26th August 2008:
With the ‘back to school’ rush just round the corner, Translink is reminding parents and pupils that public transport can be just the ticket for travelling to and from school.
Translink Marketing Executive Ciarán Rogan said that there is a wide range of benefits to be enjoyed from using bus and rail services for the school journey:
“The beginning of a new school term is always a busy period but Translink is confident that with continued co-operation between parents, schools, pupils and Translink staff, demand will be met successfully.
“Our ongoing improvement measures including more dedicated bus services and enhanced safety features such as greater provision of seatbelts will help ease many of the pressures and concerns parents may have about transporting their child to school.
“Research shows that travel by bus is more than seven times safer than travel by car and with Translink already taking around 65% of the 110,000 children travelling to school by bus every day, I would encourage more pupils to take advantage of our improved services.
“To further enhance bus safety awareness amongst pupils, parents and teachers, Translink will also soon be launching an enhanced version of its highly successful ‘TravelSafe’ education programme available to all schools across Northern Ireland.
“Along with this safety focus, Translink is dedicated to providing a ‘value for money’ service and our Translink Pupil Pass and Child Smartlink Card provide passengers with a range of great discounted travel offers. Travelling by public transport will also help develop pupils’ independence and valuable social skills as well as combat the negative impact of traffic congestion caused by the school run.
“I would like to welcome all our new school bus passengers onboard our services and I am confident their journey to school using public transport will be a safe, reliable and comfortable experience.”
To find out more about Translink bus and rail services click www.translink.co.uk or call (028) 9066 6630.
ENDS
Notes to the Editor
To apply for Translink Pupil Pass call 028 9035 4074, pick up an application form from bus and rail stations or visit www.translink.co.uk/travelpasses.asp.
Child Smartlink Cards are available from the Metro Kiosk, Donegall Square West and various Smartlink agents in Greater Belfast area. Not available onboard bus.
Research (bus safety statistics) taken from the Confederation of Passenger Transport UK (CPT) Facts 2003.
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