The Traffic DeparTmenT – GrounD conTrol TRANSLINK`S MILLION

JUNE 2016
STAFF PUBLICATION
NITHC
INTRODUCING
THE BOARD
The Traffic
Department
– Ground
Control
WINNING
WAYS
Success stories from
around the company
TRANSLINK'S
MILLION MAKERS
welcome
to the June 2016 edition of Expresslines
4
Bus and Train Week is here and we
need YOU to ‘Get on board’! We can all
play a part to make this week a great
success, promoting the campaign and
getting people to try our bus and train
services – find out more on page 8.
It’s always good to put a face to
a name and in this issue we meet
two Translink teams; on page 12
we learn about the crucial work of
the Traffic Department who are responsible for the regulation of
train movement and protection of level crossings. Then on page
18 we meet the Legal and Governance Team who are responsible
for all legal services to the business, corporate governance, risk
management, internal audit work, and enforcement services across
the network.
On page 4 we introduce the members of the Board for The
Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC) – the Public
Corporation responsible for holding and managing property assets
and the oversight, control and supervision of Translink.
A special mention must go to Janice Davidson who was awarded
a British Empire Medal for her services to Public Transport in
Northern Ireland, read more about her fantastic achievement on
page 24.
If you have something you would like included in Expresslines,
please drop me a line at elaine.mccann@translink.co.uk
Elaine McCann
Editor
As always, Translink’s staff have selflessly dedicated their time and
effort to raise money for their chosen charities, many employees
took part in this year’s Belfast City Marathon – see page 32 for
details.
AUTUMN 2015
STAFF PUBLICATION
LAST EDITION'S
FORE!
STAFF
WINNING
WAYS
Success stories from
around the company
THE
APPRENTICES
TRANSLINK
THE
CHARITY
GOLF DAY
BRENDAN McCRORY
ULSTER'S
LAST STEAM
TRAIN DRIVER
RETIRES
NEW GROUP CHIEF EXECUTIVE
CHRIS
CONWAY
COMPETITION WINNER:
AT YOUR SERVICE
Have you got an interesting hobby
or a sports story you would like to
share?
Our vision is “To be your first choice for
travel in Northern Ireland.”
Perhaps you, your team or your
department achieved something you
would like your colleagues to know
about?
PAGE 2
NITHC BOARD
4
NEWS IN BRIEF
6
OBITUARIES7
20
Congratulations to Sharon Lewis from the Adelaide Depot who
was the winner of last issue's competition. She won a £100
shopping voucher!
22
BUS AND TRAIN WEEK
8
THE ROLL OF HONOUR
10
GROUND CONTROL
12
Meet the team
18
WINNING WAYS
20
TRANSLINK'S MILLION MAKERS
22
MEDAL OF HONOURS
24
WELL WORTH THE CHALLENGE
26
Banbridge30
STAFF CHARITY
EXPRESSLINES JUNE 2016
is published by Translink, the integrated
public transport services provided by
Metro, NI Railways and Ulsterbus.
This magazine is available, upon
request, in a range of formats e.g.
braille, large print or audio tape.
Please ring 028 9027 7888
12
CONTENTS
18
We want your stories, comments and
feedback to publish in the next issue
of Expresslines.
Email: elaine.mccann@translink.co.uk
Telephone: 028 9027 7888
Post or pop in
Expresslines,
Digital & Production Services,
Translink,
22 Great Victoria Street,
Belfast BT2 7BA
Production
Editorial & Design: Digital & Production Services
Contibutors: Marketing Department
Photography: Various
24
26
32
35
32
PAGE 3
NITHC BOARD
Introducing the NITHC Board
1
Frank Hewitt
- NITHC Board: Chairman
2
Frank Hewitt was appointed Group
Chairman of Translink in July 2015.
Between 2011 and 2015 he was a
non-executive director of the company. His
career spans both the public and private
sector and he has held a number of public
appointments, including non-executive
director positions at Invest NI, Ilex Urban
Regeneration Company, Legal Services
Commission, and non-executive chair of
the Northern Ireland Science Park. He is
currently a UK board member of the Big
Lottery Fund and a non-executive board
member of the Strategic Investment Board.
4
Tony Depledge OBE
- NITHC Board: Non-Executive Director
Patrick Anderson
- NITHC Board / Translink Management:
Chief Financial Officer
Paddy Anderson has been appointed to
the position of Chief Financial Officer for
Translink. Paddy joins Translink from the
Business Services Organisation, where he
was Director of Finance and member of the
Board. A Chartered Accountant, Paddy has
held a number of senior Finance positions
in both the private and public sectors. He
is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors
and completed the Chartered Director
Programme in September 2014.
PAGE 4
- NITHC Board / Translink Management:
NITHC / Translink Group Chief Executive
3
5
8
Hilary McCartan
- NITHC Board: Non-Executive Director
Hilary McCartan lives in Belfast and is a
chartered accountant by profession. Hilary
has held a number of senior management
posts in the private sector including the
role of Finance Director, and a number of
non-executive roles in the public sector
including Commissioner on the Northern
Ireland Legal Services Commission, Member
of the Probation Board and Member of
the Consumer Council. Hilary currently
holds the following public appointments:
a Non-Executive Director of the Business
Services Organisation (DHSSPS) (April 2013
– March 2016), a Member of the Agri-Food
and Biosciences Institute (DARD) (April
2011 -March 2016), and a Commissioner
for Londonderry Port and Harbour
Commissioners (April 2015- March 2019).
Chris, a native of Northern Ireland,
previously worked as Managing Director of
Tata Steel's sales and distribution business
in Ireland; previously he was vice president
of operations in Europe for Nortel and
Managing Director of Nortel (NI) Ltd.
Tony Depledge has served on the
Board of Northern Ireland Transport
Holding Company since 2011. Tony has
a background in passenger transport
management in both the public and private
sectors; he was Managing Director of
Blackpool Transport Services Ltd. from
1985 until 2001 and was the Director of
Transport Policy for Arriva plc. until 2013.
He served as President of the UK bus and
coach trade association, the Confederation
of Passenger Transport (CPT) in 2000/2001.
Tony chairs the UK Bus Awards Scheme,
is a trustee of the Rees Jeffreys Road
Fund and is also a Fellow of the Chartered
Institute of Transport and Logistics. He is an
honorary President of the European Union
Committee of the international transport
trade association UITP, having chaired that
Committee from 2009 to 2013. He was
appointed OBE for services to passenger
transport in 2001.
7
Chris Conway
The Northern Ireland Transport Holding
Company (NITHC) is a Public Corporation
with responsibility for holding and managing
property assets and the oversight, in terms of
support, control and supervision, of its private
limited subsidiary companies Ulsterbus,
Metro and Northern Ireland Railways (trading
jointly as Translink). It is expected to operate
commercially and has a duty to operate in line
with Ministerial policy.
