Northern Ireland's public transport network sees jump in passenger numbers

Date: 30/5/2013

Northern Ireland's public transport services have seen a sharp rise in passenger numbers over the past 12 months, figures released by the Department of Regional Development have revealed.

According to the statistics, more than 78.5 million people used the nation's trains and buses over the past year - up from 77 million in the preceding period - with a notable increase of 900,000 journeys on NI Railways routes.

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy claimed that the numbers show investment in transport infrastructure is having a beneficial impact throughout Northern Ireland.

"This is an incredible rise and proves that when people are provided with a bus and train service that delivers on quality and efficiency then they will use it," he explained.

And Catherine Mason, Translink Group Chief Executive, added that the figures are indicative of the company's successful attempts to "offer integrated travel solutions" to passengers.

"This is a great result - more than a million more fare-paying customers compared to last year; customer satisfaction is also very high, which shows we are getting it right."

The news comes as a new bus lane is set to open in Belfast city centre tomorrow (May 30th) in a bid to increase the ease with which buses, motorcycles, cyclists and permitted taxis can make their way through the roads.

Mr Kennedy said that the improvements will further benefit public transport users and pedestrians, while at the same time being expected to bring an added boost to the number of people travelling on the city's buses.

He also thanked the public for their patience with the disruption that the work has caused, as well as praising workers for completing the project on schedule.

"Although much of the work was carried out at off peak times and overnight to minimise disruption, I would like to thank the travelling public, local businesses and residents for their patience over recent months," he said.

Posted by Mary Treen

Transport News, Transport Consulting News and TRL Ltd