Executive Summary - Corporate Plan - About us - Translink
2. Executive Summary
Track Record of Success
In the past years many additional customers have chosen to use public transport in Northern Ireland as a result of customer focused and quality public transport services delivered by NITHC / Translink. This established record of success and a growing public transport network means the targets set out in the RTS and BMTP are being met. This plan outlines 3 programmes of work to continue the delivery of customer focused and quality services. The programmes are:
- better bus services,
- better rail services,
- commercial
Bus Services
The number of passengers choosing to use Translink bus networks has grown for a third year during 2007/08, reflecting the successful customer focused network reviews and development of Metro, Ulsterbus and Goldline. These network reviews were supplemented with enhancements to local services such as Airport Express and the M1 / Westlink Park and Ride services. Further development and upgrade is scheduled for the period of this corporate plan; the growth in usage should continue.
In addition, during 2008/09 the service of transporting children to school will be further upgraded following Government funding to procure and operate additional buses for school transport. This will eliminate standing by April 2009; the use of the ‘3 for 2’ rule having ended in September 2007.
A major issue for the bus business which could reverse growth in passenger numbers is the continued decline in bus speeds in Belfast. This is contrary to BMTP targets; it impacts punctuality, the quality of services and adds costs to the operations. Translink remains committed to work with Roads Service to reverse this decline.
Rail Services
The introduction of the new C3K rolling stock to the rail network and the parallel upgrade of all aspects of the rail service have been a considerable success; many more passengers have made the choice to travel by rail, quality of service has been significantly enhanced and sustained improvements delivered in customer satisfaction.
The objective over the next 3 years is to optimise the current resource and capacity and maximise passenger numbers. Track upgrade work is planned for the Lisburn to Lurgan and Ballymena to Coleraine line sections, preparation work for track relay between Coleraine and Londonderry will commence and a new rail station at Newry will be constructed.
The Budget for NI 2008/09 - 2010/11 provides for the purchase of an additional 20 trains to replace 13 trains currently used primarily on the Belfast - Larne commuter line. This will deliver a significant growth in capacity and permit frequency enhancements on all lines. The procurement process and projects to deliver ancillary infrastructure upgrades are underway.
The number of customers using the Enterprise service is also increasing due to web based yield management programmes; this will continue while we work with Irish Rail to finalise a business case for service enhancement.
Commercial
The unique structure of public transport in NI means integration can be central to NITHC / Translink operations. Focus will continue on upgrading those integrating functions most meaningful to passengers; single access points, branding, information, call centre, website, ticketing and customer service. As part of the ongoing review of networks, bus / rail connections are under scrutiny for improvement possibilities along with park and ride developments.
Commercial performance is strong for all Translink services, driven by growing passenger numbers through high quality, a strong customer focus, business development campaigns, network / product improvements and an effective commercial strategy.
However, there will be significant commercial pressures on the Group during 2008/09; costs will rise sharply and specific funding streams will be reduced / removed by Government. Specifically, fuel costs are significantly higher than 2007/08, increases in employer pension contribution will not be met in full by Government, route revenue support (bus services) is being withdrawn and a budgeted shortfall in public service obligation for NI Railways is not currently being met.
These pressures will be managed through further increases in passenger numbers, unit cost and overhead reductions / efficiencies, a reduction in some uneconomic bus services, increasing fares and a planned reduction in profitability.
Governance
Actions in respect of records management, programme / project management, information strategy and procurement are also ongoing to provide assurance on the governance of the Group in accordance with the framework set out in the Management Statement & Financial Memorandum (MSFM) dated 28th July 2006 (as amended).
Safety
The safety of customers, employees and the general public remains a core objective. A significant work programme is in place to deliver, enhance and maintain safe systems, a positive safety culture, emergency preparedness and high profile public safety campaigns in support of this commitment.
Conclusion
NITHC / Translink has delivered a significant programme of change over the past number of years with considerable success in developing, improving and growing public transport in Northern Ireland. This corporate plan outlines a programme of work which embraces the ongoing need for change and will deliver continued success.
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