Five Non-Executive Members have been
appointed to the Board of NITHC; commencing
2 January 2016 for four years until 1 January
2020. The Regional Development Minister
Michelle McIlveen reappointed Bernard Mitchell
and Tony Depledge OBE to the Board to serve a
second term and Dr Mark Sweeney OBE, Hilary
McCartan and Angela Reavey have all been
appointed for a first term.
Minister McIlveen said: “I am confident that
the reappointed members will continue to
make a valuable contribution to the work of
the NITHC Board. The new members will bring
fresh perspectives and ideas. They have a
wide range of experience including Industrial,
commercial and financial experience, corporate
governance, risk management and expertise in
industrial relations. Their combined experience
and skills will be of great benefit to the company
in these challenging times and contribute to
the continued provision of quality transport
services.”
Tribute was paid to the outgoing Board Members
Mrs Angela Coffey and Mr James Brown MBE,
who were thanked for the valuable contribution
they made to NITHC during their tenure.
Dr. Mark Sweeney OBE
- NITHC Board: Non-Executive Director
Dr. Sweeney has a background in the
industrial, commercial and manufacturing
sectors within Northern Ireland and
globally. He is a former Vice President of
Caterpillar from 2012 to 2015 and prior
to that Global Operations Director for
Caterpillar's Electric Power Division and
Managing Director of FG Wilson Eng. Ltd.
Prior to joining Caterpillar, Mark worked
for eight years in the US for a marine
engine company, Mercury Marine. He
graduated from Queens University, Belfast
with a 1st class honours degree and PhD
in Mechanical Engineering. He is a Fellow
of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
He was President of the Northern Ireland
Chamber of Commerce from 2006-2008. In
2007 he was awarded an OBE for services
to business and in 2011, an Honorary
D.Sc. Degree from Queen's University. He
is currently a Non-Executive Director of
Invest NI.
6
Bernard Mitchell
9
- NITHC Board: Non-Executive Director
Appointed as a non-executive Director on
1 February, 2012, Bernard worked in the
NI Health and Social Services from 1978
to 2011, including 10 years as a Chief
Executive. He is also currently Chair of the
NI Guardian Ad Litem Agency, a member
of the NI Assembly Secretariat Audit and
Risk Committee and the Audit and Risk
Committee of PONI. On a voluntary basis,
he is also a member of the Marie Curie
Cancer Care NI Advisory Board and Chair of
the Strand Arts Centre.
Philip O'Neill
- NITHC Board / Translink Management:
Chief Operating Officer
Appointed as a Director on 1 April 2010,
Philip commenced work with the group
in 1979 and since then has held various
technical and managerial positions in
Ulsterbus, Citybus and N I Railways. In
February 2009 he was appointed as Chief
Operating Officer.
4
3
5
2
6
1
7
9
8
Angela Reavey
- NITHC Board: Non-Executive Director
A Fellow of Chartered Accountant Ireland,
Angela has over 20 years of experience
working at a senior level in both the public
and private sectors. Angela is a former
partner in BDO Northern Ireland, which she
left in 2012 to establish her own consulting
practice, working with various organisations
including the Strategic Investment
Board. A past Chairman of the Chartered
Accountants Ireland - Ulster Society, and
former Board member of the Northern
Ireland Science Park Foundation and
Trustee of NISP CONNECT, she is currently
a Board member of Firmus Energy.
PAGE 5
OBITUARIES
OBITUARY
News in
BRIEF
Brian, a popular member of our
contact centre team had been with the
company since 2002 in various roles.
Brian died after a long illness bravely
borne at the young age of 49 and our
heartfelt condolences go out to his
partner and children.
– Brian McAllister –
Jimmy Hanley, who died in 2015
had served almost 40 years with the
company, mostly as a driver in the
Newry area. Jimmy was most attentive
to detail, was diligent in all aspects
of his work and will be remembered
by his friends and colleagues in the
Newry depot and beyond.
A Platform for Nature &
Health
– Jimmy Hanley –
We all love getting back to nature, especially at this time of year when
the sun is hopefully shining and it lifts our spirits! Research has shown
that areas rich in biodiversity can have a hugely positive impact on
people’s feelings of wellbeing, with this in mind Translink have pledged
to participate in the RSPB ‘Pledge for Nature Project’ to help protect
and enhance urban biodiversity on our land.
Raymond, a long serving bus driver
in Omagh, diligent and well known to
his many passengers died tragically
in February. He will be missed by his
colleagues and friends, and we wish
our sincere condolences to his family.
An opportunity to enhance the Belfast City Hospital train platform area
for wildlife was investigated following discussions between Translink
and The Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, Queen’s University Belfast
and the RSPB.
Hundreds of passengers from across Northern Ireland use the station
at Belfast City Hospital every day; whether as a hospital patient, visitor,
or member of staff, using our rail platform to complete or begin their
journey. This means the area plays a crucial role in influencing people
– what they see, smell and hear can make a monumental difference to
the way they feel as they make their journey.
If we think about the variety of reasons that people will be visiting
Belfast City Hospital, it’s important to recognise the positive impact
that biodiversity can have. The landscape surrounding the platform
does little for people or nature, so we’re missing out on an opportunity
to help our passengers during their hospital journey. However, with
minor improvements, the platform can be transformed to provide a
positive impact for people and biodiversity.
The theme that’s been chosen for the area to help make it relevant to
people using the site is: ‘Nature’s Hospital’. Within this theme, we will
be planting species chosen for their positive impact on biodiversity and
for their medicinal qualities. The aim is to engage, enthuse and inspire
people about the healing powers of plants, and nature more generally.
Not just in the creation of medicine, but also for the contribution that
bio-diverse spaces can make towards mental health and wellbeing.
Expresslines will be following the progress of the project and have an
update on the transformation of the platform.
PAGE 6
Eco-Schools – leave the
car at home!
We’re working with Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful to challenge
school pupils to make smart moves to sustainable travel. The
Eco-Schools Travel Challenge encourages young people to switch to
walking, cycling or using the bus or train, so the car is left at home
for at least two weeks.
– Raymond Marshall –
1 June 1969 – 19 February 2016
Phil, a Graphic Designer and valued
member of the Marketing Production
team, sadly passed away after a short
and sudden illness. He is very much
missed by his friends and colleagues
at Translink. Sincere condolences go to
Phil’s family and close friends.
Last year, 1,200 pupils from across Northern Ireland took part and
swapped nearly 6,000 car journeys for sustainable modes of travel
– covering an estimated 17,500 kilometres!
The travel challenge offers a fun and engaging activity for pupils
while offering the health benefits of walking to the bus stop or
train station or cycling to school. It also helps pupils, teachers and
parents to embrace the benefits of using sustainable travel.
We want even better results this year, so if you know a school that
might want to take part click www.translink.co.uk/ecoschools/
– Phil George –
PAGE 7
Members of Jamie Dornan and Rory Best’s families attended the special bus unveiling. Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive, is
pictured with Rory’s mum Pat and his daughter Penny, along with Jamie’s dad Jim Dornan.
It’s Translink’s first ever
Bus and Train Week!
Metro
Legends
unveiled!
