Agenda item

·         Damien Bannon – Update on the impact of Covid-19

·         Brendan Gallagher – Update on the Belfast Transport Hub

            The Chairperson welcomed representatives of Translink to the meeting: Mr. D. Bannon, Belfast Area Manager, Mr. B. Gallagher, Communication and Stakeholder Manager. Mr. D. McAllister, Senior Programme Manager, and Mr. L. McComb, Director of Regeneration.

            Mr. Bannon advised that Translink was the accessible, inclusive and green public transport provider that would help Northern Ireland reconnect people and places, helping get more people back to work and school, and ensure Northern Ireland’s recovery from the Covid-19 crisis was sustainable.

            He stated that the pandemic had resulted in a dramatic decline in passenger numbers and sustaining the public transport network, and rebuilding passenger confidence, required both increased and ongoing investment. He highlighted that Translink wass obliged to provide a comprehensive public transport, including school buses and rural and socially necessary networks. He explained that these services were essential to sustaining vital jobs in dependent sectors across the entire economy and must be maintained even when passenger numbers were low.

            He explained that the economic impact of the reduction in passenger numbers and revenue had left public transport globally in a very challenging funding situation. He highlighted that Translink welcomed the emergency Covid-19 funding response from the NI Executive and DfI. However it was important to recognise the impact that Covid-19 would have on revenues for some time to come, together with the considerable uncertainties over the increased use of public transport networks over the next 12- 18 months.

            He advised that, in response to the crisis, Translink would continue to encourage active travel and where possible stagger start and finish times to help facilitate social distancing for their employees using public transport. He stated that, to assist with the operation of the ‘new normal’, Translink:

·         Encouraged contactless payments and introduced a no change policy;

·         Delivered new innovative indimustey leading cleaning and sanitisation techniques - with regular enhanced deep cleaning of vehicles and facilities using  protective long-lasting anti-viral disinfectant using electro static sprayers, keeping surfaces virus free;

·         Monitored and enhanced capacity as and when required to meet passenger needs;

·         Introduced protective screens in stations and on buses and hand sanitiser is available in all main bus and train stations;

·         Supported requirements to wear a face covering on public transport; and

·         Conveyed clear and transparent communications with customers and staff.

            He provided an overview of how public transport promoted active travel, healthier lifestyles and reduced inequality. He explained that, due to the current crisis, Belfast had the opportunity now to prioritise accessible, safe, breathable, and walkable streets.

            In relation to building a cleaner, greener Public Transport system, he explained Translink’s Fleet Procurement Strategy, which included hydrogen fuel cell buses and zero emission buses. He also advised that the move to a fully carbon neutral fleet by 2040, with this being achieved in Belfast by 2030, and the first hydrogen vehicles would enter service with Metro in the coming weeks.

            Mr. McAllister and Mr. McComb introduced the presentation on the Belfast Transport Hub and provided an overview of the construction and delivery strategy. They explained that the Hub would future proof the growth of public transport and provide a range of key benefits, connecting people through infrastructure, such as:

·         8 additional bus stands increasing capacity to 26;

·         4 additional rail platforms increasing capacity to 8;

·         Relocation of the Enterprise service;

·         Provision for up to 300+ cycle storage units;

·         Dedicated pick up and drop off points; and

·         Enhanced connectivity, comfort and capacity, encouraging greener, active travel.

            Mr. McComb advised that the benefits of Weavers Cross included: Job creation over a 15 year construction cycle; Social clauses and a construction academy; Up to 8,000 FTE jobs; Up to 200 residential units for City living; Tourism appeal; and Environmental benefits.  He highlighted the regeneration opportunities for the area and the importance of the Saltwater Square – Weavers Cross Public Realm Community Connections and how it would create flow between South and West Belfast.

            Mr. Gallagher provided an overview of how the Transport Hub would leverage Social Value and Inclusive Growth such as the investment in public realm and shared space, targeted social clauses, and Skills Academies.  

            The Chairperson, on behalf of the Committee, thanked all the staff of Translink, especially those working on the frontline, who had helped keep the transport services running throughout the pandemic. 

            During Members questions, Mr. Bannon explained further the plans to extend Park and Ride facilities and Glider services, the cleaning of vehicles, and the fluidity of changing timetables. He provided further details on Translink’s sources and plans for sustainable transport, and their continued review of the dogs on buses policy. He pointed out that, in the New Year, they hoped to regularise the timetables. He also highlighted that a video was available online which illustrated the electrostatic cleaning that was being undertaken by Translink on its vehicles to keep public transport safe (copy available here).

            He advised that a further update would be provided in relation to Members’ questions regarding an update on the Pilot for attaching customer bikes to its Buses for onward travel and increasing space for bikes across its transport network.

            During further discussion, the representative’s answered a range of questions in relation to cycle storage units, future proofing the design of the rail line, development and lighting of the extended Grosvenor Road. They suggested that they would provide a further update in relation to a cycle lane in Durham St.

            After discussion, the Chairperson thanked the representatives for their attendance and they retired from the meeting.

            The Committee noted the information which had been provided and that, where relevant, Translink would provide further information on the issues raised.