09/03/2007
Passengers happy but want faster journeys
Independent research released today on Translink services shows that passenger satisfaction and service performance remain high for NI Railways, Ulsterbus and Metro.
However punctuality of Metro services while remaining above a five year average continues to cause concern as running speeds are unpredictable due to the increasing traffic congestion in Belfast, in particular from the ongoing M1/Westlink road works.
Commenting on the results today, Ciaran Rogan, Marketing Executive said: “These results are good and show that our passengers like the changes we have made to bus and rail services. They also show that the investment is paying off and credit is due to those who have been champions for public transport; politicians, media, DRD, Roads Service and the Consumer Council.
“Of course we cannot be complacent; in particular bus passengers in Belfast need more priority for their journeys. However, the argument for sustainable transport is being won as it is good to see more and more people making the switch to bus and rail.
“These results demonstrate that broadly passenger satisfaction levels are being maintained at a high level as a result of the many changes and enhancements made to our services in recent years. However bus passengers have once again highlighted the need for improved punctuality and faster journeys.
“Investments in service improvements have driven growth in passenger numbers on N I Railways, Metro, Goldline and increasingly Ulsterbus. This year will see 110 new buses entering the fleet for school services to remove the 3 for 2 rule at the end of this school year and standing on school services by April 2009. These welcome measures will further improve the quality of school transport and will also have a positive effect towards encouraging children to use public transport to minimise the adverse impact of the school run”.
“Public transport now has a track record of success and the challenge now is to grow from this and turn Northern Ireland into a region renowned for excellent public transport and environmental sustainability.”
(JM/SP)
However punctuality of Metro services while remaining above a five year average continues to cause concern as running speeds are unpredictable due to the increasing traffic congestion in Belfast, in particular from the ongoing M1/Westlink road works.
Commenting on the results today, Ciaran Rogan, Marketing Executive said: “These results are good and show that our passengers like the changes we have made to bus and rail services. They also show that the investment is paying off and credit is due to those who have been champions for public transport; politicians, media, DRD, Roads Service and the Consumer Council.
“Of course we cannot be complacent; in particular bus passengers in Belfast need more priority for their journeys. However, the argument for sustainable transport is being won as it is good to see more and more people making the switch to bus and rail.
“These results demonstrate that broadly passenger satisfaction levels are being maintained at a high level as a result of the many changes and enhancements made to our services in recent years. However bus passengers have once again highlighted the need for improved punctuality and faster journeys.
“Investments in service improvements have driven growth in passenger numbers on N I Railways, Metro, Goldline and increasingly Ulsterbus. This year will see 110 new buses entering the fleet for school services to remove the 3 for 2 rule at the end of this school year and standing on school services by April 2009. These welcome measures will further improve the quality of school transport and will also have a positive effect towards encouraging children to use public transport to minimise the adverse impact of the school run”.
“Public transport now has a track record of success and the challenge now is to grow from this and turn Northern Ireland into a region renowned for excellent public transport and environmental sustainability.”
(JM/SP)
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