Work commences on North West Multi-Modal Transport Hub
More people are choosing to use public transport in Northern Ireland, with passenger numbers in 2017/18 topping 81 million, the highest in 20 years. This is the second year in succession that fare paying passenger numbers are up, clearly demonstrating a growing desire for using public transport as a better way to travel.
It’s clear that more people are becoming ‘smarter’ travellers, with increasing frustration around the daily commute. More people are looking for ways to get more ‘me time’, and using public transport offers that. For many, it also helps them find the time for a more active lifestyle.
This is particularly true of the Derry~Londonderry line, where passenger numbers have increased by around 30 per cent since the introduction of an hourly service during the summer of 2017.
Building on this success, work is now underway on the sustainable cross-border Transport Hub at the former Waterside Train Station in Derry~Londonderry, with work scheduled to complete in late 2020.
Representing an investment of around £27 million, funding has been secured from the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) with match funding provided by the Department for Infrastructure and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in Ireland. This ambitious cross-border project, with the potential to transform travel in the region, represents a major vote of confidence in the city and sits alongside wider investment in the Foyle area of approximately £55 million in public transport services in recent years.
Local company Farrans have been appointed as contractors, working with internationally respected railway engineers Rhomberg Sersa JV.
Translink is working with a wide range of stakeholders, including SEUPB, DfI, the Irish Government, Derry City and Strabane District Council, Donegal County Council and Sustrans, to deliver this project.
The Hub will provide enhanced support for sustainable transport across the North West, encouraging a modal shift in transport and attracting visitors. The development also supports the local council’s Strategic Growth Plan to work in partnership to develop active travel.
Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, says: ‘‘This major project will be a key gateway to the North West, supporting business, leisure and tourism opportunities. The scheme also protects and secures the iconic Grade B listed Victorian station building, bringing it back to life after nearly 40 years and will also act as a catalyst for further regeneration in the wider Waterside area.
‘‘We’re confident that the new Transport Hub will build on this success by encouraging even more people to choose more active, sustainable modes of transport.
‘‘Translink is committed to making public transport your first choice for travel in Northern Ireland, and the development of the Hub will move us closer to realising that vision. We are very excited about this project, and we look forward to working with our contractors and a wide range of stakeholders to deliver this major investment for the people of the North West.’’
Gina McIntyre, CEO of the SEUPB adds: “This project is funded under the Sustainable Transport objective of the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme which supports the creation of more environmentally-friendly forms of travel. It will have a significant long-term impact upon cross-border travel in the North West.
“The project will also encourage more citizens to take up ‘active’ journeys through a new Greenway link into the city centre. In doing so, it will create a modal shift in how people travel, helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.’’
For more information visit:
W: www.translink.co.uk/northwesthub
Twitter: @Translink_NI
