Translink Press Release - Translink Unveil Belfast Metro Plans
Translink Unveil Belfast Metro Plans
23 June 2004
Translink unveiled details of a new Metro bus network for Belfast today (23 June), following a major strategic review of all Citybus (now Metro) and Ulsterbus operations in the greater Belfast area.
A Plan for Bus services in Belfast
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The new simplified Metro network has been designed for ease of use. It is made up of 12 commercially viable arterial routes* and a network of socially necessary services within Belfast.
The 12 key corridors, which have been based on the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan, will operate fully accessible high frequency services throughout the day Monday to Friday (7am-6pm) at 5, 7.5 or 10-minute frequencies. A Lower frequency will operate at other times.
Speaking at a briefing meeting for local politicians at Stormont, Keith Moffatt, Translink’s Chief Executive, explained that the Belfast Metro Plan was the first significant change for the Belfast Bus network in 30 years.
“These exciting plans will modify the existing network through a reallocation of our current resources, maximising their potential and delivering effective customer focused services in Belfast. The new network will allow us to establish a platform for growth in patronage in line with the Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) target.
“The success of the Metro plan relies on Bus priority initiatives. We are already working with Roads Service to establish a Quality Bus Corridor Program, which will compliment the 12 key corridor routes identified.
“In addition, we want to establish quality partnerships with external agencies, in particular with the PSNI, focusing on faster, more frequent and effective enforcement of bus priority measures to ensure passengers get to their destinations as quickly as possible,” Mr Moffatt said.
“Currently we operate a geographically extensive network of low frequency routes in Belfast due to the requirement of socially necessary services.
“This new network will realign our resources to reflect passenger requirements, help grow our passenger numbers and provide a better service to more people. We hope to do this by re-shaping routes and improving frequencies on the key arterial corridors, whilst also operating lower frequency socially necessary services.”
Mr Moffatt went on to explain how Translink worked with leading UK Transport Company TAS, and used the latest analytical methods to validate the new network designs.
Geographical Information Systems (GIS) were used to identify the 12 key corridor routes and areas where services were deemed socially necessary. GIS was also used to ensure the network complied with equality issues and that it will improve the accessibility of the majority of people in Belfast.
“The review will be carried out in three phases,” Mr Moffatt continued. “Phase 1 of the new Metro network will be implemented in late Autumn 2004 and will be promoted with a range of marketing initiates to generate awareness and stimulate growth in demand.
“Phases 2 and 3 will focus on refining routes and increasing the frequencies on the key routes to 5 minutes or less. As passenger numbers grow we envisage a continuing cycle of improvement and we will be actively seeking additional resources to allow us to progress these enhancements.
“To implement these changes, we require new working agreements. To this end we have been engaging and consulting on the Change Management Program with our workforce and Trade Unions to ensure as smooth a transition as possible to the new Metro network.
“We will also communicate with our key stakeholders, communities and passengers as part of the change process.
Mr Moffatt explained that the changes are consistent with both the RTS and the Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan proposals for Quality Bus Corridors and Bus Priority Initiatives.
“We are determined to deliver a modern, sustainable, safe transportation system which benefits society, the economy and the environment and which will attract more off peak passengers as well as encouraging peak hour commuters to make the switch from the private can. Ultimately more people using the public transport option will improve everyone's quality of life.” Mr Moffatt concluded.
Ends.
For further press information contact Sarah Stanczyk on 028 90899455 or email: sarah.stanczyk@translink.co.uk
*The following details the 12 key arterial routes
• Shore Road
• Holywood Road
• Newtownards Road
• Castlereagh Road
• Cregagh Road
• Ormeau Road
• Malone Road
• Lisburn Road
• Falls Road
• Shankill Road
• Carr’s Glen
• Antrim Road
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