Translink’s top priority is the safety of all passengers and employees.

Today the company held a positive meeting with its trade union representatives to review bus services operating in Belfast and other regions across NI following the recent violence and hijacking of a bus in Belfast yesterday evening (7^th Apr).

Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive explained, “Public safety will always be our number one priority and we are working closely with the PSNI.

“We understand the level of concern expressed by our staff and their families.  Our drivers are delivering essential bus services for all communities and we will ensure this is done safely.  

“We will be monitoring this situation and will continue to work with our Trade Unions as we review our plans to clearly keep the safety of our staff and passengers a top priority.

“Our staff have been resilient throughout the pandemic as they worked to provide essential public transport to keep society connected. This attack on our services is simply unacceptable.

“We would like to thank the public for the many messages of concern and support, particularly for our driver, who is recovering and getting the support he needs.  These are very welcome as we work through these difficult circumstances. 

“This is a dynamic situation, and we would encourage people to visit www.translink.co.uk  or follow us on Twitter to get the latest service information before they travel.” Chris concluded.

Davy Thompson and Peter Maklin on behalf of the joint trade unions Unite and GMB said, 

“Following the incident yesterday evening which involved an attack on a bus, we would call on all those with influence inside communities to use that influence to calm down the current situation. As trade unions our first priority is the safety and welfare of the drivers and passengers. We will not stand by and watch bus drivers run the gauntlet of violence. 

“To that end, we have asked, and the company have agreed to review the schedules over the coming days and whilst this will undoubtedly inconvenience the general public, we believe there to be no other option at this time”.