A lunchtime conversation with Translink Group CEO Chris Conway.

Interviewed by Wendy Austin MBE (Journalist, podcaster, presenter and moderator)

Pre-pandemic, Northern Ireland was seeing record numbers travelling by public transport and the only one of the four nations of the UK where bus use was growing rather than declining… all part of the wider revival of public transport in Northern Ireland which also has arguably the UK’s best Bus Rapid Transit system as well as a modernised rail network. Find out more from the man in charge about the comeback of public transport in Northern Ireland – and what the future holds in the aftermath of COVID-19.

UTG is the UK’s network of city region transport authorities. Together, we work to ensure that transport plays its full part in making our city regions greener, fairer, happier, healthier and more prosperous places.

Date: Thursday 3rd June

Time: 12-1pm

The event is free but you do need to register to attend.

About the panel...

Chris Conway

Chris Conway joined Translink as the Group Chief Executive in 2015. He has extensive international business experience and is a Chartered Company Director and a Fellow of the Institute of Directors. He is also a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a member of the CBI NI council and Chair of Business in the Community NI advisory board.  

Over recent years, Translink has carried record passenger journeys through the delivery of a its ‘Get on Board’ strategic plan and vision to be the 'First Choice for Travel' in Northern Ireland. 

Key achievements include the introduction of zero emission hydrogen buses and the introduction of Glider in Belfast, delivery of a new Transport Hub in Derry~Londonderry alongside upgrades to the rail line, a new station opened in Portrush, work underway on the new Belfast Transport Hub and new Urby buses.   

Future plans include the roll out of new contactless ticketing, the introduction of new train carriages for more capacity,  enhancements to rail infrastructure, new station developments and the roll out of an exciting climate positive environmental strategy set to transform transport, delivering net zero emission public transport in NI by 2040 and incentivising more people to use sustainable travel options as part of NI’s green recovery from COVID-19. 

Wendy Austin

Until her recent retirement in 2020, Wendy Austin had been the presenter of BBC Radio Ulster's Inside Business programme and former presenter of BBC Radio Ulster’s current affairs programme Talkback. She currently a host and presenter in the business events circuit.  

One of Northern Ireland’s best known journalists and broadcasters, in a career spanning more than 40 years she has worked in local and regional newspapers, commercial radio and for the BBC, both on radio and television, in Northern Ireland and nationwide. 

Wendy was awarded an MBE in the 2012 Queen's birthday honours list.