FIRST NEW TRAIN ARRIVES

Transcription

1 SPRING 2011 YOUR STAFF MAGAZINE FIRST NEW TRAIN ARRIVES NEW TRAINS TWO UPDATE PAGE 7 AwardS success PAGES 8&9 ANNUAL SAFETY CONFERENCE PAGE 10 COMPETITION! PAGE 16

2 02 Elaine McCurdy Editor WELCOME TO EXPRESSLINES Spring 2011 YOUR STAFF MAGAZINE Welcome! Welcome to the spring issue of Expresslines. In this issue we include news on the arrival of the first new Class 4000 train and the announcement of our new Charity Partner Diabetes UK Northern Ireland. We hear from Graham Elliott, Ulsterbus Customer Services Coordinator, and Mark Mullan chats about his PR work for Antrim Ladies GAA club. This issue we have introduced a new 16 page format so that you are getting all your news and regular features in a more compact Expresslines. Remember to send in your news and photos for the summer issue. Elaine McCurdy Editor EXPRESSLINES IS THE STAFF MAGAZINE FOR TRANSLINK EXPRESSLINES SPRING 2011 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. PRODUCTION Editorial: Marketing Department Additional features: Dolores Vischer, DVPR Services, Design: Whitenoise, Photography: Various Print: Commercial Graphics, Contents Mailbox 03 News in Brief 04 All in a days work 05 News in Brief 06 Keeping you connected 07 Awards News 10 This time it s Personal 11 elaine.mccurdy@translink.co.uk Telephone: Post or pop in: Expresslines, Marketing Department, Translink, Central Station, East Bridge Street, Belfast BT1 3PB This magazine is available, upon request, in a range of formats eg, braille, large print or audio tape. Please ring Charity 12 Promotions 13 News in Brief 14 Nature Notes 14 Family Life 15 Competition 16

3 Mail box 03 Translink Metro Driver Paul Doyle shows kindness to elderly passenger I am an elderly gentleman and I slipped on the pavement when I stepped off the bus and took a nasty blow to the back of my head. I can t thank the driver enough as he was more than helpful. He stayed with me until the ambulance arrived and made me comfortable. I would like to pass on my thanks to the driver for being very caring and wish there were more people like him. Mr Mellon Heroic act from Driver Andrew Connolly I was waiting with my friend for the 4A bus but just as the bus stopped 6 teenagers attacked my friend and when I tried to help I was punched, kicked and dragged away. Andrew got off the bus and shouted at the teenagers who were about to throw me over a wall to a steep drop, had it not been for his heroic act I could have been seriously hurt or at worst killed. I can t thank him enough for saving me from great danger that night. Thankfully Translink employs drivers such as Andrew, he is my hero. A Marigon Jr, Dundonald Paul Jones an exceptional Driver I travelled on Driver Paul Jones s 2C bus and he dealt with a number of issues that arose, he is an exceptional driver and a lovely person. Please relay this compliment to him. Ms Hepton, Belfast Consideration from Driver Jimmy Silcock I d like to compliment Driver Jimmy Silcock for being helpful to me on the 3A service today. He was considerate, mannerly and deserving of mention. A regular traveller, Sydenham Courtesy and help from Driver SP Maguire I was travelling on the Conway bus when a blind passenger realised he was on the wrong bus, he wanted a Service 7. The driver was patient, courteous and helpful. He stopped and arranged for him to transfer to the right bus. It is nice to see such good customer service. M Maybin, Belfast Translink NIRailways Sincere thanks to staff at Portadown Station Being handicapped and having to walk with the aid of a 3 wheeled walker I requested that the train from Portadown to City Hospital would begin and end from Platform 1. This was done and I would like to express my sincere thanks for all the help and kindness shown and given to me by the staff both at the station and on the trains which made the journey more of a pleasure than a task. R Williams, Portadown Outstanding staff at Bangor Station My mother was travelling from City Hospital and on arriving at Bangor Train Station she felt unwell and collapsed at the ticket gate. I want to pass on my appreciation to all the staff who comforted my mum, administered first aid and called an ambulance. They were all outstanding. My mother has made a full recovery. Again many, many thanks. E Gould, Bangor Compliment for Michael Polland CSC at Lurgan Station I have been travelling from Lurgan for the last 7 years by train and kept meaning to my comments about the staff. There is one guard in particular Michael, he is like a breath of fresh air every morning with his friendly efficient manner and lovely smile with a nice word of good morning to everyone. M Nugent, Lurgan Praise for Gerry Kennedy, Station Supervisor I accidentally left my laptop bag on the Bangor train and would just like to say a big thank you to NIR for resolving the problem and a special thank you to Gerry Kennedy who made a number of calls to investigate the location of the bag. I received it by the end of the day, all safe and sound. S Barry, Bangor Translink Ulsterbus Praise for Driver Gerry Hackett s quick action I would like to commend Driver Gerry Hackett, his compassion and quick action I believe potentially saved the life of an elderly gentleman. When driving the Ulsterbus from Crumlin to Belfast he stopped and said he thought he had seen a man in a ditch at the side of the road. It was an elderly man who was in a state of distress and very confused, the driver sat him on the bus out of the sub zero temperatures and reassured him before going to check his car for any identification. The driver was gentle and reassuring with him which greatly impressed me. The driver apologised to his passengers but said he couldn't leave the man in this frail condition and low temperatures. A relative of the man came and collected him and the driver apologised again for the delay and resumed his journey. Gerry went beyond what most would do to ensure this man's safety, there was a very real danger he could have suffered hypothermia or been knocked down by a passing car. Both I and my children are daily Translink passengers, as a parent I feel very reassured that this type of person is transporting my children. Translink are very lucky to have him as an employee. A Morris Skilful winter driving from Driver Joe White In December I had an important hospital appointment in Belfast but it had been snowing making driving nigh impossible, my rear-wheel car was useless. I walked into Banbridge and to my pleasant surprise the 9.40am service was on time which given the weather conditions was terrific. The driver was polite, courteous and professional and I got to my destination thanks to his skill. Please convey my thanks as this has left me feeling nothing but admiration for Ulsterbus. S Edwards, Banbridge. Ulsterbus Tours Driver David McGaughey demonstrates why he s FPTNI Coach Driver of the Year On a weekend with Ulsterbus Tours to Donegal our driver David was fantastic; everyone was talking about how much he knew about everything. He was really great and looked after us non-stop. I m looking forward to another trip soon and would recommend these trips to everyone. H McKinney, Belfast

