketh, has been awarded the CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Mr Hesketh has been a leading public transport figure in Northern Ireland for over a quarter of a century with Ulsterbus and Citybus (now Metro) and then with the development of Translink, following the merger with NI Railways.
Reacting to the announcement Mr Hesketh said, “This is a tremendous personal honour for myself and my family. It is also a fitting tribute to the many men and women who have kept public transport operating through the dark years of the Troubles. It is truly a great privilege to work alongside the staff of Citybus, NI Railways and Ulsterbus”.
Ends
Notes to the Editor
Ted Hesketh was appointed Managing Director of Citybus (now Metro) and Ulsterbus in 1988 and Managing Director of Translink in 1995. He managed the successful integration of bus and rail businesses. Translink has now become one of the most highly regarded public transport operators in GB. The company has received many national and international industry awards. He is currently Vice President of UITP, the international public transport body with over 2000 member organisations in 80 countries.
Among the many notable successes of Mr Hesketh’s stewardship in public transport are:
- Leading the successful campaign to secure the future of the railway and obtain the major investment which is currently underway with the purchase of 23 new trains and the Bangor re-lay project
- Re-opening of Antrim Bleachgreen railway line (the first rail line to be reopened in Ireland for decades)
- Development of new passenger facilities to rate among the best in Europe. The opening of the trend setting Europa Bus Centre set the standard for many other new developments across the province. Among the many developments which Mr Hesketh was responsible include Enniskillen, Coleraine, Omagh, Newcastle, Newtownards, Laganside, Cookstown, Carrickfergus, Limavady, Bangor, Magherafelt and Belfast’s Central Station.
- Launched Goldline express coach network which includes the Belfast- Dublin service and the Maiden City Flyer. Launched with just 6 vehicles the Goldline network now has more than 140 vehicles. Other new services launched include Easibus, Busybus, Flexibus, Centrelink and Nightlink.
- Introduction of NI’s first two Quality Bus Corridors and Irelands’s first busway linking the Europa Bus Centre to the Westlink
- Re- launch of the acclaimed cross border Enterprise service in partnership with Iarnrod Eireann (Irish Rail)
Issued by Leanne Hyslop
Translink Press Office - 028 90 899455
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