I am pleased to present the Corporate Plan for the period 2008/09 – 2010/11 for the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC) and its Translink operating subsidiaries; Metro, N I Railways and Ulsterbus.
The Plan is consistent with the Regional Transportation Strategy 2002-2012 (RTS) and the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan 2005-2015 (BMTP) which envisage a significant upgrade in the provision of public transport in Northern Ireland. As this plan indicates, significant progress continues to be made towards delivering RTS targets and programmes particularly in terms of the rail service, the Goldline express coach network, Ulsterbus rural and town services and the Metro network in Greater Belfast.
The Budget for NI 2008/09 – 2010/11 provides for ongoing investment in public transport which, notwithstanding significant adverse pressure on costs and certain funding streams, will deliver the substantial programme of work and network enhancement outlined in this plan. The Board of NITHC looks forward to working with the Minister and officials to deliver this plan and Government transport targets.
I commend this corporate plan to you, representing as it does a significant opportunity for the further development of public transport in Northern Ireland.
Veronica Palmer
Chairman