4 04 News in Brief Ulsterbus Connects Rural Communities! Connecting rural communities Translink s Rural Transport Unit recently carried out a marketing campaign to promote the availability of rural bus services, encourage support of local bus services and attract more people on board. The Rural Transport Fund scheme is administered by the Department for Regional Development and supports Translink Ulsterbus rural services which are deemed socially necessary. These services offer a lifeline to many rural communities helping to reduce social isolation and providing better access to local towns, shops, employment opportunities and other leisure facilities. They also offer improved access to other public transport services for onward journeys. The overall scheme is helping to contribute to a more sustainable transport network in order to create more sustainable rural communities. Providing rural services to help you get out & about. Translink tackles the Big Smoke Meet the Managers To mark National No Smoking Day on 9 March Translink teamed up with the Northern Group Council Systems and local pharmacists to run a special No Smoking roadshow targeting bus and rail employees at stations and depots across the Translink network. Each roadshow included free mini health checks and practical advice and support on how to quit smoking. Pictured: Staff from Translink Ulsterbus Londonderry Depot that are taking part in the Stop Smoking Campaign. Back Row (l-r) Inspector Edgar Jackson, Inspector Gary Jackson, Driver Victor Montgomery, Bridget McAleer District Council Stop Smoking Specialist, and Inspector Gavin McShane. Front Row (l-r) Tony McDaid, Service Delivery Manager, and Driver Michael Doherty. Our series of Meet the Manager political engagement events at Translink locations across Northern Ireland are now complete. These meetings gave local representatives an opportunity to meet local Translink employees, hear about recent developments and raise any issues concerning public transport. It has been a useful way for Translink to engage with local council members, MLAs and MPs and a valuable platform to help focus attention on local services. Translink provides essential transport services, which benefits local communities, facilitates economic development, and enhances the quality of life of everyone. These events were an opportunity to demonstrate the important role we play in touching our passengers lives whether we are bringing them to work, college, shopping or other destinations every day. To ensure we keep getting it right for our customers we want to work together with all our stakeholders so we can continue to attract even more people on board. Pictured: (l-r) Gary Mawhinney, Service Delivery Manager South Down, Cllr Eamonn Macconmidhe, Margaret Ritchie MP, Anne-Marie O'Connor, Cllr Liam Johnston and Peter Murphy, Translink Ulsterbus Area Scheduler, at the 'Meet the Manager' event in Downpatrick Bus Station.

