AUTUMN 2010 YOUR STAFF MAGAZINE

NEW RAIL POLICIES LAUNCHEDTRANSLINK NIRAILWAYS INTRODUCES THREE NEW PROFESSIONAL POLICY HANDBOOKSPAGE 14

NEW WEBSITE WINS FIRST AWARDPAGE 10 METRO FRIDAYS WINS BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN PAGE 12 COMPETITION!PAGE 24

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EXPRESSLINES IS THE STAFF MAGAZINE FOR TRANSLINK

EXPRESSLINES AUTUMN 2010 is published by Translink, the integrated public transport services provided by Metro, NIRailways and Ulsterbus.

Our vision is to provide integrated travel solutions that are attractive, sustainable and good value.

PRODUCTIONEditorial: Dolores Vischer,DVPR Services, 028 9080 7337Design: Whitenoise028 9073 0999Photography: Various Print: Commercial Graphics028 9127 0431

WELCOME TO EXPRESSLINESAutumn 2010 YOUR STAFF MAGAZINE

Clare CostelloEditor

Elaine McCurdy Sub-editor

Welcome!Due to other projects, this Autumn issue will sadly be my last as Editor. I will be handing over the role to Elaine McCurdy who you will all know as the main contributor to the magazine. I wish her every success and I am sure she will enjoy your support and contributions. In this issue our main features include a look at the new Translink website which has already had award success at the prestigious EPiServer Awards, so congratulations to all involved. We also present the launch of NIRailways professional policy handbooks that were recently developed and published for staff and an update on the next phase of the Translink Programme that officially launched in September. Thanks to Karen King, Systems Leader HSE Department, who tells us about her volunteer work planting mangroves in Tanzania, and to David Carson, Training Engineer, who tells us all about a typical day in his role. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our readers and all of you who over the years have contributed to the magazine in our special features or by letting us know about special projects or events in your local station. Enjoy Clare CostelloEditor

At your service...Have you got an interesing hobby or sport story? Or, have you, your team or your department achieved something you would like your colleagues to know about?

We want your stories, comments and feedback to publish in the next issue of Expresslines.

Email the editor: clare.costello@translink.co.uk

Email the Sub-editor: elaine.mccurdy@translink.co.uk

Send by post: Expresslines, Marketing Department, Translink, Central Station, East Bridge Street, Belfast BT1 3PB

Pop in: Marketing Department, Central Station

Telephone: 028 9089 9448

This magazine is available, upon request, in a range of formats eg, braille, large print or audio tape. Please ring 028 9089 9448

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Work is progressing to schedule on the production of the Translink NIRailways new Class 4000 trains by Spanish Rail Manufacturer CAF; all 20 new trains are expected to enter service during 2011 and 2012. James Erwin, New Trains Two Programme Manager, and Norman Maynes, Head of Business Development, update readers on some of the project milestones and work activities. The new trains are due to start arriving in Northern Ireland in the Spring next year. Following their arrival, the new fleet will undergo night and day testing (including a process of mileage accumulation with each train needing to complete 2000 miles fault free) before entering passenger service, initially replacing 13 older NI Railways trains on a rolling basis. Translink Resident Engineers at CAFTranslink has a permanent presence at the CAF facilities, with three Engineers from the NIRailways Technical Department (Naomi Orr, Patrick Doyle and Andrew McEvoy) taking it in turn to work at the Spanish site. The role of the Resident Engineer includes:

• Providing a day-to-day interface between the manufacturer and NIRailways.• Overseeing all manufacturing and testing activities on-site. • Manufacturing accuracies, and aesthetics and functional performance of equipment. • Consulting the Contract Specification and Industry Standards to ensure all requirements are being satisfied. • Monitoring progress against the project plan.• Working to see that standards are set for the production of the first car, and maintaining them throughout production. James Erwin and Mal McGreevy, General Manager Rail, visited CAF to witness an

important project milestone in July when the first train bodyshell was completed. After passing a series of checks, each finished bodyshell will move into the assembly line for interiors and equipment to be fitted. The next stage involves a period of factory testing.

Platform Extensions Work on a £9 million programme to extend railway station platforms on the Larne and Bangor to Portadown lines begins in November. The construction work is required so that stations where six cars are planned to stop will be able to accommodate longer train sets. Anthony Stove, Structures Project Engineer, is managing this project: “It involves extending 37 platforms at 20 stations and halts,” he reports. “This represents the construction of almost 2.0km of new platform. The platform construction work also involves the provision of lighting, extra shelters and seating. In addition, work will also be required to signaling equipment to facilitate their construction. Track work at some of the sites will be needed.” Work at stations and halts on the Larne line is scheduled for completion by the end of 2011. Work on the Bangor to Portadown line stations will be completed by July 2012. However, work at Balmoral Halt is to be completed in time for the annual Balmoral Show in May 2011; and work at Bridge End should also be finished in advance of Titanic Centenary celebrations planned for April 2012. Anthony explains: “In general work will take place overnight, though line and platform closures will be required for some elements of the works. However, we have tried to minimize the disruption to our passengers by ensuring that, where possible, as much of the materials will be pre-cast or pre-fabricated off site. This will also reduce the noise impact to residents near the works.”

Accessibility ConsultationDuring September, Translink continued consultation with the Inclusive Mobility Transport Advisory Council (IMTAC) on accessibility features of the new trains. All trains will be fitted with external destination displays on the front and sides, as well as audible and visual passenger information, signage in Braille and embossed lettering. Accessibility features include wheelchair access and dedicated accommodation for two wheelchairs and companion seats. There will also be a fully wheelchair accessible toilet and accommodation for eight bicycles.

PiCturEd: Discussing progress of the New Trains project, are Norman Maynes, Head of Business Development, Barbara Fleming, IMTAC, James Erwin, New Trains Two Programme Manager, and Elizabeth Black, IMTAC.

New Trains Two Update

Keeping you connected EXPRESSLINES 07

6. Keeping You ConnectedNew Trains Two Programme update.

18 EXPRESSLINES EXPRESSLINES 1918 EXPRESSLINES Promotions Students

The Family Day Ticket is currently available during the school holidays until 7 November. The ticket allows unlimited travel by bus and rail for the day for a family of up to 2 adults and 4 children for only £18.50. The promotional ticket is being promoted through press advertising, PR targeting families and with posters in stations and on-board trains.

Translink and Lisburn City Centre Management joined forces to launch ‘Ulsterbus Smart Shoppers’ – exclusive discounts for Ulsterbus passengers in shops, cafés, salons and leisure attractions in Lisburn. The partnership highlights the value-for-money and convenience of Ulsterbus City Services in Lisburn while also providing passengers with added incentive to try bus travel. Passengers simply have to present a valid Ulsterbus Smartlink card or ticket to enjoy the discounts available until November 30.

To attract additional patronage on Ulsterbus services and encourage customers to use Smartlink, a special Ulsterbus Smartlink value offer was available online during October. Ten Ulsterbus (non-Goldline) corridors were targeted and over 140,000 households received a special Ulsterbus Smartlink offer postcard along with a timetable, which entitled them to £1 off an Ulsterbus Smartlink card.

The Marketing department has been spreading the word to students about the moneysaving travel options available to them; and attending universities and colleges across Northern Ireland to sign students up to the Translink Student Discount Card and also selling Uni-link Smartlink cards at the University of Ulster Jordanstown.

Fresher FriendsTo encourage more students to use Metro services an innovative promotion called Fresher Friends was available during Septemberand October 2010. The promotion offers students the opportunity to buy Metro Smartlink Card products at discounted fares.

Newry Goldine Service PromotionTo attract additional patronage on the Newry Goldline 238/238A and Uni-Link 163A services, new promotional Student Day Return fares were available from 1 September. The special fares are available from Newry on Goldline 238/238A and all intermediate stages and are valid for journeys to Belfast and to University of Ulster Jordanstown on Uni-Link 163A.

Oh Yeah Contenders Translink has teamed up with Oh Yeah music centre to take the recently launched ‘Oh Yeah Contenders’ album on the road and we’re giving students the chance to get a backstage experience of some of the best in local talent. A series of four gigs featuring upcoming local acts will take place at venues across Northern Ireland in October and November and students have a chance to win not only free tickets, but also VIP return transport for them and 8 friends, travelling to the gig with the band.

