A former Mayor of Derry is urging people to “make the swtich” to public transport during Translink’s first ever Bus and Train Week, taking place from Monday next, 6 June.
Cllr Martin Reilly, SDLP group leader on Derry City and Strabane Council, said he welcomed the initiative and revealed he contacted Translink for an update on the upgrade of the city’s Waterside train station and the improvement works which have got underway on the rail line serving the North West.
Cllr Reilly said: “Translink’s chief executive confirmed to me that they are progressing a bid for a transport hub under Interreg ERDF (European Regional Development Fund), and I have liaised with Council officers to request that they, as the managing authority, make a presentation on this application to the Council later in the year.
“I also welcome his confirmation that the work on the train line is on schedule and I have no doubts that once this service is complete that we will see many more people using the line.
“It is imperative that passengers, both residents and visitors, have a Train Station fit for purpose.
“In regards to buses, Translink have also recently invested in a new fleet of coaches serving the North West – bringing more comfort and services to passengers here.”
Cllr Reilly concluded: “I would therefore encourage those who don’t use public transport to make the switch during this promotional week.”
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