5 All in a days work 05 Graham Elliott, Ulsterbus Customer Services Coordinator 1. What does your role as Ulsterbus Customer Services Coordinator involve? I handle telephone and written comments, complaints and compliments about Ulsterbus services the number of compliments coming in is growing! I make sure all feedback from customers is dealt with in an efficient manner and within our Passenger Charter guidelines. A good proportion of telephone calls are resolved by listening sympathetically. Otherwise, and for written correspondence, I log the details and forward them to the appropriate Service Delivery Managers. I m also responsible for the growing amount of feedback that comes in through and our website. 2. How long have you worked for Translink? I joined Translink in 2003 as an Ulsterbus Driver; I later took up a position as a Call Centre Agent, where I found my time as a driver really helped. I trained to provide relief supervisor cover in the Contact Centre and in the Ulsterbus Customer Services Department, and in 2006 I became a full-time Customer Services Coordinator. 3. Describe your typical working day. Each morning I begin by allocating all feedback that has come in through the website and log or return any telephone messages left for me. During the day I take telephone calls, prioritising the most urgent for immediate action. There are also a series of reports to be generated for senior management. I have to be ready to change my plans for the day s work in an instant, as you never know what is going to happen next! 4. What qualities or skills are particularly helpful when dealing with customers? You have to be able to take a step back and let the caller speak and not take any complaints personally. To be calm, sympathetic, helpful and apologetic. You also need to have an understanding of the Ulsterbus network, conditions of carriage and new developments throughout the company. 5. What new systems or innovations have you seen introduced that help improve our Customer Service? The technology available now can help us to investigate complaints fully. For example, most modern buses and coaches are fitted with CCTV, which means we can check actual footage of the journey involved. We can also use GPS to track the timings along a service journey. The Respond Database that we use to log and analyse complaints was updated and streamlined last year. We can now produce clearer reports on complaints and identify areas that may need improved. 6. What aspects of your job do you most enjoy? I get satisfaction that each complaint is fully investigated with each person receiving a full explanation, and that good customer service can turn their negative experience into a positive one, and they ll continue using Translink. It s always nice to receive compliments about our staff and services, to be able to pass positive feedback to the relevant people and give recognition that they re doing a good job. 7. What aspect do you find most challenging about your role? The hardest part is dealing with irate callers, or people who are upset on the phone. You just have to make sure you come across as empathetic. 8. What do you like to do in your time outside work? Free time is family time! I have five children, aged between 21 and 2 and just love to be with them and my wife doing family things together.

6 06 News in Brief Eco-driving saves tonnes of CO2 Bangor s Translink Ulsterbus drivers are doing their bit for the environment and fuel efficiency by taking part in an eco-driving programme. The pilot project encourages drivers to adopt more economical driving styles by using specialist equipment fitted to buses to monitor braking and acceleration patterns with the aim of improving fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 production. It has been running successfully and already cut Bangor Ulsterbus CO2 emissions by 50 tonnes. Richard Hudson, Service Delivery Manager Bangor, said: Through our individual driving styles we all have the ability to influence fuel consumption and harmful emission levels. Across Translink, we have seen a year on year reduction in carbon emissions however, it is local steps such as this programme in Bangor that will further reduce emissions and improve vehicle efficiency. Pictured: Bangor Ulsterbus Driver Karen Gordon and Inspector Mark Campbell with the eco-drive device. Prosecutions Update During the six-month period, July to December 2010, 108 prosecutions against individual offenders were secured in the courts system by Translink s Secretariat Office. 78 related to safety offences, including: assault, disorderly behaviour and failure to observe level crossing warning systems. 30 involved ticket, travel and behaviour offences, including: no valid ticket, disorderly and threatening behaviour. These included: An individual charged with possession of an offensive weapon was bound over to keep the peace for 18 months. An individual charged with assault on police and a minor was sentenced to six months in prison. After an individual failed to observe the warning system at Damhead South Crossing, costs of 1,877 were recovered for repairs. The total amount recovered, including costs for repairs, came to 14,339 Investment in new airport service buses Passengers using Translink s Airport Express Service 300 to Belfast International Airport will soon benefit from a 1.2 million investment in eight new buses. Funded by the Department for Regional Development, the new Solar Rural vehicles are being supplied by Scania and manufactured by local Ballymena-based company Wrightbus. In addition, all the buses operating on both Translink s 300 Belfast International Airport Service and 600 George Best Belfast City Airport service have been revamped with a modern and striking new-look exterior to make it easier for travellers to identify the service they need. Assistant Service Delivery Manager, David Graham, said: The recent developments will be particularly beneficial for the busy Easter and Summer travel periods. This investment will provide travellers with a modern, comfortable and relaxing journey to and from Belfast International Airport. Pictured: (l-r) David Graham, Assistant Service Delivery Manager, Deborah Harris, Belfast International Airport, Mark Nodder, Wright Group Managing Director.

