'˜Get On Board' first ever Bus and Train Week

Just the ticket: Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan, Mayor, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is joined by Austin Millar and David Simpson, Translink as they help launch Translink's first ever Bus and Train Week.

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.

Austin Millar, 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. “Austin 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 Knight-McQuillan commented: “I am delighted to invite the local residents in our Borough to get involved with Northern Ireland’s first ever Bus and Train Week.

“I encourage everyone to take this opportunity to leave the car behind and use public transport, which plays a vital role in connecting people and places within our community. Not only does it bring us to work and school, an efficient public transport system is also essential for attracting visitors to the area.

“Over recent years more and more people have started to take the bus and train and increasingly people have commented on how they love the benefits of using the services – by saving money and time, relaxing on-board and avoiding traffic congestion. Why not try public transport for yourself during Bus and Train Week and give public transport a go.”