GET ON BOARD BUS AND TRAIN WEEK LAUNCH

Councillor Elisha McCallion, Mayor, Derry and Strabane District Council is calling on everyone to ‘Get On Board’ Translink’s first ever Bus and Train Week which runs from 6 June to 12 June 2016.

Bus and Train Week is a new initiative to encourage more people to give the bus and train a go, and to emphasise the importance of public transport to the economy and wider society. The week is based around six key themes which demonstrate how an efficient public transport system makes our economy stronger and supports education, tourism, environmental responsibility and health and active travel while also building a more inclusive society. Throughout the week there will be events, special fares and other activities taking place in the local area, with community organisations and business representatives involved.

Alan Young, Service Delivery Manager, Translink, explains:

“Translink is focused on providing integrated public transport, to enable towns and cities across Northern Ireland to thrive. Buses and trains play a vital role in supporting communities across Northern Ireland – they drive economic growth, reduce congestion, get people to work and education, and benefit the environment.

Alan continued, “During Bus and Train Week, passengers will benefit from a range of discounted fares in addition to our everyday value tickets across all of our services. So we are asking people and organisations to ‘Get On Board’ Bus and Train Week 2016 and help us promote the many benefits of public transport. In particular we would love for people who don’t normally take the bus or train to give it a try, so they too can see the benefits for themselves.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Elisha McCallion said:

“I am delighted to encourage local residents to get involved with Bus and Train week and to take the opportunity to leave the car behind and take public transport. This is a fantastic initiative aimed at promoting our local transport system and showcasing the important role it plays in connecting people and communities.

“In addition to taking us to work and school each day, our public transport system can be used for fun family days out, shopping trips and is particularly important in attracting visitors and tourists to our region. By using the bus or train you can avoid traffic congestion, save money and time and sit back and relax while you wait to be taken to your destination.

“I am delighted to be involved in Bus and Train Week and to give my backing to the campaign to encourage more people to use public transport services.”

A series of events and celebrations will be hosted in stations, businesses and organisations across the North of Ireland during the week of the 6 June to 12 June.

For more information and a full list of special offers visitwww.translink.co.uk/busandtrainweek.  Join in the conversation online using #GetOnBoardNI.