7 Keeping you connected 07 First new train arrives The first of the new Class 4000 Translink NIRailways trains arrived in March. Having travelled from manufacturer CAF in Spain it was unloaded at Belfast Docks and transported to York Road engineering depot by road. With a further 20 on schedule, this next generation of trains will replace all the older fleet and operate alongside the existing C3k trains to deliver an entirely modern fleet for the growing customer demand on local rail services. Speaking at Belfast Docks, Group Chief Executive Catherine Mason said: With over 60% customer growth since 2002 it is clear that more and more people are now choosing the train as the more attractive and good value travel option. These new trains will allow us to build on this success in order to further contribute sustainably to the social, environmental and economic development of the North. These new Class 4000 trains are being manufactured to the very latest industry standards, meeting the highest standards of performance, comfort, safety and accessibility. While they will have some similar facilities to the current C3k trains, many features have been improved having gained valuable feedback from our customers and learning from our experience with the C3k fleet. In addition they will have the latest environmental features and be more fuel efficient with reduced carbon emissions. The first new train will be deployed on the Larne line and it is expected that all trains will be delivered and into passenger service during Testing The trains will undergo a period of fault-free running in which each train must complete 2000 miles without problem before we will accept the unit into passenger service. This phase will also monitor safety, performance and comfort levels as well as facilitating a comprehensive employee training programme. Pending the success of this testing phase, trains will be introduced gradually to service as each train is approved. Safety message Translink NIRailways is advising the public to stay extra vigilant as it prepares to begin an intensive period of train testing of the new Class 4000 fleet. To help drive home the safety message a new rail safety campaign was launched, entitled Testing Testing 1, 2, 3 it includes public information posters, passenger information leaflets and safety information distributed directly to households close to railway lines where trains will be tested. Associated projects A series of associated rail projects are underway to ensure appropriate infrastructure is in place to accommodate the new fleet: A series of platform extensions at 19 stations and halts across the network to accommodate longer trains and enhance onboard capacity. A new train maintenance facility at the former Adelaide freight yard in Belfast. Existing facilities based at York Road and Fortwilliam are operating at or near to full capacity. The new depot facilities will include: engineering depot, train accommodation facilities, fuelling facility, train wash, stabling facilities (parking) and a storage area. A 1.3 million engineering project to upgrade the Coleraine to Portrush railway line is underway. Passenger benefits include: more comfortable journeys; maintaining high safety standards and line reliability; reducing disruption caused by ongoing essential engineering works and maintaining the 70mph line speed. The Budget allocates funding for the Coleraine Londonderry line upgrade project in year 2014/15. Translink will continue to look at attractive, convenient, innovative and cost-effective ways to get more people using local rail services and will implement specific marketing activity around the arrival of the new trains. With soaring fuel costs, the VAT increase and expensive car-parking, value for money is more important than ever.

8 08 Awards GoSkills Go for Excellence Awards Garth Turner, Translink NIRailways, was winner of the Management and Leadership Achiever of the Year Award at the recent GoSkills Go for Excellence Awards. David Hayes, Translink NIRailways, was a finalist in the Rail Apprentice of the Year Award and Peter Lais, Translink NIRailways, was a finalist in the N/SVQ Achiever of the Year Award. Pictured: (l-r) Dominic Littlewood, BBC, Garth Turner, Peter Lias, Steven Leeman, David Carson, Technical Engineer, Allistair Kitson, NIR Conductors Manager, David Hayes, NIR Apprentice Fleet Technician, Neil Stokell, GoSkills. Golden CineRail for Advertising Films Award At the CineRail International Trains on Film Festival in Paris our let s go together TV advert received the Golden CineRail for Advertising Films award. This is a great achievement for this innovative advertisement which beat off stiff competition from rail companies across Europe. The Federation of Passenger Transport Northern Ireland (FPTNI) Awards FPTNI is the trade body promoting the use of public transport and represents the provinces leading bus and coach operators. Pictured: Laura Hamilton, Ulsterbus Omagh, was awarded Bus Driver of the Year ; (l-r) Frank Clegg, General Manager Bus Services, was awarded the Patrick Joseph Logan Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry. William Patton, Quality, Health & Safety and Environmental Manager, with the Health and Safety Award for our Health and Well Being Programme. David McGaughey, Ulsterbus Tours, was awarded 'Coach Driver of the Year'.