Pictured: Local band A Plastic Rose took passengers by surprise by performing an impromptu live set in Central Station to launch the eagerly anticipated ‘Oh Yeah Contenders’ Tour, sponsored by Translink.

Family Day Ticket only £18.50Unlimited Bus & Rail Travel

Metro Family Day Ticket only £9Saturday 23 October to Sunday 7 NovemberUp to 2 adults and 4 children (minimum 1 adult and 1 child)Children under 5 years will be counted as part of a party.

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Halloween Family Day Ticket

A new leaflet promoting group travel by train for local and cross border rail services has recently been mailed to sports, leisure, special interest and church groups to encourage them to try taking the train for their next group outing. A special introductory offer aims to attract an initial booking. In addition, the successful Educational Trips by Train brochure has been refreshed and mailed to schools listing attractions and venues close to rail stations.

NIRailways Group Travel Promotions

Metro Fridays returns, offering passengers superb Friday savings on travel, dining, entertainment and salon treatments in Belfast from September until the start of the festive season; for offers details visit: www.translink.co.uk/metrofridays. Keep an eye out for a series of surprises in Belfast as Metro Fridays will be hosting special on-street style and beauty makeovers and turning the city streets into catwalks with ‘pop up’ fashion shows. On the spot prizes are also up for grabs.

Metro FridaysUlsterbus Smart Shoppers

Ulsterbus Smartlink Value Promotion

Hundreds of fans travelled to Dublin by train last month to watch the GAA All Ireland final at Croke Park. This autumn will see the return of the rugby international matches at the new Aviva Stadium. Special trains will be provided for rugby fans with tickets being sold online and from stations.

Cross Border Special Trains

Our special ‘Metro Friends’ offer provides significant savings compared to using Metro cash fares. During October over 60,000 residents on the Castlereagh, Falls and Shankill Road corridors received a ‘Metro Friends’ postcard featuring two unique codes to be entered online to enjoy discounted Smartlink travel for five journeys. A supporting outdoor advertising campaign also promoted Metro travel and Smartlink savings.

Metro Friends

To promote Goldline services a 1/3 off campaign is running from 1 September - 30 November after 9.30 a.m. on the following targeted corridors - Coleraine, Ballymena, Antrim, Newry, Larne, Portadown and Armagh. Over 120,000 households have received a Goldline timetable and information about the promotional offer. The campaign is also being promoted with outdoor advertising, on vehicles and Belfast Telegraph advertising.

1/3 Off Goldline

The third NIRailways ‘Rail Nights Out’ Campaign was launched on 1 September and will run until 30 November. The popular promotion which encourages people to travel by train in the evenings and avail of 1/3 off day return tickets also includes special offers at restaurants,cinemas, entertainment venues, shopping centres and festivals. The previous two campaigns have been successful in generating additional patronage in the evenings; and the third campaign will aim to build on awareness and stimulate interest by promoting a wide variety of partner offers. Advertising includes outdoor, radio, press, digital, posters and leaflets.

Rail Nights Out is back

18. PromotionsA summary of Translink’s marketing activities.

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Best Energy Manager Award Mal McGreevy, General Manager Rail, has won the prestigious Best Energy Manager Award at the recent Sustainable Ireland Awards 2010. Pictured with his energy team Philip Reid, Energy Engineer; Paul Slaney, Engineering Technical Manager and David Lowry, Technical Engineer, the award recognises Translink’s efforts in achieving energy savings within the company through the introduction of energy initiatives, best practice programmes and targeted energy management strategies. At the same awards, Translink was also shortlisted for the Energy Efficiency Award, for demonstrating high levels of cost reduction within our corporate energy levels through the implementation of energy saving policies and programmes.

12 EXPRESSLINES EXPRESSLINES 13Awards

Bus Engineering reaccredited as an Investor in People

Pictured: (l-r) Ian Proctor, Investor in People Assessor, and Brian Elliott, Head of Bus Engineering. Translink Bus Engineering was recently reaccredited as an Investor in People and wishes to thank all those employees who participated in the process of assessment.

Tidy Translink AwardsThe Tidy Translink 2010 Awards competition has been launched once again by Tidy Northern Ireland. Assessments are currently underway with the results to be announced in the winter. The 2009 results showed our facilities are indeed continuing to improve which demonstrates the ongoing hard work and commitment of our colleagues in caring for and enhancing their locations’ environment. However, there is always room for improvement and we want to build on our previous good work. The Tidy Translink Awards have proved a very useful tool to create cleaner, greener and tidier Translink facilities, and for this reason we have signed up with Tidy Northern Ireland for the next 5 years to further implement and develop these awards.

Greenisland Railway Adoption Scheme Scoops Top International AwardGreenisland Realway Adopt a Station Project (GRASP) has won the Best International Achievement Award at the Association of Community Rail Partnerships Community Rail Awards 2010. The Project was recognized for its work with Translink NIRailways through

an Adopt a Station scheme at Greenisland Railway Station. The scheme involves people of all ages and backgrounds and has included station clean-ups and redecoration to improve the appearance of the area.

Pictured: (l-r) Catherine Evans, GRASP, Sandra Buchanan, Greenisland Heritage and Environment Group, Rachel Kirker, GRASP, Frank Moore, Northern Area Route Manager, and Alan Wright, GRASP.

Metro Fridays – Best Marketing Campaign at the recent Chartered Institute of Marketing Awards

The Translink Metro Fridays campaign was the winner of the Best Marketing Campaign at the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Ireland Awards 2010. Norman Maynes, Head of Business Development, reports; “The Best Marketing Campaign award is a very prestigious and heavily contested category at the annual CIM Ireland Awards and we are delighted that the innovative Metro Fridays campaign has been selected as the outright winner of the award. It is recognition of the concept, strategy, creativity and energy of the team in developing the Metro Fridays campaign which has been continually enhanced through five different bursts of activity. It is fully deserved recognition for the effort of Ardmore Advertising our partnering agency”.

The Metro Fridays ConceptLike all good customer-led initiatives the

concept behind Metro Fridays was simple; encourage car users in Belfast to use Metro on Fridays, based on the premise that it’s easier to achieve a change in travel behaviour if small bite-sized steps are taken. But Metro Fridays was more than just a marketing campaign to stimulate trial, it was required to deliver real and sustainable business growth: “Translink’s ground-breaking Metro Fridays Campaign has attracted thousands of new bus users and helped revitalise Belfast’s retail and leisure economy” comments Norman. Metro Fridays key message was that travelling by Metro is a fun and easy thing to do; it saves on the hassle of driving on Friday’s (when you’re already in that wind-down mode) and it gives you the freedom to stay later in the city to enjoy shopping, or a social evening with friends and colleagues.

Marketing and PR Strategy To translate the Metro Fridays concept into an actionable campaign which initiated a change in travel behaviour and captured the hearts and minds of car users living and working in Belfast, an integrated through-the-line Marketing and PR campaign was delivered (August-October 2008, April-June 2009 and August-October 2009). A special Metro Fridays £1 promotional fare valid for travel anywhere in Belfast on Metro after 7pm was introduced to stimulate change from car users. A range of exclusive deals and discounts were also available to Metro Fridays customers by simply presenting their bus ticket. To communicate the Metro Fridays message, advertising strategy focused on talking to car users through the tactical use of a range of innovative media including bus stop advertising, advertising in pubs and clubs, ambient techniques including ad bikes and mobile street teams in the heart of the City Centre.

Advertising in the Belfast Telegraph promoted Metro Fridays to an audience of over 70,000 and advertising on a special section within the

Translink website reached over 12,000 visitors every day. Cool FM joined forces as media partners providing free of charge on-air promotion, competitions, concert ticket give-a-ways and Metro Fridays themed nights with Cool FM DJs.

Public Relations Strategy included a comprehensive range of novel, high-impact initiatives including:

• Metro Fridays Corporate Challenge withkey large businesses.

• Partnership with the Ulster Cancer Foundation.

• Metro Fridays Charity Workouts.

• Metro Fridays ‘Hot Ticket’/’Metro Mates’ Features in the Belfast Telegraph.

• Metro Makeovers with top hair andbeauty experts.

Key Outcomes

• 6% growth in patronage on Fridays after 7pm

• 2% growth in Metro patronage during 2008-09.

• Over 500,000 passengers using services every week.

• Over 30% growth in Metro patronagefrom service introduction in 2005.

