Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, CBI, IoD and BITC call on business community to ‘Get On-Board’ Translink Corporate Challenge

Organisations across Northern Ireland to pledge use of public transport during Bus + Train Week, 5 – 11 June 2017 

Leaders from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce, CBI, IoD and BITC have called on organisations across Northern Ireland to sign up to Translink’s Corporate Commuter Challenge and get on-board Bus + Train Week, 5 June – 11 June 2017. It is hoped the initiative will encourage more employees here to use public transport as part of their regular commute to work.

The #GetOnBoardNI Corporate Challenge is a unique platform for organisations to showcase their CSR and sustainability efforts. Business industry bodies have joined forces to encourage support for public transport and to highlight the vital role it plays in the success of Northern Ireland supporting economic growth and social inclusion while offering energy efficiency and ‘low carbon’ mobility.

Organisations which pledge their support will receive a Challenge Pack containing all the resources and tools required to get involved and measure car journeys saved as a result of getting on-board.

Speaking at the launch of the Bus + Train Week Corporate Challenge Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said:

“Last June, more than 100 local organisations got behind Northern Ireland’s first ever Bus + Train Week. The campaign resulted in an additional 140,000 journeys on-board public transport and saved tonnes of CO2 by taking thousands of cars off our roads and helping to ease congestion.

“This year we want to make our 2017 Bus + Train Week campaign even bigger and better, and we are calling on Northern Ireland’s workforce to get on-board! Taking public transport, even just one day a week, could boost business success by helping employees save money, reduce stress, enjoy a more active and healthier travel routine, be more productive on-board services and reduce their environmental impact.

“Translink is committed to transforming public transport, providing integrated services that connect people and enable Northern Ireland to thrive. We’re pleased to join forces with BITC, CBI and IOD to promote this initiative and encourage more local organisations to get on-board the bus and train.”

Commenting on the new initiative Angela McGowan, Director, CBI Northern Ireland, said:

“Traffic congestion can seriously harm a region’s competitiveness, impacting travel time reliability and business productivity. By contrast, evidence shows how public transport generates a wide range of economic, environmental and societal benefits. It encourages commercial business to locate within local communities, generating employment and acting as a regenerative catalyst.

“As an industry body representing organisations throughout Northern Ireland, I would encourage everyone to get behind Bus + Train Week. We all have a responsibility to ease traffic congestion and promote a healthier lifestyle – the #GetOnBoardNI Corporate Challenge is a great opportunity to take action.”

As part of the Corporate Commuter Challenge, Translink will encourage friendly competition between organisations with awards for the Most Creative Organisation, Best Small Organisation, Best Large Organisation, Public Sector Champion and Council Champion. The organisation which demonstrates the most enthusiastic and effective approach to get on-board Bus +Train Week will win the coveted Corporate Challenge Trophy.

During Bus + Train Week, Translink customers can enjoy discounted fares network-wide along with exclusive competitions, giveaways and entertainment. To find out more and register for a Corporate Challenge Pack visit www.translink.co.uk/busandtrainweek/ and join the conversation online @Translink_NI #GetOnBoardNI.

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