9 09 Young People s Awards The Translink Youth Forum received the Thomas Devlin Award at the Belfast Community Safety Partnership Young People s Awards. The Forum has 30 members ranging in age from 12 to 21 years old. They meet every two months to discuss a diverse range of subjects concerning young people and public transport. Maura Sloan, Brand Coordinator, oversees the Forum: I am delighted that the Forum has won this award as it recognises the members hard work and commitment in promoting safety issues. As an important market we must continue to listen to young peoples views on public transport. I congratulate each of them for their valuable input. Pictured: Thomas Devlin s parents Penny Holloway and Jim Devlin presenting the award to Aaron Wilkinson, Translink Youth Forum; Maura Sloan, Brand Coordinator and William Winchester, Translink Youth Forum. TSSA/Translink Learner of the Year The TSSA/Translink project is proud to announce that on 23 March Translink s Fran Kerns, Ulsterbus Newry, received his certificate for Essential Skills ICT Learner of the Year for County Armagh. The event took place at Hillsborough Castle and was designed to recognise the hard work and determination of people looking to achieve new qualifications. Pictured: (l-r) Anne Fitzpatrick, Southern Regional College, Fran Kerns, Ulsterbus Newry, and Mark Wilkinson, TSSA. Certificates for Translink Learners Congratulations to those Translink staff based in Bangor and Newtownards who successfully completed their Level 1 Essential Skills ICT. Staff received their certificates on 31 March, and are currently working towards their Level 2 ICT qualification. The course has been organised in partnership with South Eastern Regional College (SERC). Pictured: Susanne McCrorie, SERC, Mark Wilkinson, TSSA/Translink, Anthony Sampson, Darren Patterson, People Development Manager, Keith Lowry, Richard Hudson, Service Delivery Manager, Eileen Ferris, George Brand, Trainee Manager, Patricia Loughran, SERC, John Wetherall, Paul Taggart, TSSA/Translink, and Katherine Thompson. (Unable to attend the event: Roy Montgomery and Sam Ashfield). For further information on learning opportunities for all staff please contact TSSA Learning Organiser Mark Wilkinson on or to wilkinsonm@tssa.org.uk.

10 10 News Electronic Document and Records Management Project Update Elaine McElhill, Information Manager (Project Manager) and Edyta Wright, Electronic Documents and Records Management Coordinator, provide an update on the progress of the Electronic Document and Records Management (EDRM) Project. This year we are facing one of the biggest opportunities for documents and records management at NITHCO/Translink deployment of the SharePoint 2010 solution our EDRM system. The EDRM system is here to make our life as end users effortless and straightforward by providing us with crucial corporate records and documents at the touch of a button. It will aim to reduce duplication of information, enable us to collaborate effectively and achieve legislative compliance under Freedom of Information Act, Data Protection Act and corporate regulations, etc. With the appropriate controls and planning for creating, storing, retrieving and disposing of information which this system offers, everyday time wasting exercises like searching for documents and corporate records should cease to exist. Much work has already been undertaken across the organisation and a prototype of how the EDRM will look and operate, referred to as Model Office, is imminent. Group Finance will be testing Model Office through the month of June with the aim of having a fully functional system in place for the rest of the organisation by the end of the year. A project board is in place to oversee the project along with a team of Divisional Records Management Coordinators (DRMCs). Together we intend to ensure that the final product will not only fulfil the operational needs of the business but be a fully workable solution. DRMCs: Paula Ludlow, Human Resources, Gary Burrows, Finance, Florence McWilliams, Finance, Maggie Glass, Infrastructure, Karen Newberry, Marketing, David Lowry, Rail Division, Christine Greene, Bus Division, Paul Irvine, NITHC, Janice Davidson, Corporate, Lorraine Foster, Bus Division, and Peter Vannucci, Information Services. Annual Safety Conference Translink s Annual Safety Conference took place in January and formally launched the Group Corporate Responsibility Strategy 2011/ /16. The conference was attended by Safety Representatives, Supervisors, Managers and Executives from across the organisation and incorporated a health exhibition with supporting mini health talks; in the afternoon delegates were involved in interactive workshops on communication and safety culture. In opening the conference Veronica Palmer, Chairman of both the Group Safety Committee and the NITHC Board welcomed delegates. In introducing the draft Corporate Responsibility Strategy Ms Palmer focused on problems which can arise from complacency; referencing deaths and injuries that had occurred across a range of industries including bus and rail. By following the strategy i.e. doing The right things at the right time and for the right reasons injury, death and accidental and environmental damage can be avoided. Granville Lavin, Group (SH&E) Risk Manager, provided an overview of the strategy which focuses on and sets targets for: Health (Go Healthy) Safety (Go Safe) Environment (Go Eco) Community (Go Together) This was supported by an action framework to get as many staff involved as possible through the development and implementation of Divisional Plans. In closing the Conference, Philip O Neill, Chief Operating Officer, recognised that the strategy set challenging targets but believed we can achieve and hopefully better them, but only if we can get all staff involved. Pictured: (l-r) Diane Patterson, Countryside Access and Activities Network (CANN); Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive; Chris Armstrong, CANN; Gordon Gilmore, Magherafelt; William Patton, Quality, Health, Safety & Environmental Manager and Gerry Cairns, Pennyburn Garage.