• Over £17,000 publicity value

Metro Fridays was about doing the unexpected- challenging car users to re-think their travel behaviour and the drudgery of the daily commute and in the process put the fun back into Fridays. The key to success was the originality of the Metro Fridays Concept and the creative techniques used to deliver sustainable modal shift. Plans are in place to roll-out further Metro Fridays initiatives during 2010.

Pictured: Carol Marsden, Brand Manager Bus and Norman Maynes, Head of Business Development, celebrate ‘Metro Fridays’ success.

12. AwardsRound up of awards success across the company.

AUTUMN HIGHLIGHTS

CONTENTS

Mailbox 04

All in a days work 05

Keeping you connected 06-07

News 08

News in Brief 09

News 10

News in Brief 11

Awards 12-13

News 14

News in Brief 15

News in Brief 16

This time it’s Personal 17

Promotions 18

Students 19

It’s all in the name of charity 20

News in Brief 21

Nature Notes 21

News in Brief 22

Family Life 23

4 EXPRESSLINES EXPRESSLINES 5All in a days workDavid Carson, Training Engineer, York Road

1. How long have you worked for Translink? I have been with Translink for 10 years in my role as Training Engineer. Before, I worked for Castlereagh College as a Lecturer in Motor Vehicle Engineering.

2. What is your area of responsibility at work?I manage the training of Engineering staff for the bus and rail companies.

3. Tell us a little about your range of responsibilities?Every year Engineering workshop staff undergo a Personal Review; part of that review is a Training Needs Analysis (TNA). I compile Training Plans for the next year from these TNAs - one for bus and one for rail. I work closely with the training providers to develop courses to match Translink’s needs; and I am involved in training for vehicle maintenance technicians to extend their skills base. Modern vehicles mean modern technology. Its part of my job to obtain the software needed and any updates required to ensure vehicles remain operational.

4. What do your responsibilities for apprentices entail?I liaise with line managers and agree engineering apprentice recruitment year by year. I then work with Human Resources to set the recruitment wheels in motion and oversee aptitude testing and interviews. Once appointed, I place the apprentices at college and monitor their education and training for the duration of their four-year apprenticeship.

5. What other engineering work placements do you manage? I’m the point of contact for schools and make the necessary arrangements when we receive requests to arrange work experience for pupils.

The Technical Department also employs Engineering students from the local universities on an annual basis. Again, I oversee the recruitment process, assign mentors, develop and monitor their schedule for the year to ensure they benefit from their experience; as well as utilising them to their maximum potential. We have also hosted quite a number of IAESTE (The International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience) students over the years. 6. What qualifications or skills are particularly helpful to you in your job? The fact that I served a heavy vehicle apprenticeship in addition to teaching the subject, has given me a real insight into what our workshop staff are working with. For course delivery my previous experience as a teacher and my training and qualifications, for example, a Postgraduate Certificate and Diploma in Further and Higher Education, are of real benefit when it comes to critiquing courses. I recently underwent a City & Guilds 7303 teaching qualification which I found beneficial, as I discovered how techniques and approaches to training have changed.

7. What aspects of your job are most satisfying?When I get a call for help and can then develop an appropriate course and arrange delivery. I get real satisfaction seeing the difference the training has made and how it has provided the solution to the problem.

8. What work achievement are you most proud of?It has to be my apprentices. When I look at an apprentice upon completion of their apprenticeship and remember what they were like when they started, with their very limited knowledge of the trade, I do feel proud. We have trained some excellent apprentices and I have every confidence in them that they have the ability to keep the wheels of our bus and rail fleets in motion.

EXPRESSLINES 05Mail box04 EXPRESSLINES

Translink servicesI wanted to drop you a brief note regarding your bus and train staff. I use the Hillsborough/ Lisburn / Belfast and Lambeg to Central Station routes fairly often and have been very impressed by your staff who are helpful, considerate and pleasant on every occasion I have used the services over the past two or so years. Please pass on my thanks for their excellent service and attention.M Reid, Hillsborough

Drs M and P MacSorley wanted to relay their positive comments on Ulsterbus and Metro staff with respect to services and staff helpfulness. In the case of Dr M MacSorley, he in particular has praised the importance of our services in facilitating his two disabled children to socialize and visit family and friends in and around Belfast, and to further locations such as Omagh. His children regularly comment on their experiences and value this ‘lifeline’ in being able to lead normal lives.Drs M and P MacSorley, Antrim Road Medical Centre

Translink MetroCommendable actions from Falls Driver Martin DevlinI am writing on behalf of Mrs D’arcy as we would like to commend our bus driver on his quick reaction in helping Mrs D’arcy when she fell after getting off the bus. He rang for an ambulance he was so concerned. She is bruised and got seven staples in her head, please let him know she is alright and send her thanks. Mr & Mrs Duncan, Ballybeen

Quick thinking Newtownabbey Driver Alan BurtonI want to say a big thank you to my bus driver this morning for averting what could have been a major incident when a lorry pulled out in front of him. The driver was able to brake in time and avert a major crash in rush hour traffic. Please pass on my thanks to this driver for his quick thinking.

A McNeice, Department of Justice Great customer service from Inspector John Ferguson I would like to praise John Ferguson who was the Inspector at the City Hall this evening, where due to traffic disruption no buses were able to use the Newtownards and Albertbridge Roads. Many people were waiting for the bus services to East Belfast and this young man dealt with all enquiries (which were constant) with concern, interest, patience and most of all showed a willingness to help and reassure customers. Please pass on my gratitude and I hope such customer service does not go unrecognised. A Downey, Belfast

Translink UlsterbusCommendable actions from Craigavon Driver Patrick McNally I would like to commend driver Patrick McNally, for the assistance he provided when my daughter took a seizure onboard his bus. He ensured that my daughter was in no danger of hurting herself then called an ambulance and comforted her until medical assistance arrived. She could not recall what happened, however Patrick provided the medical team with vital information, such as the length of time the seizure lasted. My daughter has only recently started taking seizures, and the information he provided will prove crucial in helping to diagnose her illness. Patrick also called me later in the evening to ensure that she was feeling better. I cannot thank him enough for his assistance and compassion during this incident. His actions were ‘above and beyond’ what was expected.T Vance, Craigavon

Praise for Coleraine Driver Stephen O’HaraAs I am visually impaired (registered blind) I am obliged to use public transport when I visit Ireland. I was a passenger on the Belfast to Coleraine bus service and your driver was friendly, helpful and jolly. He greeted all passengers in a polite and upbeat manner and ensured they knew when to disembark,

advised on connections for continuing their journey and even loaded passenger’s luggage. When I asked about a connecting service to Bushmills he again was jolly and offered me two options – the faster local bus or the slower coastal scenic route. Thank you for a pleasant trip and being given the choice to feel relaxed and happy!A McPeak, London

Thanks for Craigavon Driver John CoghillThank you once again for taking my son Jack safely to school each day, it’s nice for me to know that he is in safe hands. I hope you will be doing the same run come September as his younger brother Mark is starting school too. Many thanks. A Wilson, Craigavon

Translink NIRailways Praise for Ballymoney and Coleraine staff Our group had a very positive experience on your trains from Ballymoney to Portrush. We took 26 pre-school children and 17 adults on the train and were extremely happy with the service your staff gave. They ensured that we had a carriage to keep the children together and also put ramps out so we got safely on and off the train. They kept us at ease as to where to get on and off the trains and were very pleasant to our group, who can be quite noisy! We would like to recognise and thank your staff for their help on the day. We can guarantee we will travel with NIRailways again. B Hill, Ballymoney & District Community Playgroup

Appreciation for helpful Nichola HallI wish to nominate one of your staff for a customer service award - if Translink has one, if not, you will have to get one started! There are many of us on the Whiteabbey line who think very highly of a lady called Nichola who works at the barrier in Central station where we get our tickets checked. She is always extremely helpful and cheerful - something we passengers really appreciate. D Earl, Newtownabbey

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Work is progressing to schedule on the production of the new Class 4000 trains by Spanish Rail Manufacturer CAF; all 20 new trains are expected to enter service during 2011 and 2012. The new trains are due to start arriving in Northern Ireland in the Spring next year. Following their arrival, the new fleet will undergo night and day testing (including a process of mileage accumulation with each train needing to complete 2000 miles fault free) before entering passenger service, initially replacing 13 older NI Railways trains on a rolling basis.