This week we’re celebrating and promoting the advantages of
using public transport to get more people on board with us!
The campaign kicked off on Monday with fantastic weather
which meant right across our bus and train network people
were out enjoying the sunshine and getting involved with the
Bus and Train Week activities. This week will be jam packed
with events and a host of special fare deals showcasing
the financial, environmental, health and time benefits from
choosing Translink as the first choice for travel.
Did you nominate and vote for your Translink
‘Metro Legend’? When the campaign launched
it sparked the public’s interest and the
nominations came flooding in!
‘Get on board’ with us!
We wanted to honour local heroes who’ve
excelled in their industry, made a positive
impact and shone the spotlight on Belfast for all
the right reasons; we were delighted with the
variety of fantastic nominations from the public.
We need YOU to join in this week – help make Bus and Train
Week a success and get as many people as you can talking
about it and trying our services.
First impressions count!
For some people this might be the first time they use our
services, make sure to give them the best service possible and
aim to exceed their expectations so they keep coming back
again and again!
Be part of it! There are lots of ways you can help promote Bus
and Train Week:
• On social media use the hashtag: #GetonboardNI
• Tell all your friends and family and challenge them to
switch a car journey to a bus or train journey.
• Let customers know about the range of great value
offers available this week.
The team at Metro Falls were instrumental in helping with the application of the bus wrap and setup for the
unveiling on Monday. They were joined by Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive, and Norman Maynes,
Head of Business Development.
Crowds gathered at Belfast City Hall for the unveiling of Jamie Dornan and Rory Best as our ‘Metro Legends’.
The winning home-grown legends were
announced as Jamie Dornan and Rory Best, who
are now showcased on a unique double decker
Metro bus wrap. The eye-catching bus was
unveiled at a special Bus and Train Week event
at Belfast City Hall on Monday. Both winners
were delighted and humbled by the public
nomination and while Rory is on a rugby tour in
South Africa and Jamie is in Vancouver filming
the next Fifty Shades of Grey, members of their
families were able to attend the bus unveiling
and enjoy this celebration of their talent.
Speaking about his ‘Metro Legend’ status Rory
said: “I am very humbled to be included on the
bus. It’s a great honour to play for your province
and country and now I can add this to the list!
Thank you to everyone that voted for me, I
know my kids are really excited about it. I’m in
South Africa now and after a few weeks off for
some R&R I’ll be back in pre-season training,
and in an Ulster jersey. I’ll have to take it to
Kingspan!”
If you’re in Belfast make sure you keep an eye
out for this special bus which pays tribute to
two inspirational individuals!
PAGE 8
Jamie Dornan – Actor
Jamie Dornan is known around the globe for playing Christian
Grey in the film 'Fifty Shades of Grey', which had one of the
biggest opening weekends of all time for an R-rated film.
Jamie also plays a leading role in BBC's 'The Fall', a successful
hit series credited with helping put Belfast on the film and
television production map. While you can trace his roots to
Holywood, Jamie launched his modelling career in Belfast and
he also attended school in the city.
Rory Best – Rugby player
Rugby star Rory Best is a constant fixture at Kingspan Stadium
in Belfast and rugby stadiums around Europe. In 2016, Rory
became the captain for Ireland, the first Ulster rugby player to
captain Ireland's team since the late 1990s. He is known as a
leader on the field and is well-regarded by sports fans in Belfast
and beyond.
SHORTLISTED
Eamonn Holmes – TV Personality
Award-winning broadcaster Eamonn Holmes started his career
in Belfast on UTV's 'Farming Ulster' programme. He has since
gone on to present GMTV for 13 years and he currently hosts
Sunrise with Eamonn Holmes on Sky News. With nearly
1million Twitter followers, he is beloved across the UK. He also
retains close ties with his home city and supports a number of
initiatives to better the city.
Mary Peters, CH, DBE – Athlete
Dame Mary Peters, CH, DBE is known for both her gold medal
victory at the 1972 Olympics and her philanthropy work
through Mary Peters Trust. Mary is a well-known name and
face in Belfast as Mary Peters Track is named after her and she
is a Lord Lieutenant for the City of Belfast.
Michael O'Neill – Football Manager
Northern Ireland football manager Michael O'Neill has brought
Northern Ireland to its first major championship since the
World Cup in 1986 and he is doing it in style by topping the
European qualifier group. Because of these successes, Michael
has received a lot of credit for uniting the country around sport.
As a player himself, he made 44 appearances with Glentoran
and has retained close ties with the club and city.
Carl Frampton MBE – Boxer
Carl Frampton MBE World champion boxer Carl Frampton MBE
has made massive contributions to promoting Belfast's boxing
heritage and bringing Belfast boxing back to life on the world
stage. Most recently, Carl won the super-bantamweight title
unification match to unify the IBF and WBA world champion
titles. Originally from Tiger's Bay, many credit Carl for his work
uniting two communities. Known as a role model and a family
man, Carl is very popular with the Belfast public.
PAGE 9
THE ROLL OF HONOUR
•
THE ROLL OF
Ciara Dougan
•
We know that many people are really grateful to our staff who often go above
and beyond the call of duty, to help our customers in their hour of need. This list
includes the number of staff who have received a note of thanks.
Ciara from your Twitter account was excellent
to correspond with. I received speedy replies
which were pleasant and factual. This isn't
the first time I have corresponded with her,
and I would just like to show my appreciation
towards her. She is a credit to your company
and is always willing to help. Ciara deserves
a medal for the way in which she deals with
customers. Many thanks Ciara! Please pass my
comments on to her - she is a fantastic help.
A Reid
Seamus Casey
A Barnes
A Marshall
A McIlhatton
B Boyd
B Gourley B McKee
Brendan Power
Brian O’Rourke
C Madden
C McGeough
C Smallwood
C Wallace
Chris O'Neill
Ciara Dougan
Colm McKay
D Black D Gargan
D McClurg
D Taylor
E Farlow E Mullan
Elsie Farlow
Emma Lewis
G McIvor
G McMurray
Gail Reid
Ian McAdam Ivan Cochrane
J McKinstry
J Neeson J Rooney
J Stratton
James Burns
Jean Brown
PAGE 10
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroController
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
UlsterbusDriver
Contact Centre Social Media
Contact Centre Supervisor
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
Contact Centre Agent
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
Visit Belfast
Agent
NI Railways
Supervisor
UlsterbusDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
Contact Centre Agent
Jim Davey
John Ferguson
John Lydiard John Steenson
Johnny Hinds
Keith Johnston
Kenny McNally
L Black
L Stewart
M Wright
Malcolm Crawford
Margaret Pollock
N Shannon
Nuala Whiteside
P Beggs
P Bond
P O'Callaghan
P Rogan
P Sproule
R Fawcett
Raymond Byrne
Ruth Bradley
S Bassett S McCorry
S McKeever
S Taggart
S Wright
Sandra O'Neill
Seamus Casey
Sharon Craig
T Hynes
T Jones T Lawlor
T O’Connor
Tom Walker
MetroDriver
MetroInspector
UlsterbusDriver
NI Railways
Conductor
UlsterbusDriver
MetroDriver
Contact Centre Supervisor
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
UlsterbusDriver
Metro
Lost Property
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroInspector
NIRCSC
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroDriver
MetroInspector
I would like compliment your driver on the
12A for how he dealt with a situation. Two
(wonderful) teenagers tried to chance their arm
and abuse their bus passes, my kudos goes to
that poor bus driver because my patience with
these particular girls was lost way before that.