11 This time its personal 11 Mark Mullan Antrim Ladies GAA Photographer and Match Reporter Mark Mullan, a Senior Inspector at Europa Buscentre, has been a lifelong supporter of County Antrim GAA sports. His interest developed down a specific route as team photographer and match reporter after his two daughters started playing camogie for Antrim teams. How did your role as team photographer develop? My daughters (aged 17 and 12) picked up my enthusiam for following camogie and other Gaelic athletic sports at a young age and started playing GAA team sports in our local club at the age of 7. I ve always been a keen amateur photographer and as my daughters started playing in competition matches I started taking photos. Other parents began to ask me for photos and it grew from there. I then started to submit the best images to the press and to the County GAA website. How did you start getting your match reports published? About a year and a half ago, I started sending in match reports on the St Paul s Gaelic Football Club fixtures. I ve got to know the sports contacts at the local papers and they have got to know me and use my pictures and reports. Now I write about every match I attend! What teams do your daughters play for now? My 17-year-old daughter plays for the O Donovan Rossa Senior Camogie team, Divison 2. Last year, her team won the All-Ireland Senior Camogie Championship, which was a great achievement. They are also doing well this year and will compete in the Division Final. My 12-year-old trains for the County development squad and is waiting to hear if she will be selected for the under-14s team. She is an absolutely outstanding player, naturally gifted! Where have your photos been printed? I ve had my photos included often in the Andersonstown News and the Irish News, and also in some of the regional papers where our matches have taken place, for example the Derry Journal. What has been your best photo to date? I can take up to 200 pictures during a match, and might keep 15 to use or send on to a website or paper. The best one I ve got to date was taken at the Antrim Under 16s Camogie team play against Offally in the All-Ireland U-16 Championship in Belfast. By a sheer fluke I got a great shot of Antrim player Aoife Rooney s hurl being splintered very dramatically by an Offaly player. The picture was published in the Offally Express. Do you travel to many matches? I take my daughters to all their matches and to two or three practices a week. The practices take place all around the County in the various Club grounds, so we do get around a good bit. How long do you see yourself keeping on the role of the Antrim Camogie Teams photographer? It s true that it takes up a lot of my time, but as long as my daughters continue their involvement with the sport, I ll be there taking photos! What photography projects do you have in the pipeline? Translink has formed a GAA team and is now training for a match against Dublin Bus to celebrate their 100th anniversary. The match will take place at the Croke Park stadium in Dublin and I m delighted to say that I ll be there taking shots of our team in action!

12 12 Its all in the name of charity New Charity Partner Glasses for Africa Strictly Come Dancing Challenge We are delighted to announce that our new Charity Partner will be Diabetes UK Northern Ireland. This follows a process of employee engagement where staff representatives from across the different charity committees helped us shortlist down to 5 charities from the number put forward by you in our companywide appeal for nominations. Diabetes UK NI have offered a range of ways we can work together to make a difference within the communities we serve and can also help us to encourage health and well being in our workplace. All fundraising efforts will go towards helping local Northern Ireland people. Translink s Communications Manager, Lynda Shannon explains, Many of our employees have shown real enthusiasm for fundraising, we want to harness this potential by encouraging staff to work together towards a common goal. This way we get greater impact and deliver something that we can all be proud of. We are setting up a new Staff Charity Partner committee which will be working with the charity to develop an innovative and exciting programme of activity to help raise vital funds. We recognise some people will have their own charities that they like to support and we will continue to support this. However we do hope you will get behind our new Charity whether just supporting the events or helping to arrange your own fundraising activities even if you only want to donate part of your efforts. We plan to rotate our Charity Partner over time. The first event to support the new Charity Partner will be the Billy Telford Charity Memorial Day on 6 May; funds raised will be split equally between the Foyle Hospice and Diabetes UK NI. The total amount of glasses donated by Translink staff comes to approximately 3,250 since the project started some 10 years ago. The glasses go to an organisation called Onesight who distribute unwanted glasses to those in need in Africa. Please send your unwanted glasses to: Greg McLaughlin, Service Delivery Manager, Newry Bus Station. Pictured: (l-r) Maria Kennedy, Chief Clerk Newry Bus Station, handing over glasses to Louise Grant and Kate Trainor of MacAdorey Optometrists, Newry who process our unwanted glasses to Onesight. We want to hear from you Have you been affected by Diabetes? We want to hear from any employees who have a personal experience to share and are willing to help raise awareness and highlight local support available for this condition. Contact siobhan.rafferty@translink.co.uk or call ext with your story. Eric McIntosh Memorial Golf Day Staff from Ulsterbus Derry took part in a Strictly Come Dancing Challenge on 6 December to raise funds for the Foyle Hospice. In total there were 20 couples who trained very hard and did fantastically well on the night. All the staff at Londonderry & District depots would like to congratulate our colleagues who took part and raised a fantastic Pictured: (l-r) Driver James Craig and his dance partner Driver Sandra Colhoun On the 17 October, Norman Hamilton an Ulsterbus Downpatrick Driver organised a memorial golf day in memory of colleague Eric McIntosh who sadly passed away. The day raised money for a memorial seat to be placed on the 12th tee box which was Eric s last hole on the day he died. An additional sum of 420 will go to Chest, Heart & Stroke NI Pictured: Everyone who participated on the day and members of the McIntosh family.

