Larne commuters urged: Go by train and save £70 a week

And Translink NI Railways aims to make train travel even mor attractive by offering half-price vouchers to local households, as part of a major new public awareness campaign. The vouchers are to be distributed along with enhanced timetables for the Larne Line route.

NI Railways Larne route manager Frank Moore said: “As we enter a new year, many people will be considering their best travel options particularly as traffic congestion continues to be an issue for many commuters.

“This new campaign is about getting more people to consider using the train as an attractive, cost effective and more environmentally-friendly travel option and one which does not involve sitting in rush hour traffic”.

According to the Consumer Council’s Fuel Watch and the AA’s Motoring Costs matrix, the costs compare favourably with driving; for instance a weekly rail fare from Belfast to Larne costs £40.00, compared to £109.66 costs for a petrol car or £106.61 for a diesel car; while a monthly ticket from Belfast to Larne is £141.00 compared to £438.63 for petrol cars or £426.63 for diesel cars.

“We have enhanced our services and capacity with the recent introduction of our new fleet, free onboard WiFi and a new timetable including an hourly service between Coleraine and Belfast, greater frequency between Whitehead and Belfast and an improved service for businesses and attractions in Titanic Quarter”, Mr. Moore continued.

“A new Journey Check facility providing customers with relevant, real-time information on all train services has also been introduced, giving passengers even more confidence in their timetable.

“We also have a range of great-value ticketing options such as annual, monthly or weekly passes, as well as an innovative mobile ticket – mlink. Our one-third-off day-return tickets continue to prove popular after 9.30 am, making rail travel a particularly persuasive travel option for flexi-workers and leisure users alike.

“But one of the key benefits our customers tell us about is the additional time they get back when they travel by train, as time on board can be much more productive.

“Many people take this valuable time to read or to even relax and sleep on the train.

“Others choose to take advantage of the free WIFI and catch up on their work emails or browse social media. Either way, our customers are making the most of their time as they travel with us compared to sitting behind the wheel.”

“Using eye-catching imagery reflecting the different types of customers using the train, the campaign will be rolled out using outdoor poster sites, radio and print media.

“In addition the new enhanced timetable will be mailed to over 250,000 householders living near local train lines along with a 50 per cent off voucher as an added incentive to try the train.

“With this new campaign depicting these latest developments and innovations we are looking forward to welcoming even more customers on board in 2013.”

For further details visit www.translink.co.uk or call the contact centre on 028 90 666630.