To make matters worse one of the passengers
that had already boarded the bus felt it
necessary to give her input. So a barrage of
abuse at the driver then occurred. What really
stood out to me is how this particular driver
carried on the rest of his route with someone
who was a tad abusive at him on board. Now
when you're met with confrontation, a bus can
seem like a tiny space. But this man is made of
sterner stuff. He carried on in that route being
as pleasant and charming as he was before.
There was light chat thank yous all round. So
please pass on my appreciation. If I was on that
situation I wouldn't have been able to deal with
it as well as he did, and to carry on showing
kindness and common curtsey when most
would want the ground to swallow them whole
is something else!
J Kincaid
of duty to help, he was an amazing support as
he kept in contact throughout the 1.30 hours
and we really couldn’t have done it without
him. Our family are so grateful and he really did
go above and beyond to help us and we really
appreciate all his help, it’s nice to know that
there are decent and caring people out there.
V Cosgrove
Ian McAdam
My wife and I were going to Dublin on the
Enterprise, we were using the escalator at
Central and half way up the lady in front
of me fell and I had to cling to the moving
rail to stop her fall and mine. Fortunately
someone managed to halt the stair before I fell
backwards. She seemed unhurt but I was badly
shaken and three fingers of my left hand had
been badly burned by the friction of the rail.
Having been attending hospital since 1st march
for heart tests I was afraid of the effects of the
experience. Fortunately the station supervisor
Ian McAdam took over. He took my wife and
I to the cafe, got me a bowl of iced water for
my fingers and tea for my wife. He then got a
paramedic to come and check my heart rate
and blood pressure and brought us sandwiches
and coffee. They recommended we took the
next train and had our stay overnight in Dublin.
He took our luggage and went with us down to
the train and provided an upgrade to 1st class
so that we would have a quieter comfortable
journey. I wanted to let the management know
how kind and efficient he had been over the
whole incident. We had a good trip and the
blisters on my fingers have healed well. Being
a pianist and organist this did worry me a lot at
the time. Please pass on our thanks to him and
the young colleague who assisted him, it was
so much appreciated.
pleasure. Please convey my thanks to your
staff for this outstanding service.
B Caul
Ruth Bradley CSC
I took the train to Lisburn for a business
meeting. Unfortunately I left a very good cap
my wife had given to me as a birthday present
on the train as it sped off towards Portadown.
I immediately informed the N.I.R. official on the
platform – called Ruth – and once I had given
her a description of the cap she undertook
to ring ahead and have it brought back to
Lisburn on another train. When I arrived back
at the station in Lisburn a couple of hours
later, the man on the ticket desk immediately
contacted Ruth and she came back with my
cap, neatly wrapped in a large envelope. Her
professionalism was in marked contrast to my
own carelessness. It was re-assuring to see
the best face of public service, without any
fuss. Congratulations to N.I. R. and in particular
to Ruth. I really like my cap and I was very
pleased to have it returned so quickly.
A Hunter
J Mercer
Tom Walker
I would like to thank Tom from the Falls Road
depot, my mother in law left her bag with
her phone and money on the bus, another
passenger handed it over and Tom kindly
phoned us to let us know it had been handed
in, we then rang the place where she was
supposed to go and she never showed up, Tom
checked CCTV as we as a family went looking
for her, Tom then rang and let us know that he
was also out looking for her, he met up with
my partner and they took different routes in
order to find her, after 1.30hrs Tom was the one
who actually found her, he informed us every
step of the way and really went beyond the call
NI Railways Service Coleraine – Belfast
I am a mature student aged 72 and have
depended on the rail service to travel to
Queens. It would not have been possible to
complete the course without it. At all times
of the day and evening your staff in the
Coleraine office and at the ticket barrier have
been efficient, cordial and helpful. They are
true credit to your company. The on train
conductors have carried out their duties
in good spirit, never failing to give clear
explanations. The carriages are comfortable
and modern, making the journeys an absolute
A lady from Australia called into Visit Belfast
to thank Contact Centre Agent Gail Reid for all
her help while she was here on holiday. She
presented Gail with an Australian tea towel.
PAGE 11
Ground
Control
Introducing the Traffic Department which
sits within Network Operations & Safety in
Translink’s Infrastructure Division.
PAGE 12
T
he traffic Department are responsible for the
regulation of train movements and protection
of level crossings, working within set operating
rules and regulations to deliver the Working
Timetable and support Engineering Possessions of
the railway line. To do this there is a team of sixty
operational personnel and five support staff who
work in shift patterns on a 24/7 basis to control
the operation of the Signalling and Telecoms Systems.
Signal Cabins are generally designed to provide a secure,
controlled environment to minimise distraction for the operators.
There are currently eight locations where Traffic Department
staffs are based: Five Signal Cabins at Belfast Central, Castlerock,
Coleraine, Derry-Londonderry and Portadown – plus the three
Level-Crossing Control Points at Lurgan.
PAGE 13
" Working in this environment
requires discipline, skill, logic,
concentration, patience, the
ability to think ahead and
remain calm under pressure.
"
Name here
Working in this environment requires discipline, skill, logic,
concentration, patience, the ability to think ahead and remain
calm under pressure. Perhaps this is best demonstrated when rail
disruptions occur or major events take place and additional trains
have to be fitted into the system – for example, the Tall Ships 2015
event had an additional 65 rail services added to the timetable! In
the event of an emergency the Traffic Department must respond
quickly and calmly to bring trains to a controlled stop and prevent
an incident from escalating. The team’s aim is to recover or enhance
services and minimise disruption for passengers.
Within the department, a wide range of specialised signalling and
telecoms equipment is operated including: Lever-Frame Interlockings,
Semaphore Signals & Tokens, Push-Button Electric Panels,
Colour-Light Signals and Visual Display Unit Controls and Indications.
The Signallers also use the railway telephone network or the train
radio system to communicate with train drivers, Infrastructure staff,
and users of level crossings. All operational communications are
treated as safety critical and are performed in adherence with strict
communications protocols.
In a day’s work, the Traffic Department liaises with numerous
stakeholders, both external and internal, to ensure their requirements
are understood and delivered safely. The level crossing keepers interact
with local communities, ensuring that road vehicles and pedestrians are
safely clear of the track before lowering the level-crossing barriers to
give a safe, clear path for trains.
One of the lesser-known aspects of the Traffic Department’s
responsibilities is the lifting and lowering of a moveable span of the
railway bridge over the River Bann at Coleraine (pictured above).
This provides a passage for river traffic to access the port at Coleraine.