13 Promotions 13 Belfast Visitor Pass Belfast Visitor Pass Adult Belfast Visitor Pass Child gotobelfast.com gotobelfast.com Translink has launched a new Belfast Visitor Pass in conjunction with Belfast Visitor & Convention Bureau, NITB and Belfast City Council. The new tourist pass provides unlimited bus and rail travel within the greater Belfast area and a host of offers and discounts; it is an excellent opportunity to promote public transport to visitors to Belfast. gotobelfast/belfastvisitorpass.com Downpatrick 1.50 off Smartlink Vouchers To stimulate travel on Translink Ulsterbus Services and promote Smartlink savings, drivers will be handing out 1.50 Off Vouchers for Ulsterbus Smartlink on Downpatrick Town Services. Smart Shoppers Bangor Translink has teamed up with Bangor and Holywood Town Centre Management to encourage more people to use the Ulsterbus Town Service. Passengers can avail of offers and discounts from retail stores, restaurants and cafes by simply presenting their town service ticket or Ulsterbus Smartcard at any of the listed partners until June. Goldline 1/3 Off Campaign An advertising campaign is currently running to stimulate patronage on off-peak Goldline services. Enterprise Spring Campaign An advertising campaign was launched in February to promote Enterprise web fares, day-trips and Spring breaks to Dublin. Enterprise web fares now offer a variety of ticket types at reduced prices; new add-on fares are also available from key stations across the network - and the Enterprise now stops at Lisburn. NIR Travel continues to offer packaged rail breaks to Dublin. Translink NI Railways Household Mailing Households near to train stations received a mailing in March which included a local timetable, a 50% off voucher and a flyer promoting the latest Rail Nights Out Campaign. Over 220,000 addresses have been targeted along the Portadown, Bangor, Larne and Derry lines to encourage people who live near to stations to consider taking the train. The 50% off voucher is valid for travel before 9.30am and can be used up until the end of June. Rail Nights Out A new Rail Nights Out Campaign was launched in March to promote evening rail return tickets and partner offers. NI Railways has partnered with restaurant, entertainment and leisure venues as well as festivals to provide added value offers to stimulate travel in the evenings. Media partners U105 are airing advertisements and live presenter readings to promote Rail Nights Out and U105 jeep activity. An advertising campaign will promote the campaign. *5 Smartlink City Zone Journeys. Save 4.50 compared to 5 City Zone cash fares. Save 4.50* Offer available 1-31 March 2011 Adult Card Number Adult Special Event Travel Translink will be operating special bus and rail services to the JLS concert at the Kings Hall on 25 June and Take That at Croke Park on July. Special concert buses have been scheduled for: Kings of Leon, Neil Diamond and Glee. NI Railways is offering special rail services to: The Balmoral Show, North West 200, Live at the Beach in Portrush and the International Air Show. Metro Friends Value for Money Promotion To generate additional patronage on Metro services and encourage people to use Smartlink, over 60,000 households on the Malone, Lisburn, Falls and Shankill Road corridors received a Metro Friends postcard during March to redeem online and buy an Adult Metro Smartlink Card with 5 journeys at the special Metro Friends fare. A targeted outdoor campaign also ran.