Translink Resident Engineers at CAFTranslink has a permanent presence at the CAF facilities, with three Engineers from the NIRailways Technical Department (Naomi Orr, Patrick Doyle and Andrew McEvoy) taking it in turn to work at the Spanish site. The role of the Resident Engineer includes:• Day to day / face to face contact with the manufacturer• Overseeing all manufacturing and testing activities on-site• Quality assurance of manufacturing processes and functional performance of equipment• Ensure contract requirements and industry standards are being met• Checking progress against project plan• See that standards are set and maintained throughout production

James Erwin, Programme Manager, and Mal McGreevy, General Manager Rail, visited CAF to witness an important project milestone in July when the first train bodyshell was completed. After passing a series of checks, each finished bodyshell will move into the assembly line for interiors and equipment to be fitted. The next stage involves a period of factory testing.

Platform ExtensionsWork on a £9 million programme to extend railway station platforms on the Larne and Bangor to Portadown lines begins in November. The construction work is required so that stations where six cars are planned to stop will be able to accommodate longer train sets. Anthony Stove, Structures Project Engineer, is managing this project: “It involves extending 37 platforms at 20 stations and halts,” he reports. “This represents the construction of almost 2.0km of new platform, it also involves the provision of lighting, extra shelters and seating. Work will also be required to signaling equipment to facilitate their construction. Track work at some of the sites will be needed.” Anthony explains: “In general work will take place overnight, though line and platform closures will be required for some elements of the works. We have tried to minimize the disruption to our passengers by ensuring that, where possible, as much of the materials will be pre-cast or pre-fabricated off site. This will also reduce the noise impact to residents near the works.”

Accessibility ConsultationDuring September, Translink continued consultation with the Inclusive Mobility Transport Advisory Council (IMTAC) on accessibility features of the new trains. All trains will be fitted with external destination displays on the front and sides, as well as audible and visual passenger information, signage in Braille and embossed lettering. Accessibility features include wheelchair access and dedicated accommodation for two wheelchairs and companion seats. There will also be a fully wheelchair accessible toilet and accommodation for eight bicycles.

PICTuRED: (l-r) Discussing progress of the New Trains project, are Norman Maynes, Head of Business Development, Barbara Fleming, IMTAC, James Erwin, New Trains Two Programme Manager, and Elizabeth Black, IMTAC.

New Trains Two Update

Keeping you connected EXPRESSLINES 07

News

In our last issue we brought you news of the Translink Programme, designed to review current people practices and identify areas where we can improve. Richard Knox, Programme Manager, provides an update on the next phase of the programme.

Programme LaunchThe Translink Programme was officially launched on 23 September and was the first meeting of the Steering Group, Project Leaders, Team Members and the Executive Group. Richard explains: “Up until then we had held meetings with each specific group involved in the programme and ran organisational development training but this was the first chance to get everyone together and work as a team.” After an introductory presentation from Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive, Richard spoke about organisational development within Translink and what it means to us as a company. Industry expert Colin Catney also spoke at the launch, with a strong background in organisational development and a broad spectrum of knowledge from working with companies such as the BBC and Diageo,

he was able to give an overview of how it can work for Translink. Philip O’Neill closed the event as Programme Sponsor.

Development Training ExerciseIn September Richard took the Project Leaders and a number of the Steering Group to England for a three day Development exercise. “We visited three European award winning companies including AES Seal and Siemens, and had a bespoke training day at Aston University, Birmingham. We wanted to make sure we were up to speed with what is out there, what is available to us, and what possibilities there are for us – in terms of organisational development. “The response from those involved has been very enthusiastic, including employees who’ve been in the business a long time. They see that if we can do this, it is a strong way of moving the organisation forward. We need to be thinking outside of the box, broadening people’s minds and giving them freedom to innovate.” Richard commented.

Next Phase “Our concept is to take an organisation that is good but look at a cycle of continuous improvement and focus on quality.

Translink Programme launched

08 EXPRESSLINES EXPRESSLINES 09News in Brief

Halloween in Belfast will be the most ‘fangtastic’ yet with the monster-mashing ‘spooktacular’ at the Odyssey on Sunday 31 October. The event, sponsored by Translink Metro, will start at 2pm and culminate with a spooktacular teatime fireworks display. Belfast City Council has arranged a variety of activities throughout the day – and all for free! Translink Metro Service Delivery Manager, Roy Sloan, reports that a free ‘ghost bus’ shuttle service will be in operation throughout the event: “We are delighted to once again partner with the council and sponsor this fun family event. The exciting line-up is set to entertain the whole family and we hope people will take advantage of regular Metro services into the city centre and our free shuttle service to celebrations at the Odyssey.”

PICTuRED: Translink Metro Service Delivery Manager Roy Sloan (left) joins Belfast City Council Lord Mayor Cllr Pat Convery and little Brianna Hamill and Joseph Donnelly to launch the Metro Monster Mash 2010.

Metro Monster Mash 2010

Independent research released in October shows that customer satisfaction is at an all time high. Ciarán Rogan, Marketing Executive, reports that the latest positive results reflect investment in vehicles, facilities and cost-effective travel options: “This is a great set of results. Both NIRailways and Ulsterbus have met on time targets and our customers tell us they recognise the good work done in terms of value for money and staff helpfulness. “Recent investment in new high capacity Ulsterbus vehicles has undoubtedly helped to improve services throughout Northern Ireland and the arrival of new trains next year along with further network upgrades will continue to improve NIRailways’ performance. “We work hard to make Translink the best and easiest choice. In Spring, we launched our Translink-wide ‘Let’s go together’ campaign which is raising public awareness on the wide range of bus and train services available. “These results show why more car drivers are choosing the bus and train; avoiding expensive fuel and parking charges. We will continue to invest in and improve our services to give hassle-free, great value choices.” Ciarán concluded.

Passengers give Translink the ‘thumbs-up’

“The Project Teams had three specific training days during October, the first focused on putting the teams together, working out the dynamics and gaining an understanding of what areas they will be involved in. We next got together for training on the programme toolkit and on innovation and thought processes. We have started to look at and dismantle what we do now as a company, working out what’s good and what could be improved and over the next few months will be working out what the solutions are.” Richard reports.

The Programme Steering Group: • Gordon Milligan – Director of Human Resources and Organisational Development • Cathy Burns - Head of Corporate Services • David Cowan – Bus Operations Southern Area Manager • Granville Lavin - Health, Safety and Environmental Manager • Hilton Parr – Railway Operations Customer Services Manager • Jim Moore - Head of Signalling and Telecoms • John Lundy - Executive and Business Support Manager • Linda Neilan - Group Accounting Manager • Norman Maynes - Head of Business Development • Seamus Kane - Head of Information Services

The Project Leaders: • Billy Gilpin assisted by Joanne Hayes - Leadership and Change • Brian Elliott - Performance Management • Ian Campbell - Employee Engagement and Internal Communication • Darren Patterson - Learning and Development

PICTuRED: (l-r) Richard Knox, Programme Manager, Brian Elliott, Project Leader, Philip O’Neill, Programme Sponsor, Billy Gilpin, Project Leader, Ian Campbell, Project Leader, Darren Patterson, Project Leader, Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive, and Gordon Milligan, Director of Human Resources.

As a company we have been taking steps to reduce our impact on the environment; part of this drive is a new energy awareness campaign called ‘Let’s go eco!’ The campaign will highlight areas where we can make a positive impact on our energy consumption, thereby reducing our carbon footprint. The first initiative focuses on the Winter Peak Electricity Charging Period, which runs from 1 November – 28 February. During this period a unit of electricity will cost 3 times more than normal between 4pm – 7pm, affecting the majority of our sites. It is therefore essential that all equipment, especially heating and lighting, is turned off promptly at the close of the working day. In addition everyone should attempt to turn off or avoid the use of unnecessary equipment between 4pm – 7pm. Small changes to energy use between 4pm – 7pm can make a big difference. So this winter, Let’s go eco!

Keep an eye out for the new campaign over the coming weeks. You can email enquires or suggestions about saving energy to: enironment@translink.co.uk

Let’s go eco! – New energy awareness campaign

News

The new Translink website was launched on 11 August. The Website Refresh Project has delivered a new and improved website with better navigability and more efficient site maintenance.

