Welcome to Translink Online
20 December 2004
Pictured from left to right are: Mark Durkan, MLA for Derry, Dr. Joan Smyth, Chairman, Translink, andGregory Campbell, MP for L’Derry.
One of the first of Northern Ireland's £80 million order of 23 new C3K trains operated its first scheduled commercial passenger services between Derry and Belfast today (20 December), providing the 12.25 service from Belfast, and the 15.05 service from Londonderry.
"This is an historic day for rail travel in the North West of Northern Ireland,” said Translink Chief Executive Keith Moffatt, as the first Derry bound passengers boarded the train at Belfast’s Great Victoria Street station.
“These new trains together with our programme of investment in the rail network and staff training schemes will deliver a modern, high quality, rail service for Northern Ireland.
“We are confident that our passengers will be more than impressed with the enhanced facilities and levels of comfort, and indeed we expect to see a significant increase in the popularity of travelling by rail as further trains enter passenger service.”
Mr Moffatt continued, “Translink remains committed to retaining the entire network as recommended in the Booz Allen Hamilton review published earlier this year. If we are to maximize the potential of our rail network, we simply must have support for a long-term investment programme, which focuses on the lifecycle and renewal of all our railway network assets. This will enable us to deliver a sustainable railway offering real value for money and capable of making a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of Northern Ireland.
Travelling onboard the new train during its inaugural Derry service, Translink Chairman, Dr Joan Smyth CBE commented, “The new trains area testament to our local politicians who had the vision and foresight to commit the necessary investment which we are confident will attract more passengers to the railway.
“The financial investment in this project has been matched by an extensive research, development and engineering process. I must thank and congratulate all those who have been involved in bringing today about."
"Two additional trains are scheduled to enter passenger service by the end of this month. In the months ahead we will be taking delivery of the remainder of the order, with a new train arriving approximately every two weeks.” Dr Smyth concluded.
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