Translink survey reveals high passenger dissatisfaction

The findings of an independent survey for the General Consumer Council has uncovered a high level of passenger dissatisfaction with Northern Ireland's public transport system.

Independent results released on Tuesday February 26 showed passenger's scores for Translink's three operations: Citybus, Ulsterbus and Northern Ireland Railways were lower than at any other time since surveys began eight years ago.

The results would have been even worse, the research adds, if value for money had not improved because of free transport for pensioners.

Money for new buses and a curb in attacks on staff and vehicles are among urgent action being sought by the council.

The independent results, which measure Translink’s performance against its Charter, show that the overall perception of public transport is down because of lower scores on punctuality and passenger comfort.

Alan Walker from the GCC said: "These are worst results ever. Passengers have clearly shown they are fed up. Everyone needs to sit up and take notice of what the passengers are saying about their public transport. If buses and rail are routinely late, overcrowded or cold this affects people's lives on a very real basis. Public transport needs a vote of confidence so we can go ahead and address these problems."

The GCC has said blame does not lie solely with Translink. They have urged the Assembly and particularly the Department of Regional Development to deliver on the 10 year Regional Transportation Strategy plan currently being debated.

Ciaran Rogan, head of marketing for Translink said he understood passenger concerns and frustrations. He said increased congestion in the city and an aging bus fleet had contributed to passengers' low satisfaction levels with services.

Speaking on Tuesday he said: "There must be an accelerated programme of introduction of quality bus corridors and bus lanes, making public transport more attractive than the private car. A priority must also be to ensure funds are made available to acquire new buses, as the average fleet age is now one of the worst in Great Britain”.

Mr Rogan added that services here had achieved levels of punctuality significantly better than in Great Britain.

Mr Walker said this was a poor indictment of Translink. He said: "If they are comparing themselves to rail and bus services in Great Britain, which is actually the worst in Europe, I think Translink are actually doing themselves a disservice."

(AMcE)