Award successThe site has already had award success at a prestigious event at the Emirates Stadium on 6 October winning Best Website for Public Sector or Not-for-Profit Organisations. EPiServer are an industry leading Content Management System provider with clients such as ITN, Renault, Currys and Santander. The judge’s citation noted: “This integrated public transport website is presented very clearly, users can easily access travel updates and news as well as save key content. The site is easy to navigate and clearly signposts the different service providers with intelligent use of colour throughout a section.”

Site improvements An important aspect of the new website is a new look and feel that instantly brings the site up-to-date. The project has provided greater functionality to the end user;

specifically a find my nearest stop facility for Metro users (interfacing with Google related maps), searchable fares for Metro and ‘linked timetables’ within the Journey Planner section. Owen McLaughlin, Web Development Manager, comments: “Unfortunately with the launch of the new website we have experienced some availability and performance issues however these are being addressed through a problem management team”.

Positive feedbackDespite some of the teething problems the usability and Information Architecture (layout navigation) of the website have proven to be very successful. There has been a positive reaction to the new site from many customers: “I really like the new look website - it is much easier to navigate and a lot cleaner looking than the last version."

Additional developments Owen continued "As part of the project we also introduced new Social Network Marketing sites back in March, both Facebook and Twitter have been invaluable in dealing with our customers.

The personalisation features that we have introduced have been appreciated by customers. Users can customise their home page and the Journey Planner personalisation offers a convenient ‘my journeys’ option (e.g. home to work) which means the customer doesn’t need to key in the relevant journey information every time they search."

Business potential Owen stresses: “The website is an increasingly important business tool. Currently there are almost 20,000 visitors to our website each working day. The amount of online business transactions is also growing steadily. Over the last 12 months to mid October, online web sales have reached £1 million.”

Future developments Continued development of the website will be supported and underpinned by a broad programme of passenger information developments. A Passenger Information Programme has been set up to bring together the relevant projects and work streams taking place around the companies that will collectively improve the delivery of passenger information on all Translink services. Ciaran Rogan, Programme Sponsor, explains: “The benefits of a Passenger Information Programme will be greater clarity of the interdependencies and common objectives of all the different work streams taking place that ultimately help to deliver the information our customers need to use our services. Our focus at this time is improving the data downstream to the online Journey Planner, Website and Contact Centre. We want to remove the need for customers to have geographical or network knowledge when making their enquiry. Ultimately, our information services should be as easy as calling a taxi.” We will keep readers updated on these important developments throughout the year. PICTuRED: (l-r) Translink’s web team: Owen McLaughlin, Karen Newberry, Gary O’Neill and Mo McCauley.

10 EXPRESSLINES EXPRESSLINES 11News in BriefTranslink’s new website wins EPiServer seal of approval

The popular Translink Shopping Centre Roadshow is on the road again, visiting 13 shopping centres across Northern Ireland. It’s a great way to show shoppers what Translink can offer, encouraging non users to try the bus or train and also highlighting other products and services to get them on board more often. Shoppers can find out details on the very latest special offers and timetable information to help them plan their journeys.

PICTuRED: (l-r) Karen McMinnus, Maura Gallagher, Brand Coordinator,Ethan Ferguson, Ian Tully, Central Area Inspector.

During the six-month period, January to June 2010, 88 prosecutions against individual offenders were secured in the courts system by Translink’s Secretariat Office.

57 of the prosecutions related to safety offences, including: failure to observe level crossing warning systems, trespassing and assault. • An individual who damaged a CCTV pole at Umbra Level Crossing was ordered to pay £1,350 costs for repairs. • A bridge strike at Galgorm Road, Ballymena resulted in recovered costs of £18,133 for repairs. • An individual charged with common assault and disorderly behaviour received two community service orders for 200 hours. • An individual who failed to observe the warning system at Cullybackey North level Crossing was charged £250, given 3 penalty points and £39,000 recovered through their insurance company for damage to the train.

31 of the prosecutions involved ticket, travel and behaviour offences, including: no valid ticket, intent to avoid paying fare, disorderly and indecent behaviour. The total amount recovered, including costs for repairs, came to £71,943.

Prosecutions UpdateShopping Centre Roadshows

Translink NIRailways works hard to combat the problems caused by autumn and winter weather conditions on our services. When leaves fall on, or close to the railway line and get compressed under the wheels of the carriages, the leaves are crushed firmly and this ‘black ice’ of the rails means that trains lose grip. Each year several tools and initiatives are used to help combat the problem:

• Training staff with the Train Driving Simulator

• Continuous high pressure water jettingof the rails

• Regular monitoring of the Met Office weather forecasting

• Using sandite rail adhesive on the tracks

• Modern wheel-slip protection systemson trains

• A year round programme managing track side vegetation

Snow and frost can also make conditions difficult; the Winter Planning Programme initiatives include installing point heaters, anti-freeze products, along with salting and brushing platforms.

PICTuRED: We have produced an information leaflet for passengers detailing the measures in place.

Impact of autumn and winter weather

12 EXPRESSLINES EXPRESSLINES 13

Best Energy Manager Award Mal McGreevy, General Manager Rail, has won the prestigious Best Energy Manager Award at the recent Sustainable Ireland Awards 2010. Pictured with his energy team Philip Reid, Energy Engineer; Paul Slaney, Engineering Technical Manager and David Lowry, Technical Engineer, the award recognises Translink’s efforts in achieving energy savings within the company through the introduction of energy initiatives, best practice programmes and targeted energy management strategies. At the same awards, Translink was also shortlisted for the Energy Efficiency Award, for demonstrating high levels of cost reduction within our corporate energy levels through the implementation of energy saving policies and programmes.

12 EXPRESSLINES EXPRESSLINES 13Awards

Bus Engineering reaccredited as an Investor in People

Pictured: (l-r) Ian Proctor, Investor in People Assessor, and Brian Elliott, Head of Bus Engineering. Translink Bus Engineering was recently reaccredited as an Investor in People and wishes to thank all those employees who participated in the process of assessment.

Tidy Translink AwardsThe Tidy Translink 2010 Awards competition has been launched once again by Tidy Northern Ireland. Assessments are currently underway with the results to be announced in the winter. The 2009 results showed our facilities are indeed continuing to improve which demonstrates the ongoing hard work and commitment of our colleagues in caring for and enhancing their locations’ environment. However, there is always room for improvement and we want to build on our previous good work. The Tidy Translink Awards have proved a very useful tool to create cleaner, greener and tidier Translink facilities, and for this reason we have signed up with Tidy Northern Ireland for the next 5 years to further implement and develop these awards.

Greenisland Railway Adoption Scheme Scoops Top International AwardGreenisland Realway Adopt a Station Project (GRASP) has won the Best International Achievement Award at the Association of Community Rail Partnerships Community Rail Awards 2010. The Project was recognized for its work with Translink NIRailways through

an Adopt a Station scheme at Greenisland Railway Station. The scheme involves people of all ages and backgrounds and has included station clean-ups and redecoration to improve the appearance of the area.

Pictured: (l-r) Catherine Evans, GRASP, Sandra Buchanan, Greenisland Heritage and Environment Group, Rachel Kirker, GRASP, Frank Moore, Northern Area Route Manager, and Alan Wright, GRASP.

Metro Fridays – Best Marketing Campaign at the recent Chartered Institute of Marketing Awards

The Translink Metro Fridays campaign was the winner of the Best Marketing Campaign at the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Ireland Awards 2010. Norman Maynes, Head of Business Development, reports; “The Best Marketing Campaign award is a very prestigious and heavily contested category at the annual CIM Ireland Awards and we are delighted that the innovative Metro Fridays campaign has been selected as the outright winner of the award. It is recognition of the concept, strategy, creativity and energy of the team in developing the Metro Fridays campaign which has been continually enhanced through five different bursts of activity. It is fully deserved recognition for the effort of Ardmore Advertising our partnering agency”.

The Metro Fridays ConceptLike all good customer-led initiatives the

concept behind Metro Fridays was simple; encourage car users in Belfast to use Metro on Fridays, based on the premise that it’s easier to achieve a change in travel behaviour if small bite-sized steps are taken. But Metro Fridays was more than just a marketing campaign to stimulate trial, it was required to deliver real and sustainable business growth: “Translink’s ground-breaking Metro Fridays Campaign has attracted thousands of new bus users and helped revitalise Belfast’s retail and leisure economy” comments Norman. Metro Fridays key message was that travelling by Metro is a fun and easy thing to do; it saves on the hassle of driving on Friday’s (when you’re already in that wind-down mode) and it gives you the freedom to stay later in the city to enjoy shopping, or a social evening with friends and colleagues.

