# GetOnBoardNI : Bus & Train Week , 5th June 2017
ast summer more than 100 local organisations got on board Northern
LIreland ’ s first ever Bus + Train Week ; a unique celebration of everything that ’ s great about public transport and resulted in an additional 140,000 passenger journeys .
Ahead of Bus + Train Week 2017 , 5th – 11th June , Translink is calling on more organisations across Northern Ireland to encourage their employees to leave the car at home and give the bus and train a go for the work commute .
This Northern Irelandwide campaign promotes the many advantages of using public transport and highlights the vital role it plays in the economic success of our region and improving overall quality of life .
To support this initiative Translink offers a series of heavily discounted fares and partner offers .
Translink is encouraging more people to ‘ Join the Smart Movers ’ by taking advantage of all the lifestyle benefits public transport offers ; relaxing on board comfortable and modern services ; reducing stress by avoiding traffic congestion ; enjoying more ‘ metime ’ and free WiFi on coaches and trains ; saving time and money .
In a recent Translink customer survey , more than 85 per cent of respondents said taking the bus or train regularly makes them more productive at work and in their personal life .
By fostering a culture of health , organisations empower their employees to take responsibility for their own wellbeing . Everyday physical activity is essential both to maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress .
Signature Living confirms second hotel investment in Belfast
he Signature Living Group confirmed that it has purchased the iconic Scottish
TMutual Building in Belfast City Centre from The Hill family and plans to invest £ 15million in restoring the property .
The Scottish Mutual Building will be hotel developer Lawrence Kenwright ’ s second acquisition in Belfast , following the purchase of the Crumlin Road Courthouse , as announced during Belfast City Council ’ s delegation visit to MIPIM last month .
Commenting on the acquisition , Mr Kenwright said that his focus would be on preserving the heritage of the building ’ s architecture to create a luxury boutique hotel . “ The Scottish Mutual Building is now the latest in a series of landmark buildings to be carefully restored and developed into luxurious accommodation by Signature Living – such as 30 James Street , the former headquarters of White Star Line in Liverpool and the Exchange Hotel in Cardiff , home to the former coal exchange during the 1800s .
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Encouraging public transport use as a form of active travel ( most journeys require a walk or cycle to the bus stop or train station ) is an easy step forward for organisations to take .
Good public transport is vital for a healthy economy too .
The International Association of Public Transport UITP reports that every £ 1 invested in public transport generates £ 4 in the local economy . It improves access , supporting local retailers and playing a key role in building vibrant , sustainable and successful towns and cities .
An efficient public transport system also delivers energy efficient and low carbon mobility .
UITP reports that on average public transport consumes three to four times less energy per passenger than cars for every mile travelled .
“ The building is currently in a state of disrepair and we will be focusing on sympathetically restoring this stunning , Scottish baronial style landmark building back to its former glory and architectural beauty , as well as aligning it with Signature Living ’ s exciting style and guest experience . We will ensure the building plays its part in telling the story of Belfast at it ’ s industrial peak .”
The news follows the Liverpoolbased company ’ s plans to open a George Bestthemed hotel in the city , as well as develop as many as three additional hotels in the city ,
Translink has launched a # GetOnBoardNI Corporate Challenge , supported by CBI , IOD and BITC , as an easy way for organisations to get involved in Bus + Train Week 2017 . Participants will receive an information pack containing tools to roll out the Corporate Challenge and make their Bus + Train Week celebration a success !
Those that demonstrate their efforts to promote and use public transport will be officially recognised by Translink via publicity and awards for the Most Creative Organisation , Best Small Organisation , Best Large Organisation and Council Champion .
If your organisation would like to take part or find out more contact Translink on tel . 028 9089 9455 , email smartmovers @ translink . co . uk or visit www . translink . co . uk / busandtrainweek / # GetOnBoardNI
creating 500 jobs . It has not been confirmed if the Scottish Mutual Building purchase will transpire to be the George Bestthemed hotel .
The newest addition to Belfast ’ s thriving hotel sector comes as CBRE recently announced 27 hotels schemes are at various stages of development within the city .