Introduction and Vision - Environment - Translink

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The Regional Transportation Strategy (RTS) for Northern Ireland 2002-2012 identified public transport as a strategic transportation investment priority to deliver its core objective;

"To have a modern sustainable safe transportation system which benefits society, the economy and the environment and which actively contributes to social inclusion and everyone’s quality of life."

Translink’s Environmental Strategy and the Corporate Plan 2007/08 – 2010/11 on which it is based are consistent with the RTS, as outlined in Translink’s Statement of Vision;

"To provide a transformed network of coordinated bus and rail services which attracts a growing number of passengers, enjoys public confidence and is recognised for its quality and innovation."

Transport is an integral part of modern life; an efficient transport system is needed to support increasing economic and social demands for mobility and accessibility. However, it is now acknowledged that private and individual transport modes contribute to environmental damage, adversely affecting quality of life and the economy and even changing the climate of the planet.

Increased use of Public Transport contributes to environmental sustainability at many levels; at a macro level there is wide spread international consensus that global warming has been caused by increased emissions of carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels. As transport contributes about 25% of the total emissions in the UK, it is a significant target for action to reduce emissions.

On a per kilometre basis, the rail, bus and coach services operated by Translink are significantly more environmentally friendly than journeys undertaken using other transport modes. Using public transport for journeys is the single best way in which to reduce our individual environmental footprint.

In addition, many micro level benefits arise from the increased use of public transport, for example it addresses detrimental individual health impacts caused by poorer air quality especially in urban centres. Evidence shows the number of hospital admissions and indeed deaths rise during episodes of poor air quality.

As a public transport operator Translink has an opportunity to improve the environment by contributing to reduced traffic congestion and air pollution and conserving scarce resources through offering an attractive alternative to the car. The need to deliver and promote the environmental benefits that greater use of public transport will generate is clear and forms the background to our Environmental Strategy.

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