Marketing and PR Strategy To translate the Metro Fridays concept into an actionable campaign which initiated a change in travel behaviour and captured the hearts and minds of car users living and working in Belfast, an integrated through-the-line Marketing and PR campaign was delivered (August-October 2008, April-June 2009 and August-October 2009). A special Metro Fridays £1 promotional fare valid for travel anywhere in Belfast on Metro after 7pm was introduced to stimulate change from car users. A range of exclusive deals and discounts were also available to Metro Fridays customers by simply presenting their bus ticket. To communicate the Metro Fridays message, advertising strategy focused on talking to car users through the tactical use of a range of innovative media including bus stop advertising, advertising in pubs and clubs, ambient techniques including ad bikes and mobile street teams in the heart of the City Centre.

Advertising in the Belfast Telegraph promoted Metro Fridays to an audience of over 70,000 and advertising on a special section within the

Translink website reached over 12,000 visitors every day. Cool FM joined forces as media partners providing free of charge on-air promotion, competitions, concert ticket give-a-ways and Metro Fridays themed nights with Cool FM DJs.

Public Relations Strategy included a comprehensive range of novel, high-impact initiatives including:

• Metro Fridays Corporate Challenge withkey large businesses.

• Partnership with the Ulster Cancer Foundation.

• Metro Fridays Charity Workouts.

• Metro Fridays ‘Hot Ticket’/’Metro Mates’ Features in the Belfast Telegraph.

• Metro Makeovers with top hair andbeauty experts.

Key Outcomes

• 6% growth in patronage on Fridays after 7pm

• 2% growth in Metro patronage during 2008-09.

• Over 500,000 passengers using services every week.

• Over 30% growth in Metro patronagefrom service introduction in 2005.

• Over £170,000 publicity value

Metro Fridays was about doing the unexpected- challenging car users to re-think their travel behaviour and the drudgery of the daily commute and in the process put the fun back into Fridays. The key to success was the originality of the Metro Fridays Concept and the creative techniques used to deliver sustainable modal shift. Plans are in place to roll-out further Metro Fridays initiatives during 2010.

PICTuRED: Carol Marsden, Brand Manager Bus and Norman Maynes, Head of Business Development, celebrate ‘Metro Fridays’ success.

News

Translink NIRailways has developed and introduced three new professional policy handbooks for its operational staff; including drivers, signallers and controllers. Gary Cooley, Operations Technical Manager, reports on progress so far. Launched in October, the new policies are designed to provide operational staff with the knowledge and skills required to apply the highest standards of professionalism to their roles. A key part of the overall Translink NIRailways Operational Risk Strategy 2010/2012 to improve safety performance; the policies outline core rules and competence standards, which form part of the employees training, monitoring and assessment processes.

These new policies have been developed in consultation with operational staff and their feedback has been incorporated. Speaking about the new polices Gary reported: “We have revised and updated these policies as part of our overall safety strategy, which outlines how we propose to further improve our safety performance.“We recognise that signallers, controllers, drivers, conductors, crossing keepers and station staff all have a vital role to play in the process of reducing operational risk. “We hope these policies will help to further develop our employees’ professionalism, competence as well as their understanding of human factors through the promotion of the five key areas of professionalism.”

14 EXPRESSLINES EXPRESSLINES 15News in BriefNew Rail Professional Policies Launched

PICTuRED: Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive, made a presentation in recognition of the lifesaving actions of Terry McCloskey, Ulsterbus Coleraine driving staff, at the Giant’s Causeway earlier this year. Terry discovered and helped a lady who had been seriously injured from falling off rocks. The emergency services involved at the scene and the National Trust have all acknowledged that Terry’s quick actions saved the lady’s life. She is continuing to recover and has met Terry to thank him personally.

Translink Metro once again supported the West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK 2010 which ran from 13 – 17 October. To show that bus travel was the ‘fashionable’ way to get to there we offered Translink Metro passengers a £1 discount off the £12 show tickets on presentation of a valid ticket, receipt or pass.

Fashionable way to get there Recognition for lifesaving actionsFive key areas of professionalism1. Acting professionally2. Minimising the risk of error3. Safe working4. Managing lifestyle and fatigue5. Maintaining a professional working environment The Translink NIRailways Operational Risk Strategy covers the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2012; allowing time for the initiatives to take effect on safety performance and show an overall reduction in risk. Gary commented: “All operational incidents are preventable; our goal is to have zero incidents. Progress towards this goal will take effort both in developing technical solutions and changing human behavior. “We want to identify actions which will have a medium to long term benefit in the reduction of operational risk.”

Key areas for the control of operational incident risks:• Promoting professionalism• Management of Human factors and error management• Developing Training and Competence• Improving Communications• Managing SPAD risk• Managing the risk from new trains and signalling• Managing the risk at the platform train interface

“The introduction of the three new professional policy handbooks forms part of the Operational Risk Strategy 2010/2012, we will also see: a coordinated safety campaign, the introduction of new control measures to manage SPAD (Signals Passed at Danger) risk and the introduction of new Class 4000 DMU’s (Diesel Multiple Units). There will be a renewal of signalling at Great Victoria Street to Adelaide, the opening of a new fleet maintenance and crew depot at Adelaide and a change to train dispatch procedures at manned stations.” Gary concluded.

Anti-Bullying Week (15 – 19 November) is co-ordinated each year by the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum, an interagency group hosted by Save the Children and supported by Translink. This year’s theme will focus on ‘Where the bullying is…and how we can stop it’. Translink are pleased once again to raise awareness on this serious issue by highlighting anti-bullying messages to the public through poster displays at train and bus stations across Northern Ireland. Welcoming the campaign, Lynda Shannon, Communications Manager, said: “Translink is the leading provider of school transport in Northern Ireland delivering thousands of children and young people to school safely every day. We work together with schools, parents and the wider community to ensure that all pupils enjoy their ride to school and behave in a safe and responsible manner.”

PICTuRED: (l-r) Lee Kane, NI Anti-Bullying Forum, Emma Hagan (8),Bryan Crawford (7), Ursula Kelleher, Translink, Miculich Akmad (6) and Jerzey Montgomery (5) from Ligoneil Primary School.

Translink supports Anti-Bullying Week

16 EXPRESSLINES This time its personal EXPRESSLINES 17

Karen King, Systems Leader in the Health, Safety & Environment department tells us how she took all her annual leave in July to volunteer on a project run by Ireland-wide NGO, Development Perspectives.

How did you get involved? I am interested in development and environmental issues and also love to travel. Development Perspectives’ projects connect Irish volunteers with volunteers in Africa to work in partnership on a development project for the local community. It seemed like a good way to contribute something.

What preparation was involved before you travelled to Tanzania?I was delighted to be one of the 16 volunteers selected for this particular 8 month programme. We had several pre-departure weekends in Ireland between April and June. However, as the local community chose what project they wanted us to work on we didn’t find out what the project would be until a month before we left.

What work did you do in Tanzania?We travelled out to a very remote area in southern Tanzania close to the Ruvuma River which forms the border with Mozambique. The area where we were staying was part of a national marine park which included several local villages. The local community had decided they wanted us to help them plant mangroves along the coast, to help reduce coastal erosion, and to dig fish farms. These were both environmental programmes aimed at helping local communities by protecting their homes and providing them with a sustainable income.

What was the work like?It was hard and the heat was a big problem for me! Climbing through thick mangrove forests to pick up the pods dropped by the trees was certainly very different to anything I had done before. There were plenty of spiders to contend with and we were warned to be aware of the possibility of snakes, so you always looked twice before plunging into a new section.

Where did you stay?The Tanzanian army provided us with tents

on an amazingly beautiful beach. Our facilties were basic, we had no electricity or running water and our food was lovely but limited. The experience certainly made us realise the practical difficulties people in other parts of the world face just to get the daily necessities of life. We were incredibly lucky to have our own water reservoir, but in the nearest village there was just one well for ten thousand people, with long queues at it all day.

How did you get on with the local community?Our group, including the five Tanzanians volunteering with us, all got along well. We knew a little Swahili and some of the people in the local community spoke English but where necessary the Tanzanian volunteers in our group acted as interpreters. The people in the local village were very welcoming and keen to share discussions and ideas with us. The local kids were amazing and great fun. They ran out every time our truck passed. We visted their school and gave them the small gifts including some pens donated by Translink, the schools were so glad of any supplies. Peter in our group had brought balloons and the children were thrilled with them.

