For the first time in the company’s history, Translink is calling on the public to nominate local living legends to be showcased and celebrated on a Metro Double Decker bus.
Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway says the ‘Metro Legends’ campaign will pay a unique tribute to home-grown talent:
“Translink Metro keeps the people of Belfast connected; and it’s those people that make the city great! With over 30% growth in Metro customers over the past decade, our vibrant pink buses are a familiar sight across all parts of the city and provide an excellent platform on which we can showcase local talent.
“So, we’re now calling on our customers and the wider public to help us choose two Belfast legends to feature on our first ever eye-catching ‘Metro Legends’ double-decker bus wrap which will be unveiled during Bus and Train Week*, 6 – 12 June.
“Perhaps it’s a sporting hero, an acclaimed actor or a rockstar – we’re encouraging everyone who’s proud of Belfast to make their nominations – if they’re a great Ambassador for the city, we want to know! Simply click www.translink.co.uk/metrolegends/ to make your nomination,” said Chris.
Following the nomination period, an independent judging panel will create a shortlist. Judging panel chair, Anne McMullan, Director of Marketing and Communications, Visit Belfast, said:
“This is a great opportunity to celebrate the best of Belfast – a mobile tribute to home-grown talent that will be seen by both local people and visitors. We’re asking the public to consider those individuals who have made a major contribution, who raise the bar in their field of expertise and who shine the spotlight on Belfast for all the right reasons,” said Anne.
Following the shortlist announcement, the public will be asked to vote online to decide the final two ‘Metro Legends’ who will receive the official recognition. A public call for ‘Metro Legend’ nominations is now open online until 17th April 2016. To find out more including full details on the nomination criteria click www.translink.co.uk/metrolegends/ or follow the conversation online @Translink_NI #metrolegends.
-ENDS-
All media enquiries contact: Haley Adams tel. 028 9039 3837 or Ursula Henderson (m) 07786 884024.
Notes to Editors:
Metro Legends shortlist judging panel:
– Alison Clarke, Founder, ACA Models
– Hugh Black, President, Belfast Chamber of Commerce
– Diarmaid Elder, Translink Metro Passenger Group member
– Paulo Ross – Radio DJ
– Anne McMullan, Director of Marketing and Communications, Visit Belfast
Nominations are open Thursday 7 April until Sunday 17 April 2016.
Metro Legend nominations selection criteria:
• Must have made a positive impact in their field of expertise (e.g. Arts, Sports, Science/Business Innovation)
• Must be born in Belfast or have a strong association with Belfast/Greater Belfast
• Must be living legends
• Must be non-political
A shortlist will then be announced on Thursday 21 April 2016 with public online voting open until Sunday 1 May 2016.
The Metro Legends bus depicting the 2 most popular legends as voted for by the general public will be unveiled during Bus and Train Week, 6 – 12 June 2016.
Translink Metro background:
• Translink Metro was first launched in 2005.
• Over 26.3 million Metro bus journeys in 2014/15.
• Metro serves 12 main bus corridors covering the Greater Belfast area.
• The Metro network offers a guaranteed high-frequency service of between 5 to 10 minutes during the day over the core portion of each corridor, Monday to Saturday. A reduced frequency service operates on Sundays.
• All services on the high frequency Metro corridors are fully accessible, operated by low floor vehicles and display their route number and destination information.
• In 2014/15 Translink Metro took delivery of 52 new buses (42 double decker and 10 single decker), representing around 20% of the Metro fleet and offering customers enhanced journey comfort and quality.
• In March 2016, Translink completed the installation of the £550,000 audio visual information system on the Metro network. All Metro buses are now fitted with the system which provides passengers with ‘next stop’ AV information on their journey and is receiving excellent feedback from our customers.
• Metro Value tickets: Smartlink journeys from £1.25 (city zone) or a weekly travelcard £15.50. A Metro Day ticket – anytime, anywhere on the Metro network is £3.90.
• **The Metro Legends bus will be unveiled during Translink’s Bus and Train Week, 6 – 12 June 2016: The aim of the week is to celebrate and promote the many advantages of using public transport. Through this initiative we hope to attract even more people to try the bus and train as well as gain wider stakeholder support for public transport and the vital role it has to play in the success of our region and the quality of life for all.