The Traffic Department Operators working at the Bann Bridge do this
by communicating with the Signallers, Harbour Master, pilot boats and
private boat owners.
PAGE 14
PAGE 15
Poster 1 of 6 - Display until 30 June 2016
Don’t Get Hooked
by Phishing!
What is Phishing?
Phishing is how cyber criminals trick you into giving
information or clicking a malicious link.
They use a message-based attack that begins with sending
you an email pretending to be from a person or company
you know.
They’ll attempt to acquire sensitive information such as
usernames, passwords, bank and credit card details.
It can also involve sending malicious attachments or website
links in an effort to infect computers or mobile devices with
a virus.
How Phishing affects YOU!
YOU are a phishing target at work and at home. You and
your devices are worth a huge amount of money to cyber
criminals, and they will do anything they can to hack them.
YOU are the most effective way to detect and stop phishing.
If you identify an email you think is a phishing attack or think
you may have fallen victim:
Contact Translink’s IS helpdesk
Tel. 028 9035 4085 or Extension 5555
What to look out for
simon@chexxinc.com
D.Smith@translink.co.uk
Check email addresses. If it appears to be from a legitimate
organisation but the FROM address is someone’s personal
account, such as @gmail.com or @hotmail.com it’s most likely
to be an attack. Also check the TO and CC fields to see if the
email is being sent to people you don’t know or work with.
Central Station - Overdue invoice
Dear John Smith
How’s it going?
I am writing to inform you that we haven’t received payment for the invoice below:
200 Years of Service
The Traffic Department have celebrated 200 years of combined service,
acknowledging the long term service of ten Signallers who between
them have amassed an impressive 200 years!
Clive Bradberry, Infrastructure Executive, presented long term service
badges for 35, 30, 20 and 15 years and acknowledged the contribution
and skills of these ten members of staff that work hard moving
significant passenger numbers across the rail network:
Ian Stewart (35 year service), Gordon Young (30 year service), Colin
King (20 year service), Dale Brown (20 year service), Kevin Brown
(20 year service), Joe Lennon (15 year service), Patrick Cunningham
(15 year service), Aidan O’Kane (15 year service), Gerard Boyd (15 year
service) and Gerard Gallagher (15 year service).
PAGE 16
At the presentation, Wilma Kirkpatrick, Traffic Manager, reflected on
the substantial change and investment that the group have witnessed
in technology, trains and lifestyles. Richard Knox, Network Operations
& Safety Manager, highlighted the changes to signalling assets and the
major projects that will continue to drive the business forward.
Pictured at the presentation (l-r):
Clive Bradberry, Infrastructure Executive, Colin King (20
year service), Gordon Young (30 year service), Aidan
O’Kane (15 year service), Gerard Boyd (15 year service),
Tony O’Hanlon, Traffic Inspector, Ian Stewart (35 year
service), Gerard Gallagher (15 year service), Dale Brown
(20 year service), Richard Knox, Network Operations &
Safety Manager. Missing from picture: Kevin Brown (20
year service), Joe Lennon (15 year service) and Patrick
Cunningham (15 year service).
Invoice # 0012293154 • Invoice amount £1,148
Due date: 15 March 2106
Billed to: Central Station, 47 East Bridge Street
Would you mind to review the payment advise (see enclosed) and get back to us with
your status Also, is the phone number on file 08057 a valid way to reach you?
If you need further information, please do not hesitiate to contact me.
Thank you
Simon
Simon Noble, Busines Development
Manager
Shannon Airport House SF2
County Clare V14 E370
Email: simon@chexxinc.com
web: www.chexxinc.com
linkedin: https:linkedin.com/in/simonvenhurzen
Be suspicious of emails addressed to ‘Dear Customer’
or another generic greeting. A trusted organisation should
know your name. Also ask yourself if you would expect an
email from this company.
Be wary of any email that requires ‘immediate action’
or creates a sense of urgency. It is a common technique to rush
people into making a mistake.
Be careful with links and attachments.
Only click on ones that you’re expecting. Also, if you hover your
mouse over a link it will show the true web destination – if it is
different it could be a cyber attack.
An email that looks like it came from your friend or colleague does not mean they sent it.
Their computer may have been infected or their account compromised. If their email looks suspicious phone them.
Be suspicious of any email that sounds too good to be true – sorry you did not just win the lottery!
PAGE 17
Meet the Legal and
Governance Team
JP Irvine, General Counsel & Company Secretary, is
also Translink’s Senior Information Risk Owner –
he introduces the team…
The Legal and Governance Department
is responsible for all legal services to
the business, corporate governance, risk
management, internal audit work, information
records management and enforcement
services across the network. Employees
should be aware that the General Counsel
can act as a confidential sounding board
to employees for potential whistleblowing
matters too.
JP Irvine
Over the next 18 months the team will be
working with the wider business, promoting
good practice in Translink’s management
and security of its data; this will assist us
in preparing for the new Data Protection
Regulations coming into force in 2018.
We will be promoting the importance of
information and data management across the
company; supporting this will be the launch of
a 'S.I.R.O says…’ Series of posters
So let’s meet the team:
says... er (SIRO) promotes best
S.I.R.O. rma
slink
tion Risk Own
risk within Tran
information
The Senior Info
management of
practice in the
sword
Keep your pas
it regularly
safe & change
The Information Commissioner has the right
to impose a penalty of up to £500,000
(increasing to 4% of turnover or around £15
million from 2018) depending on the nature
and seriousness of the breach. Things like not
having encrypted hard drives and discs, or not
having a complete Information Asset Register
in place contribute to higher levels of fines.
For more information click: https://ico.
org.uk/media/about-the-ico/policies-andprocedures/1424146/ico-procedure-for-issuingmonetary-penalties.pdf
Here are some specific examples of financial
penalties seen within Northern Ireland and
the UK:
• A money lending business was fined
£180,000 after an unencrypted server
was stolen from Lurgan branch.
• The Ministry of Justice was fined
£180,000 for "serious failings" in
the handling of confidential data. (In
relation to the loss of a hard drive
containing details of almost 3,000
prisoners at Erlestoke Prison in
Wiltshire.) - source ICO.
As Translink’s Senior Information Risk Owner
(S.I.R.O), JP says
PAGE 18
“Misplaced customer data, unsecure
websites, and un-encrypted phones, discs and
computers are just a few of the top threats
we hear about on the news on a regular basis.
Translink needs to work hard to stay safe
from such threats. Data-related training and
staff awareness initiatives are being launched
this year to help drive a strong culture of
really good information and records handling.
Staff who see bad practice in this area are
encouraged to get in touch with me and the
team so that lessons can be learned and
improvements made.”