How was the trip funded?We each paid for our own travel and then also raised money for the charity’s work in Tanzania. I ran a charity quiz night in Belfast and the support I got from Translink colleagues was phenomenal. Thank you! My family and friends also gave me great support.

What happens now after your trip?We are in the final phase of the programme which consists of three weekends in Ireland and an interactive exhibition of our experiences and learning in Belfast in November. It’s an opportunity for people to see what we have done and learn more about the issues involved in development. If you’re interested, please do come along to see our photos and find out more. For information on the event and on Development Perspectives visit: www.developmentperspectives.ie

Karen King, whose volunteer work took her to Tanzania to plant mangroves

News in Brief

Translink Bus Engineering recently donated a bus chassis to the Northern Regional College (NRC) to assist them in the training of apprentices at their brand new Transport Skills Centre at Newtownabbey. The centre comprises a fully equipped workshop for heavy vehicles including rail and freight; industry recognised vehicle test equipment and vehicle training equipment.

PICTuRED: (l-r) Trevor Neilands, Chief Executive NRC, David Carson, Technical Engineer (Training), Ben Allen, Apprentice Fitter Craigavon, Steven Brown, Apprentice Fitter Duncrue Street and Richard Aicken, Senior Lecturer NRC.

New Transport Skills Centre

Developed in partnership with the Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC), the new Translink Access Guide provides travel advice specifically for passengers with disabilities and older people who may find using public transport difficult. We want our services to be easy for everyone to use. Over recent years, government funding for new vehicles, stations and better passenger information have meant more services are more accessible to all our customers. The new Access Guide is available at www.translink.co.uk/accessguide and from bus and rail stations. Copies in alternative formats can be requested from the Contact Centre on 028 9066 6630 or Typetalk 18001 028 9066 6630.

PICTuRED: (l-r) Transport Minister Conor Murphy MP MLA, Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive, and David McDonald, IMTAC.

Access Guide Launched

18 EXPRESSLINES EXPRESSLINES 1918 EXPRESSLINES Promotions Students

The Family Day Ticket is currently available during the school holidays until 7 November. The ticket allows unlimited travel by bus and rail for the day for a family of up to 2 adults and 4 children for only £18.50. The promotional ticket is being promoted through press advertising, PR targeting families and with posters in stations and on-board trains.

Translink and Lisburn City Centre Management joined forces to launch ‘Ulsterbus Smart Shoppers’ – exclusive discounts for Ulsterbus passengers in shops, cafés, salons and leisure attractions in Lisburn. The partnership highlights the value-for-money and convenience of Ulsterbus City Services in Lisburn while also providing passengers with added incentive to try bus travel. Passengers simply have to present a valid Ulsterbus Smartlink card or ticket to enjoy the discounts available until November 30.

To attract additional patronage on Ulsterbus services and encourage customers to use Smartlink, a special Ulsterbus Smartlink value offer was available online during October. Ten Ulsterbus (non-Goldline) corridors were targeted and over 140,000 households received a special Ulsterbus Smartlink offer postcard along with a timetable, which entitled them to £1 off an Ulsterbus Smartlink card.

The Marketing department has been spreading the word to students about the moneysaving travel options available to them; and attending universities and colleges across Northern Ireland to sign students up to the Translink Student Discount Card and also selling Uni-link Smartlink cards at the University of Ulster Jordanstown.

Fresher FriendsTo encourage more students to use Metro services an innovative promotion called Fresher Friends was available during Septemberand October 2010. The promotion offers students the opportunity to buy Metro Smartlink Card products at discounted fares.

Newry Goldine Service PromotionTo attract additional patronage on the Newry Goldline 238/238A and Uni-Link 163A services, new promotional Student Day Return fares are available from 1 September. The special fares are available from Newry on Goldline 238/238A and all intermediate stages and are valid for journeys to Belfast and to University of Ulster Jordanstown on Uni-Link 163A.

Oh Yeah Contenders Translink has teamed up with Oh Yeah music centre to take the recently launched ‘Oh Yeah Contenders’ album on the road and we’re giving students the chance to get a backstage experience of some of the best in local talent. A series of four gigs featuring upcoming local acts will take place at venues across Northern Ireland in October and November and students have a chance to win not only free tickets, but also VIP return transport for them and 8 friends, travelling to the gig with the band.

PICTuRED: Local band A Plastic Rose took passengers by surprise by performing an impromptu live set in Central Station to launch the eagerly anticipated ‘Oh Yeah Contenders’ Tour, sponsored by Translink.

Family Day Ticket only £18.50Unlimited Bus & Rail Travel

Metro Family Day Ticket only £9Saturday 23 October to Sunday 7 NovemberUp to 2 adults and 4 children (minimum 1 adult and 1 child)Children under 5 years will be counted as part of a party.

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Halloween Family Day Ticket

A new leaflet promoting group travel by train for local and cross border rail services has recently been mailed to sports, leisure, special interest and church groups to encourage them to try taking the train for their next group outing. A special introductory offer aims to attract an initial booking. In addition, the successful Educational Trips by Train brochure has been refreshed and mailed to schools listing attractions and venues close to rail stations.

NIRailways Group Travel Promotions

Metro Fridays returns, offering passengers superb Friday savings on travel, dining, entertainment and salon treatments in Belfast from September until the start of the festive season; for offers details visit: www.translink.co.uk/metrofridays. Keep an eye out for a series of surprises in Belfast as Metro Fridays will be hosting special on-street style and beauty makeovers and turning the city streets into catwalks with ‘pop up’ fashion shows. On the spot prizes are also up for grabs.

Metro FridaysUlsterbus Smart Shoppers

Ulsterbus Smartlink Value Promotion

Hundreds of fans travelled to Dublin by train last month to watch the GAA All Ireland final at Croke Park. This autumn will see the return of the rugby international matches at the new Aviva Stadium. Special trains will be provided for rugby fans with tickets being sold online and from stations.

Cross Border Special Trains

Our special ‘Metro Friends’ offer provides significant savings compared to using Metro cash fares. During October over 60,000 residents on the Castlereagh, Falls and Shankill Road corridors received a ‘Metro Friends’ postcard featuring two unique codes to be entered online to enjoy discounted Smartlink travel for five journeys. A supporting outdoor advertising campaign also promoted Metro travel and Smartlink savings.

Metro Friends

To promote Goldline services a 1/3 off campaign is running from 1 September - 30 November after 9.30 a.m. on the following targeted corridors - Coleraine, Ballymena, Antrim, Newry, Larne, Portadown and Armagh. Over 120,000 households have received a Goldline timetable and information about the promotional offer. The campaign is also being promoted with outdoor advertising, on vehicles and Belfast Telegraph advertising.

1/3 Off Goldline

The third NIRailways ‘Rail Nights Out’ Campaign was launched on 1 September and will run until 30 November. The popular promotion which encourages people to travel by train in the evenings and avail of 1/3 off day return tickets also includes special offers at restaurants,cinemas, entertainment venues, shopping centres and festivals. The previous two campaigns have been successful in generating additional patronage in the evenings; and the third campaign will aim to build on awareness and stimulate interest by promoting a wide variety of partner offers. Advertising includes outdoor, radio, press, digital, posters and leaflets.

Rail Nights Out is back

Biodiversity day out at Lough Neagh Discovery Centre

Primary 6 pupils from St Teresa’s Primary School in Loughmacrory, Co Tyrone, recently enjoyed a sustainable day out at Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Oxford Island, as part of a prize for winning a Northern Ireland wide environmental competition. The Eco Show Live schools competition entitled ‘Talking Rubbish’ asked pupils to create two cartoon characters representing ‘good’ rubbish that could be recycled and ‘bad’ rubbish that goes to landfill. The winning class enjoyed a free Translink bus trip and various activities at the Centre including a woodland walk, mini beast hunt and pond-dipping helping them learn about ways to improve biodiversity in their own school grounds. Ursula Kelleher, PR & Public Affairs Officer, commented: “Educating young people is an important part of Translink’s environmental strategy. “We are committed to caring for the local environment and encouraging those who live near or use the bus and rail network to respect and appreciate nature. We are pleased to join forces with the Discovery Centre and Eco Show Live to raise pupils’ awareness of our rich local biodiversity. “We hope that this special trip enhances pupils’ understanding of subjects such as Science and shows children why it is important to support local animal and plant species,” she concluded.