14 News in Brief Nature Notes 14 New Storage and Maintenance Facility at Ballymena New Energy and Environmental Awareness Campaign A new Storage and Maintenance Facility at Ballymena Railway Station provides a permanent base for the 26 Infrastructure employees based there. The new facility is well located to serve the entire network, providing employees with direct access to the Derry line as well as good access to the Larne line and Portadown line via the Antrim to Knockmore link. The facility includes a restroom, changing facilities and drying room. It provides a secure storage facility for Permanent Way and Signalling materials as well as a variety of plant. It enables the secure stabling for on-track plant in a covered maintenance area, which in turn allows for minor repairs and routine maintenance of the on-track plant to be undertaken. There is also office accommodation and a training room. School trips are rail fun Translink NI Railways has launched a new Educational Trips by Train publication which offers educational groups special discounted travel for day trips to any location on the local rail network (including Dublin). The publication features excursions to some of the leading attractions in Ireland that are easily accessible by rail such as: The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, The Book of Kells, the Millennium Forum, W5 and Dublin Zoo. Pictured:Enjoying a school trip by train are Primary 7 pupils Ryan Hitching, Olivia Lockhart and Kirsty Garnham. Technician and Norman Adair, Technician. While encouraging more passengers to use our bus and train to reduce car usage and congestion, Translink also wants to take steps to reduce our own impact on the environment. A new internal energy and environmental awareness campaign entitled Go Eco has been launched to help encourage all employees to work together to help reduce our carbon footprint. The campaign incorporates energy workshops, an internal communications campaign as well as the introduction of a new energy league. Speaking about the new campaign David Lowry, Senior Technical Engineer said, The aim behind the campaign is to increase energy and environmental awareness amongst employees and to encourage them to get involved in resource efficiency. By doing this we will continue to improve sustainability and environmental management within our own business and in the wider community, which will ultimately help towards reducing our carbon footprint and contribution towards climate change. York Road employees were the first group of employees to participate in the energy workshops. Gerry McBride, Team Engineer, who participated commented I found the workshop very informative; it made me aware of the initiatives the company are currently implementing and how these are successful. It also made me aware of simple energy saving tips, which can also be applied at home and will hopefully bring similar good results to my own household bills. Pictured: (l-r) York Road employees; David Hayes, Rail Apprentice; Aaron Robinson, Placement Student; Gerry McBride, Team Engineer; Clare Jameson, Technician and Norman Adair, Technician.

15 Family Life 15 New Births HNC in Civil Engineering Leona McCartney Congratulations to Nuala Murphy, Bus Cleaner at Short Strand Depot, and her Partner Mark on the birth of their baby daughter, Leona. Born 21 December, weighing 6lb 12 ½ oz. Baby boom at Europa Travel Centre Congratulations to Sonia McKinney, Judith Goodman and Amanda Millar, who all work at the Europa Travel Centre. Pictured (l-r) Sonia McKinney with her daughter Beth Hilland, born 2 July, weighing 9lb; Judith Goodman with twin daughters Lilly and Bella Goodman, born 30 December, weighing 6lb 4oz and 5lb 3oz; Amanda Millar with her daughter Georgia Gawley born 23 August, weighing 6lb 9oz. Pat Maguire Pat Maguire, a Driver from Ulsterbus Enniskillen, recently graduated with a HNC in Civil Engineering after two years part time study. Obituary Steven Dawson 30/03/ /12/2010 Steven Dawson who worked at Great Victoria Street Engineering has sadly lost his fight against Bowel Cancer. His friends and colleagues from Translink wish to pass on their condolences to Steven s family. Wedding Robert Ramsay & Paula McMullan Congratulations to Robert Ramsay, Larne Harbour Train Driver, and Paula McMullan who were married on 2 October.

16 GASP ACTIVITY CENTRE GASP Activity Centre is dedicated to alternative action sports; they provide a range of unique sports to appeal to active families and groups and also the extreme enthusiast. Located in Bryansford, County Down and established in 2003, GASP is the only centre in Ireland that offers activities such as Mountain Boarding and 4X Mountain Biking. In 2011 they introduced another first for Ireland, the Segway Rally. GASP activities include: SEGWAY RALLY: Pilot a Segway machine and head off for an exciting rally or group excursion. MOUNTAIN BOARDING: Learn the skills with an introduction session, then ride the features on the main hill. 4X MOUNTAIN BIKING: Experience 400m of action-packed thrills, featuring drop in gates, doubles, gaps, drops and berms! Expresslines has 4 vouchers for a Segway Rally experience up for grabs! Simply answer the question below and send your completed entry to: Expresslines Competition, Marketing Production, Central Station, Belfast or your entries to elaine.mccurdy@translink.co.uk Question: in which year was the GASP Activity Centre established? Answer Name Staff Number Address SLACKLINE: With a little training you can be walking the line within an hour and ready for some tricks! FRISBEE GOLF: Our 9 basket course is surprisingly competitive, better your score to beat the opposition and take victory! BLOKARTING: Fun to do and easy to learn, experience the thrill of sailing a land yacht. KITE BUGGY: Harness the awesome power of the wind to power you along the beach. Telephone Closing date: Friday 27 May 2011 Don t worry if you re not a winner, GASP are offering 30% discount off Segway Rally sessions for all Translink employees (staff card verified) and any participating guests accompanying at the same session. The activity lasts up to 2 hours and must take place at the GASP centre. For further information on activities, brochures and vouchers visit: Ts & Cs: 1 voucher admits 1 person. Minimum age 12 years. Weight range 45kg - 117kg (7st - 18st). Session can be booked anytime before end October 2011 and is subject to availability.