Clare McLaughlin
Information Manager
Senior Company Solicitor
• Information Governance & risk management
• DPA request management
• Open Data
• Records Management
• Major Projects
• EU Law/Regulatory
•Employment
•Procurement
• Commercial Contracts
• General legal enquiries
•Prosecutions
Clare Downey
Therese Devine
Company Solicitor
GIS and Compliance Co-ordinator
•Property/Estates
• Information Law- FOI/EIR/DPA
• Commercial Contracts
• Commercial Litigation
General legal enquiries
•Prosecutions
•
•
•
•
•
Terry McCann
Karen Hutchinson
Assistant Technical Analyst
Prosecutions Officer
• SharePoint Analyst/Developer
•EDRMS
• Document & Records Management
• Compliance Analyst
• Prosecutions and Enforcement
• Revenue Protection
Ciara Murray
Martin Pitt
Legal & Governance Clerical Officer
Head of Internal Audit (PWC)
•
•
• Internal Audit Strategy
Annual Plan
Out
Keep Snoops
Like
Pr
iv a c y
to keep your
It is important
ge
urself and chan
password to yo
d
ise
or
th
ent unau
regularly to prev
data.
access to your
Poster campaign – you should see this first
poster on a noticeboard near you in May
Here’s what you need to know!
FACT: The following kind of data breaches
have led to substantial fines from the
Information Commissioner (the Regulator for
information legislation such as Freedom of
Information and Data Protection Acts):
• Data emailed to incorrect recipients
• Data lost in the post
• Loss or theft of files
• Insecure web page (including poor data handling/lack of password protection)
• Loss or theft of unencrypted devices
Elaine McElhill
Other services the Legal and Governance Team
deliver:
• Centralised corporate resource
providing legal, audit, governance and
investigative services to the business,
so Translink can manage it's risks as
well as possible.
• Specialist legal advice for all major
projects, commercial contracts, and
disputes-handling with 3rd parties and
regulators.
• The team’s strategic aim is for ‘zero’
regulatory breaches or other instances
of non-compliance.
• Champion a culture of continuous
improvement and business protection
in everything the business and its
employees do.
• Open data records management and
geographical information support.
Contacts:
Legal:
JP Irvine 9025 8100
Audit:
Martin Pitt 9041 5403
Information Management
and Legal support
Board & Executive Committee administration
GIS Support
MapLink System Manager
DPA Request Coordinator
Open Data
EU INSPIRE
Karen Mitchell
Colette Archer
Internal Audit Manager (PWC)
Value Enhancement Manager (PWC)
• Internal Audit
• Preparation of update reports
• Delivery of the value protection reviews
• Facilitation of quarterly risk management
• Delivery of the value enhancement reviews
Information Management:
Elaine McElhill 9027 7803
PAGE 19
AWARDS ROUND-UP
FPT NI Awards
WINNING
WAYS
FPT NI (Federation of Passenger Transport,
Northern Ireland) is the trade body promoting the
use of public transport and represents the leading
bus and coach operators across Northern Ireland.
We attended their awards ceremony at the start
of the year and collected five!
Carrickfergus Bus Driver Andrew Marshall, also
known as Metro’s most complimented driver, was
crowned ‘Translink Bus Driver of the Year’.
AWARD-WINNING Success
stories from AROUND
THE COMPANY
1
Our ‘Improving Safety Culture Programme’
scooped the Raising Industry Standard Award.
The programme is an innovative initiative which
saw four minibuses transformed by engineers
into mobile classrooms to deliver a new safety
course.
Metro driver Paul Doyle received a Special Award
in recognition of his exceptional example of
kindness last year.
The final award went to Central and Southern
area Staff from NI Railways who were
commended for their crucial part in organising
rail replacement bus services.
Well done to all our winners – it’s great to
recognise our employees who excel in their role
and deliver high standards of customer care.
Pictured: 1 (l-r) Translink Bus Driver of the Year,
Andrew Marshall, FPT NI Chief Executive, Karen
Magill, The Wrights Group, Mark Nodder and
Award Sponsors RSA NI Ltd, Simon Rotherham.
2 (l-r) FPT NI Chief Executive, Karen Magill,
Translink General Manager – Bus and Rail Services,
Ciaran Doherty and Transport Minister, Michelle
McIlveen.
2
NVQ Certificates
Six Engineering Apprentice Technicians have been awarded
their NVQ Certificates in Traction and Rolling Stock – a
prerequisite qualification to becoming a fully-fledged Railway
Engineering Technician. NI Railways staff developed and
designed this unique qualification in partnership with City &
Guilds, a global leader in skills development. Well done to the
apprentices on their achievement!
Congratulations!
Pictured above at the certificate presentation
are (l-r) Translink Technical Engineer
David Carson, TQ Pearson Senior Training
Consultant Nigel Clarke, Translink NI
Railways Apprentices David Warner, Adam
Brennan, Daniel O’Neill, Philip McDowell,
City & Guilds External Verifier Brian Dines,
Channel Compliance Director Scott Walker
and Apprentice Michael Rice (absent
Apprentice Lee Horner).
National Campaign for
Courtesy Award 2016
Metro Bus Driver Paul Doyle (pictured left) also received a special
award from the ‘National Campaign for Courtesy’ in recognition of an
exceptional example of kindness. Paul, based at Falls Road bus depot,
hit media headlines worldwide at the end of 2015 for a simple act of
generosity in which he presented a winter coat to someone in need.
A passenger on Paul’s bus witnessed his generosity, shared it on social
media and the story went viral.
Paul inspired the launch of a ‘Clothes for Christmas’ campaign which
received thousands of donations for vulnerable people in need
across Northern Ireland with Translink stations and depots becoming
collection points.
PR Smith, National Campaign for Courtesy Non-Executive Director
(pictured right) said: “Paul is a true inspiration. It shows how even one
simple act of generosity can be so powerful it touches the hearts of an
entire nation and raises the profile of a serious issue. Kindness has a
knock-on effect.”
Well done Paul – a fantastic achievement!
PAGE 20
PAGE 21
Translink’s
‘Million
Makers’
Earlier in the year Translink’s
Graduate Managers won Northern
Ireland’s Prince’s Trust ‘Million
Makers’ Competition!
E
arlier in the year Translink’s Graduate Managers won Northern
Ireland’s Prince’s Trust ‘Million Makers’ Competition! This was a
fantastic achievement which saw Translink raise an amazing £12,000
to help transform the lives of disadvantaged young people. The
entrepreneurial fundraising challenge tasks teams of employees from
companies across the UK to raise money and Translink are the first
public sector organisation to win the challenge.
The Translink Graduate Managers worked with local businesses to raise money for
the Prince’s Trust, raising £12,000 and beating stiff competition from other leading
companies including Capita, Concentrix and Shredbank. The UK wide initiative,
which also helps employees build essential business skills, collectively aims to raise
£1 million for the charity – helping many young people across Northern Ireland
aged 13-30 who are in, or leaving care, facing issues such as homelessness or
mental health problems, or have been in trouble with the law.
In addition to working with local businesses to raise funds, during the course of the
challenge the team raised money through a variety of Translink fundraising events
such as a spinathon, mountain hike, bake sale and wear red day – thank you to
everyone who showed their support.