PICTuRED: Translink Ulsterbus driver Nicola Brice joins pupilsfrom St Teresa’s Primary School, Loughmacrory, at Lough Neagh Discovery Centre.

Nature Notes Biodiversity very simply is the variety

of life on the planet

EXPRESSLINES 21News in Brief

The Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition celebrates the best plant and floral displays across Northern Ireland. Congratulations to all colleagues who worked hard to improve the appearance of their work premises - especially those in Newcastle Bus Station which won the Best Station category. Local communities and Translink employees have continued to show their dedication to improving the appearance of the local rail and bus network with Brighter Whitehead Community receiving the Community Rail Halt Award for their work at Whitehead Train Station. Speaking at the results ceremony at Lissanoure Castle Loughguile, Veronica Palmer, Chairman, said: “2010 marks the 32nd year of Ulster in Bloom and attracted 130 entries representing local councils, community organisations and businesses as well as 36 bus and train stations. Despite some challenging weather conditions, participants have produced exquisite and clever floral and plant displays capable of transforming areas and delighting both local people and visitors, enhancing social and economic prosperity.”

PICTuRED: (l-r) Roger Esdale and Hannah Moore, Translink NIRailways; Veronica Palmer, Chairman; Cllr John Mathews; Carolyn Stewart, Translink NIRailways; Martyn Todd, NITB; Greg McKernan, Translink Ulsterbus; and Diane McCourt, Translink NIRailways.

Ulster in Bloom 2010 Competition

Its all in the name of charity20 EXPRESSLINES

PICTuRED: Peter Cyril Lashford an Armagh Ulsterbus driver sadly died on 12 March. He had worked for Translink since 24 April 2006 and his sudden and tragic death shocked his colleagues and friends at Armagh bus station. A golf day to remember him was organised by close friends, colleagues and family on 20 June at Loughgall Golf Club followed by prize winner presentations at the Armagh City Hotel. Over £1,000 was raised and donated to Chest Heart & Stroke and Marie Curie, the event was significantly supported by Translink, Armagh City and District Council and local business community. It is planned to run this charity golf day annually with next year’s event planned for Sunday 1 May 2011 (inclusion of Translink (4 ball) teams would be greatly welcomed).

PICTuRED: The Trappers Cycle Club based at Translink Metro’s Falls depot raised over £3,860 with a fundraising cycle challenge in Belfast City Centre in aid of local charity ‘Friends of the Cancer Centre’, which is based at Belfast City Hospital and contributes to the care, treatment and support of cancer patients and their families throughout Northern Ireland. The Club regularly organizes fundraising events and collections and are aiming to raise between £6000 - £8000 for Friends of the Cancer Centre.

Trappers Cycle Club raise funds for cancer charity

Matt English, CEO Special Olympics Ireland, wrote to Martin Welshman, Performance & Planning Manager, to thank him and his Translink colleagues for their support and help in organising their collections: “without this help on collection day it would not have been the success it was, through your support we are close to making our target of €1 million”. He also wanted to say they are hugely grateful for the considerable effort made to help organise the Ulster delegations journey to Limerick for the 2010 Games.

Contact Centre and Infrastructure staff participated in a 50k Charity Cycle in Downpatrick on 11 September. They raised over £500 for Marie Curie and The Cancer Unit at Belfast City Hospital.

PICTuRED: (l-r) Huw Bates, Jana Rabikova, Paul Stevenson, Cinty Stubberfield, Therese Devine and Michael Stubberfield.

Charity Golf Day

50k Charity CycleSpecial Olympics Collection Day

Charity Boat Race

PICTuRED: A group of Translink employees took part in a Boat Race at Shaws Bridge in June, to raise funds for the CLIC Sargent Appeal (caring for children and young people with cancer and their families). A total of £555 was raised which was doubled through the Translink Community Partnership Board match funding the amount. Employees who participated in the event were: Sharon Taylor, Susan Thompson, William Thompson, Kerry Kearney, Karen Hutchison, Karen Gilpin, Leana Warner, David Lowry and Patrick Doyle.

22 EXPRESSLINES News in Brief EXPRESSLINES 23Family Life

Retirement Kathleen DonnellyKathleen Donnelly who worked in the Foyle Street Café retired in August after 25 years of service. Her colleagues at Foyle Street buscentre would like to wish Kathleen well for the future.

40 Years of ServiceRonnie WhiteCatherine Mason, Group Chief Executive, recently presented a 40 years service award to Ballyclare Ulsterbus driver Ronnie White.

Weddings

Translink employees based in Enniskillen, Dungannon, Omagh, Armagh, Craigavon and Newry recently had the opportunity to take part in a free learning project delivered in partnership between Translink and the TSSA Union. The project aims to develop employee skills and improve their vocational career prospects by offering a range of modules for study including: literacy, numeracy and information computer technology.

PICTuRED: (l-r) Mark Wilkinson, TSSA Learning Organiser (Translink); Harriet Acheson, South Western Regional College; Lawrence Harte, Translink; Patricia Pedersen, South Western Regional College; Wilfie Ward and Jacinta McKeown, Translink and Joan Major, South Western Regional College.

Translink employees take part in learning project

A new health and wellbeing programme has been launched in our Pennyburn engineering garage for bus engineers and drivers in the North West. Funded by ‘The Building the Community-Pharmacy Partnership’ the Health Drive is a joint project between Translink, Derry Healthy Cities and Medicare (O’Hare’s) Pharmacy; and is the first workplace project of its kind in Northern Ireland. Lisa Montgomery, Health & Safety Standards Manager, explains: “The aim of the project is to help employees tackle their health needs and concerns at a place and time convenient to them and build confidence so they know what services and people they can turn to for help. “A programme of activity has been developed in response to the feedback received from an Employee Health Needs Survey. We aim to run MOT clinics, diet and nutrition cookery demonstrations, physical activity taster sessions, smoking cessation classes as well as advice on stress, depression, arthritis, back pain and cancer awareness. “We will review this pilot initiative and if successful will look at how we can roll it out to other locations.”

PICTuRED: (l-r) Terry Doherty, Adam McGrath, Eamon Casson and Mark McIntyre at the launch of Translink’s new Health and Wellbeing Drive.

Health and Wellbeing

Translink’s Human Resources Department would like to remind all employees: Translink remains focused on delivering excellence in terms of customer standards and customer service. All Translink employees, spouse/partner and dependants who make use of free travel privileges on Translink services are reminded that in circumstances where there are insufficient seats, those traveling on free passes must vacate their seats for other passengers. Thank you for your cooperation.

Employee, spouse/partner and dependant free travel privileges

Clarke McIntyreCongratulations to Clarke McIntyre, Clerical Officer Finance Department, on his marriage to Andrea Nelson on 10 August in Bangor Abbey.

Graham ElliottCongratulations to Ulsterbus Customer Services Co-ordinator Graham Elliott and his wife Edna who were married in Florida on 1 July.

Paul O’Callaghan & Louise DuffyCongratulations to Paul O’Callaghan and Louise Duffy, both Contact Centre staff, who got married on 11 August.

Back by popular demand we’ve another chance to win a fantastic mountain bike! Send your completed crossword along with your name, staff number, address and telephone number to: Expresslines Crossword Competition, Marketing Production, Central Station, Belfast BT1 3PB, by Friday 19 November.

WIN! WIN! WIN!CROSSWORD COMPETITION

ACROSS

2 How many shopping centres across Northern Ireland will the Translink Shopping Centre Roadshow visit?

4 Where will the Metro Monster Mash event be held on Halloween?

7 In which month was the new Translink website launched?

9 Which railway station was recognised at the Association of Community Rail Partnerships Community Rail Awards 2010?

10 At which Translink engineering garage was a new health and wellbeing programme launched for bus engineers and drivers in the North West?

DOWN

1 Which bus station celebrated winning the Ulster in Bloom Best Station category?

3 One university campus where the Marketing department spread the word about moneysaving student travel options?

5 As part of the New Trains Two Programme, platform extension work on which railway line is scheduled for completion by the end of 2011?

6 On which day of the week can Metro passengers take advantage of promotional savings on travel, dining, entertainment in Belfast?

8 A group of Translink employees took part in a charity boat race at which Belfast bridge?

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