New public transport charter ‘Better on Board’ launched in Northwest

Translink has announced the launch of a new public transport charter for Derry entitled ‘Better on Board’, marking an important step forward in the journey towards a cleaner, greener and better connected region.

The initiative, which brings together local leaders, businesses and organisations, encourages greater public transport use as part of a collective effort to reduce emissions, ease congestion and enhance air quality in the city – which has become a leading example for sustainable travel in Northern Ireland.

Since launching in September 2023, Translink's zero emission Foyle Metro service has facilitated over 3 million passenger journeys, covering more than 1.3 million emissions-free miles – the equivalent of over 50 trips around the world. The service has also saved over 2,000 tonnes of CO2, reducing pollution and supporting a healthier region.

Backed by stakeholders representing various sectors and industries, the Better on Board Charter is an important collaborative response to drive forward modal shift to public transport. In conjunction with the Belfast edition of the Charter, the initiative has launched with more than 20 initial partners who collectively represent more than 100,000 people across Northern Ireland – and around 25,000 in Derry alone.

Initial partners who have signed up to support the Better on Board Charter in the Northwest include: Alchemy, All State, City Centre Initiative, City Hotel Derry, Consumer Council NI, Derry Chamber of Commerce, FinTrU, Northern Ireland Chamber, North West Regional College, Sustrans, Ulster University, Visit Derry, and Western Health & Social Care Trust.

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By supporting the Charter, these organisations have acknowledged the importance of commuters choosing public transport for the social, economic and environmental well-being of Derry and the wider Northwest.

Speaking in the North West Multi-Modal Transport Hub, Ian Campbell, Translink Director of Service Operations, said: “Launching the Better on Board Charter in Derry is an important step forward as we continue our efforts to drive modal shift towards sustainable travel. The city has already demonstrated climate action leadership, with the operation of the fully zero emission Foyle Metro fleet, and we are pleased to build on this momentum.

Pictured L-R: Anne Doherty, Ulster University, Anna Doherty, Derry Chamber, Michele Murphy, Derry City & Strabane District Council, Louise Connor, Western Trust, Francine Moran, North West Regional College, Odhran Dunne, Visit Derry, Karen Smyth, Consumer Council NI, Alan Young, Translink, Caroline Coyle, NI Chamber, Mark Montgomery, Translink, Conor McCormick, Alchemy, Ian Campbell, Translink, Rebekah McGilloway, FinTrU.

“We’re also delighted to announce this initiative with the backing of several key partners, and we warmly invite more businesses and organisations to join us on this vital journey. By working together, we can make a real difference in reducing our emissions, enhancing air quality, and championing healthier and more active travel choices across the city.”

Translink is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and operating a zero emission fleet right across Northern Ireland by 2040.

Leo Murphy, Principal and Chief Executive of NWRC said: "North West Regional College is proud to support Translink's Better on Board Charter as part of our ongoing commitment to a sustainable and healthier environment for our students, staff, and college community. With campuses spanning the North West with vibrant student populations, we recognise the role that cleaner, greener travel plays in reducing carbon emissions. By supporting this Charter, we want to inspire the next environmentally conscious generation."

Welcoming the charter, Jim Roddy, City Centre Manager, City Centre Initiative, said: “City Centre Initiative is very pleased to be supporting Translink’s Better on-Board charter.

"To have Derry as one of the first cities to operate a fully emissions-free urban bus service is something special. We strive to keep working towards maintaining a clean, safe and vibrant environment within our city centre. Translink’s city centre bus services provide direct drop off to the city centre with less traffic emissions and eases parking pressures throughout the city centre, which improves accessibility also.

"These types of initiatives are what will keep our city centre thriving and ahead of the game when it comes to environmental initiatives and reducing our carbon footprint.”

Anna Doherty, Chief Executive at Derry Chamber of Commerce, said: “Derry Chamber fully supports the Better on Board Charter. Our Vision is for the North West to be globally renowned for its quality of life and economic vibrancy, and with Derry now operating a fully emissions-free urban bus service, we are committed to promoting the benefits of sustainable travel practices to our members.

"We’re thrilled to collaborate with Translink to ensure that public transport contributes positively to the wellbeing of the North West in the coming years.”

Supporting Translink’s 'Better on Board' Charter, Teresa Molloy, Director of Planning, Performance and Corporate Services, Western Health and Social Care Trust, said: "The Western Health and Social Care Trust is committed to sustainable travel and with over 12,000 staff we can have a real impact if we make choices which reduce our carbon footprint.

"We are delighted to support Translink’s 'Better on Board' Charter with its aim to reduce traffic and congestion on our roads and take the available opportunities provided by public transport. This can mean fewer road traffic collisions, reduced emissions, and healthier lifestyles for those using public transport.

"Public transport isn’t always available to all our staff, but we want to encourage staff to consider using public transport where they can, particularly to our busier sites, as a convenient and green alternative."

To find out more visit translink.co.uk/betteronboard and follow Translink on social media.