Speaking about their success, Translink team member John Morgan said: “This
competition was a great way to collaborate, develop project management skills
and also do something extremely worthwhile. This official recognition is wonderful
but just taking part in the competition was very rewarding as we know that all the
funds we raised will be supporting people in need.”
Translink team member Veronica McKinney added: “It was a real team effort; we
had expert support from colleagues across Translink who helped us develop our
ideas. We’re delighted with the team’s achievement and our contribution to the
Million Makers campaign ambitious target.”
Pictured: (l-r) Deputy Group
Chief Executive Gordon
Milligan, team member Emma
Isaac, Executive and Business
Support Manager John Lundy,
team members Veronica
McKinney and Michael
Chisholm, Acting Director for
Prince’s Trust Mark Dougan,
team members Andrew
Croskery, Erin Morrison and
John Morgan.
PAGE
PAGE 22
22
PAGE
PAGE 23
23
MEDAL OF
HONOURS
Janice
Davidson
Awarded
British
Empire
Medal
E
xpresslines caught up with Janice to hear about her career at
Translink and being presented with a medal for this very special
achievement:
“When I started work with Ulsterbus back in March 1983 I really didn’t
think I would still be here more than 30 years later. Having been made
redundant from Michelin at Mallusk, I started out working for Ken
Middleton, in the days when the bus companies had separate Chief
Engineers for Ulsterbus and Citybus.
As might be expected with such a lengthy period of employment, much
has changed between then and now, most of it for the good. I certainly
wouldn’t relish going back to the days of carbon copies and manual
typewriters! Many will remember wrestling with such things. Then
there is the gulf between old style tokens on buses and the modern
diversity of electronic ticketing, never mind the world of difference
between the old Bristol REs and modern Metro double-deckers and
former Class 80s and the stylish Class 3000s and 4000s.
Perhaps the greatest changes have been in the varying styles of the
different people I have worked for and the impact their input has had
on the development of the bus and rail companies over the years. From
my days in Engineering, through to working with Werner Heubeck,
Ted Hesketh and then Keith Moffatt, It has certainly been interesting
to say the least and without giving too much away, keeping up with
the very different personalities and their preferred ways of working
has represented a challenge. Latterly I have worked closely with Philip
O’Neill in various posts, culminating in my role as PA to him in his
position as Chief Operating Officer.
PAGE 24
Congratulations to Janice Davidson, PA
to Philip O’ Neill, who has been awarded
a British Empire Medal for services to
Public Transport in the Queen’s 2016
New Year’s honours. Janice has worked
in Translink for over 33 years, during
which time she has provided a high
level of support to the senior executive
team, the Board of Directors and the
Department for Regional Development.
Of course in my career I have worked with many people, across various
Divisions, many of whom are also still going strong many years down
the line, and most of whom are still speaking to me! On a serious
note, in an age where people are generally more likely to change jobs
and even careers, it says something that public transport consistently
produces staff whose employment has reached exceptional lengths –
much longer than my own – and who have an obvious passion for what
they do.
As I began to contemplate my own retirement from Translink it came
as a very pleasant surprise to find that I had been nominated for an
Honour and was duly awarded the British Empire Medal in the Queen’s
New Year’s Honours. Whilst entirely unexpected, it was very rewarding
to have my contribution recognised in such a way. As a result I, along
with my husband Trevor, brother Chris and soon to be 95-year old
Mum, had a truly enjoyable day at Hillsborough, when I received my
Honour from the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast. This was followed more
recently by Trevor and I attending a Garden Party at Buckingham
Palace; another very unforgettable occasion for the memory box!
Doubtless there will be more changes in the years to come; I wish all
those involved the very best as the organisation continues to adapt to
the various challenges ahead.”
PAGE 25
Well Worth
the Challenge!
The Mountains of Mourne sweep Susan Bailie from
Translink’s Customer Service Team off her feet.
PAGE 26
PAGE 27
S
usan Bailie tells Expresslines about the challenge that
changed her world: “When I agreed to take part in the Slieve
Donard Challenge to raise funds for The Prince’s Trust, I had
no idea it would alter my life completely!
“I’d been approached by Erin Morrison (Graduate Manager) to take
part and in September 2015 a group of 16 left from the base of
the Mournes in Newcastle, in high spirits swapping stories and
introductions. The group was made up of experts and novices, me
being the latter of the two. With borrowed boots and no experience it
wasn’t long before the little voice in my head asked me ‘what are you
playing at girl?’
“The words of encouragement from Damian Agnew (Infrastructure
Dept.) weren’t exactly motivating, ‘You think this part is bad wait
’til we get past the trees!’ Coming from Southern Ireland I’m used to
terms like ‘just around the corner’ and ‘tis only down the road’. These
are healthy lies one prefers not to hear when falling over tree roots,
wondering why everyone else seems to be skipping gleefully up a
hill! We trudged on however, our little group trailing behind with
Damian holding things together at the back, like a daddy duck!”
Susan continued undeterred and reached the halfway point: “We
took a break, after which I realised M&M’s weren’t the best source
of energy when climbing a 2,700 ft. mountain. Crossing over a brook
I noticed a lad standing in the water assisting those passing over
it, I took his hand and smiled “Cheers”. The larger group, freshly
graduated from the Bear Grylls school of survival, were way ahead
of us and starting up the steep stair-like hill. Once up there we
stopped for lunch and gathered ourselves before the final ascent up
the Mourne Wall, for me this would involve a Rocky Balboa type of
pep-talk with myself and a wee cry into the wind. After lunch we had
the option to either climb the Mourne Wall to the summit or shyly
PAGE 28
excuse ourselves down the Brandy Path. Looking at my reflection in
my mirror – which of course I DID remember to bring, as I explained
to my hiking buddy Peter O’Hare (Marketing Dept.) “You never know
who you might meet.” I figured that I already looked like I’d climbed
Everest and may as well have something to show for it. My scramble
up the wall could be compared to that of a drunk on roller skates…
it took a while! But, after many, many, little breaks I arrived on the
summit, last.”
Reaching the summit was certainly well worth it as Susan explains:
“Once on the summit I took in the fantastic views and noticed people
running, yes running, up another little mound of stones to get a
better view of Newcastle. I briefly thought about attempting the
mound of doom but my legs were frozen to the ground. Suddenly
I heard someone say “Do you want to go up? Take my arm and I’ll
bring you.” It was the nice young man who helped me across the
brook earlier on. He brought me up to the top and back down again
holding me securely. He introduced himself as Jonny Bailie (IS/IT
Department) and as I looked down the mountain riddled with dips,
rocks and streams the sound of the helicopter sent up here to rescue
Stephen Nolan only weeks before erupted in my imagination! So I
turned to him, squeezed his arm and begged him not to leave me. He
smiled and promised he wouldn’t let me go.
“He has kept his promise since that meeting on the summit of Slieve
Donard and on 18 March 2016 I proudly became Mrs Jonathan Bailie
and we’re expecting our first child together in August! Slieve Donard
was by far one of the most difficult challenges I have undertaken but
definitely the most rewarding. To my friends and family I will forever
be known as the girl who found her husband at the highest point of
Northern Ireland and who hasn’t come down since!”
