Press Release: Derry Chamber Of Commerce Delighted With Futuristic New Fully Accessible Goldline Coaches
Derry Chamber Of Commerce Delighted With Futuristic New Fully Accessible Goldline Coaches
30th June 2006
Representatives of Derry Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed the first two fully accessible Ulsterbus Goldline coaches, the first of their kind in Europe.
Pictured: Left to Right, Janice Tracey, Ian Crowe, David Ayton, Killian Margey, Derry Chamber of Commerce, Alan Young, William Telford, Ulsterbus.
Operating on the 212 service between Derry and Belfast, the coach’s low floor design, wide opening door and electronic ramp are a welcome enhancement for wheelchair users, parents and carers with small children and passengers with limited mobility, whether as a result of age or disability.
They are the first of 9 fully accessible double deck Goldline coaches to operate on this route providing up to an additional 1000 seats per day and represent an investment of almost £2 million.
Ulsterbus District Manager, Alan Young said that the addition of the new coaches to the Goldline fleet was part of the ongoing drive to modernise Northern Ireland’s public transportation system.
“We are in the early stages of delivering a modern, high-quality, integrated and accessible public transport system which will add to passengers’ quality of life and provide an essential, value for money service for all,” he said.
Janice Tracey, Chief Executive, Derry Chamber of Commerce said,
“We are delighted that Derry will benefit directly from this investment by Translink. The city’s tourism is expanding and these state of the art fully accessible coaches will make the journey to Derry much more appealing to many people including both visitors to, and residents of Northern Ireland. We wish to commend Translink on the purchase of these new coaches and are looking forward to all 9 in daily service on the 212 service between Derry and Belfast.”
The new high-specification vehicles are fitted with the latest modern features including multi-camera digital CCTV, anti-lock brakes, tinted windows, air conditioning, aircraft-style individual overhead lighting and ventilation controls and heated upper and lower windscreens to ensure passenger and driver comfort.
In addition each coach has a dedicated wheelchair point and carer seat and each of the 71 passenger seats and wheelchair point are fitted with three-point seatbelts.
The coaches are also equipped with the latest bridge warning system, which uses GPS technology to identify and warn the driver of the nearest low bridge, while access to the large luggage compartments are via driver controlled electric doors.
Mr Young concluded: “Translink remains committed to delivering a modern, sustainable, safe transportation system which benefits society, the economy and the environment. Within the context of the Regional Transportation Strategy, we will continue to strive to provide a growing integrated public transport network which will attract additional passengers through careful investment and reform of our networks and services.”
Ends
Issued by: Translink Press Office, Tel 0285 90 899455
Notes to Editor
The purchase of these new fully accessible double deck Goldline coaches are part of the overall £50 million investment in buses announced in December 2004.
Since being launched two years ago, Goldline Express services have experienced passenger growth of 20%.
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