Translink Press Release: Rural Rover Keeps Communities Connected
The Rural Rover Keeps Communities Connected
27 July 2004
Translink’s Rural Rover service is proving to be a big hit with local communities across South Down and has been a winner for one regular passenger, Susan Ward from Ballynahinch, who has won a wonderful weekend break for two, having entered a Rural Rover competition.
Courtesy of Translink, Susan and a friend are whizzing down to Dublin on the Enterprise train service to stay in a luxury hotel for a weekend of rest and relaxation.
And rest and relaxation is certainly the key to the Rural Rover service itself. By taking the strain out of getting to the bus stop, the demand responsive service provides a more than convenient connection from Newcastle to Belfast for shoppers and day trippers and those with reduced mobility living along the route.
Gary Mawhinney District Manager for Newcastle explains, “The Rural Rover, which has doubled its number of passengers since its launch in 2002, travels twice a day from Newcastle to Belfast via Ballynahinch and Carryduff.
More importantly passengers can also request the bus by calling 028 4372 7200 to travel off the main route to pick them up in their local villages such as Loughinisland and Edendariff. This bus service is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and we are so pleased with the uptake by passengers, but there is always room for more on board!”
Marelle Crawford, Translink’s Rural Transport Fund Development Officer explains how improving access to public transport in rural areas has helped Translink meet its commitment to targeting social needs. “The Rural Rover service offers strong support for the South Down community and has proved to be particularly popular with senior citizens, improving their access between the town and countryside. The bus will pick people up at or as close as possible to their homes in the more rural areas. All they need to do is phone and book in advance. It’s that easy!”
Ms Crawford added “The Rural Rover has essentially been developed with senior citizens and parents with children in mind. The modern, low floor bus has wide doors and a ramp which is perfect for people with prams, wheelchairs or those who find stepping onto a regular bus difficult. The service we offer is also more personalised. Our team of drivers and staff take the time to get to know the regular passengers and their travel requirements, which makes things easier for everyone travelling.”
For information on the Rural Rover service call 028 90 66 66 30 or log on to www.translink.co.uk. Translink also operates a Textphone service on 028 9038 7505 for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Ends.
For further information please contact Sarah Stanczyk Translink’s Public Relations Officer on 028 90 899 455
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