PAGE 29
Banbridge
A new Bus Station has opened in
Banbridge which will provide the
town and wider local community with
improved bus facilities and enhanced
travel experience
T
ranslink Service Delivery Manager
for the area, Gary Mawhinney said:
“We are delighted to have opened
this new bus station on schedule
for our local passengers. The new
station offers enhanced, comfortable
waiting facilities for passengers and visitors to
the town and is major investment and addition
to the town’s local infrastructure.
“We are getting some great feedback from our
customers already and as we see more and
more people using our Goldline coach services
we hope this new station will make our services
even more attractive to encourage more people
to make the bus their first choice of travel.”
Banbridge is within easy reach of the Belfast
Metropolitan Area and on the main Belfast to
Dublin route, accounting for approximately
390,000 passenger journeys last year.
Clive Bradberry, Infrastructure Executive said:
“This new facility will help to make local bus
services even more attractive by offering a more
comfortable, enhanced travel experience for
passengers travelling to and from the local area.
It will also support and integrate with the wider
local council development plans that have been
on-going in Banbridge Town Centre to attract
more visitors and support local businesses.
“Local Ulsterbus services play a crucial role in
helping to deliver a better quality of life for all.
More and more people are using Goldline coach
services to Dublin and Belfast and we know this
new facility will be welcomed. We would like to
thank the Regional Development Minister and
her Department for the essential funding to
deliver this project.” Clive concluded.
PAGE 30
PAGE 31
Staff
Charity
Mount
Errigal Trek
W
ell done to the staff from Strabane Bus Depot who trekked Mount Errigal, the
highest mountain in Donegal, for our Charity Partner, Macmillan Cancer. The
changeable weather did not dampen spirits as the team made their way up the
mountain! They raised £118 which will go towards our running total for Macmillan Cancer,
currently over £28,000!
CHARITY NEWS
8,000 Glasses
for Charity!
Our staff at Newry Bus Station have gathered 8,000 pairs
of glasses from across Translink, which is a credit to the
employees who’ve contributed their glasses over the last
15 years. Greg McLaughlin, Service Delivery Manager, and
the team in Newry work with a local optician who gives
the glasses a suitability test and clean-up – as modelled
(l-r) by Clerk Paul Haughey, Bus Driver Dessie O’Hare and
Chief Clerk Grainne Martin. Whilst not all glasses pass
SIMON COMMUNITY
ULSTER CANCER FOUNDATION
CANCER RESEARCH WAR ON WANT
RNIB MARIE CURIE CANCER CARE NSPCC
MACMILLAN CANCER SUPPORT NICAS USPCC
BARNARDOS NI CANCER FUND FOR CHILDREN
POSITIVE FUTURES
CHEST HEART & STROKE
WILDLIFE TRUST
ST. JOHNS AMBULANCE
BBC CHILDREN IN NEED
ACTION FOR CHILDREN
PARENTS ADVICE CENTRE
GEORGE BEST FOUNDATION
MIND DISABILITY ACTION
TROCAIRE AUTISM NI
THE PRINCES TRUST
MENCAP AGE NI
WOMENS AID
MINDWISE
VOYPIC
DIABETES UK
TINY LIFE OXFAM
ACTION CANCER
RETHINK RNLI
CONCERN
PAGE 32
the test, the majority become a vital contribution to third
world countries
Well done to the staff in Newry, this is a great cause so
please get involved if you can. Send your unwanted or
unused glasses to Newry Bus Station (marking on the box
how many pairs of glasses are inside to save time).
Charity
Partner
Update
A big thank you to everyone who sent in nominations
for our new charity partner. We’re in the process of
shortlisting and the new partner will be announced in June
– keep an eye out on Sharepoint!
PAGE 33
Staff
Charity
CHARITY NEWS
Belfast Marathon
2016
D
avid Kelly completed the Belfast City
Marathon in memory of colleague
Phil George, he raised an impressive
£891 for Chest, Heart & Stroke NI – including
£300 raised by the Production team’s coffee
morning at Central Station.
V
eronica McKinney, Steven McDowell,
Therese Devine, Terry McCann and
Jennifer Clear successfully completed
the relay in the Belfast City Marathon,
raising a fantastic £570 for the Southern
Area Hospice.
PAGE 34
C
raig Mills from Translink’s
Newtownabbey Depot is co-founder
of the East Antrim Marathon Series
and he joined a group of runners to set
a Guinness World Record at the Belfast
City Marathon. As you can see from
our pictures they dressed up to set the
record for the most Oompa Loompas
to run a marathon together, and also
the combined number of marathons as
Oompa Loompas because they’ve almost
3,000 marathons between them all!
Craig said: "The world record attempt
came about because of the interest we've
had, we put the suggestion up on our
Facebook page because we had such
good fun last year dressed as Star Wars
characters, because it was on May 4. So
we decided to put it out there this year,
and 50 plus people took part.” The group
raised money for the charities Autism NI
and the Joshua Kyle Trust.
PAGE 35
Staff
Charity
ABBIE's WALK
F
ollowing the death of one of their colleague’s daughter, some
members of staff from Falls, Newtownabbey, Central Area and
Short Strand depots decided to get together and see if they
could raise money for PIPS suicide awareness and prevention group.
A walk in the Mournes was decided and it was named “Abbie’s Walk”
after the young lady who had passed away at the age of only 15. A
WHITE COLLAR
BOXING
O
n 15 April a group of Translink
employees organised a charity white
collar boxing event in the Devenish
Arms, Belfast, to raise funds for PIPS suicide
support group and Translink Gym & Sport,
Falls Gym. Over 500 people packed the hall to
watch 13 fights. The atmosphere was electric
with every one of the 26 fighters giving their
all for this worthy cause. PIPS were chosen as
the charity in light of recent events in Belfast
with young suicides and also the untimely
death of our colleague’s daughter Abbie. A
total of £4,700 was donated to PIPS with
£2,800 also going to Translink Gym. A huge
thanks to all those who took part and all of
those who attended. Already the organisers
are looking to bigger and better next year.
A special mention must go to UNITE Union
and Translink Charity Group for their very
generous donations. Anybody wishing to take
part in next year’s event, please contact the
organising committee.
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Facebook page was set up and word put out it would take place on
30 April, which was Abbie’s birthday weekend as she would have
been 16 on 27 April. Money is still being counted at present and is
getting very close to an amazing £8,000 total!. This money will help
PIPS staff advise others with problems relating to suicide.
MACMILLAN CANCER
SUPPORT
T
he staff at Ulsterbus Strabane have raised £274 for
Macmillan Cancer Support. The funds were raised by a Climb
up Mount Errigal, an Easter Egg Competition and collection
money boxes. Everybody at the Depot took part and helped to
collect the total amount. Pictured making the cheque presentation
(l-r) Driver Phil Walsh, Emma from Macmillan Cancer Support and
Lead Driver Gerard Porter.
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