Translink’s Corporate Challenge helps businesses become sustainable

Translink and the Irish News have joined together to launch the Translink Corporate Challenge.  The initiative, which is also supported by Business in the Community, will challenge businesses across Northern Ireland to make a commitment to be more sustainable by encouraging employees to travel to and from work by bus or train.

Through this unique challenge we will see some of Northern Ireland’s leading companies go head to head in encouraging employees to realise the environmental, health and financial benefits of using public transport.

Catherine Mason, Group Chief Executive for Translink explained, “Travel by passenger transport is good for the individual and good for business.  Through the Challenge, which will run over a four month period, businesses will not only be able to demonstrate their sustainability credentials but will also have the opportunity to support their employees.

Many people could benefit from a significant reduction in their travel costs compared to travel by car, a healthier lifestyle by walking to and from the bus stop or rail station, and make their contribution to a better environment.

“We are committed to enhancing our services to make the bus and train the better choice for individuals for the community, for the environment and for sustainable development for all.  Through this unique challenge we will see some of Northern Ireland’s leading companies go head to head in encouraging employees to realise the environmental, health and financial benefits of using public transport.   

“Businesses are faced with reaching stretching environmental targets and this Challenge is one way which can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint while accruing many benefits.  The company which demonstrates the highest uptake in rail and bus transport across the campaign period will be awarded the prestigious title ‘Winner of the Translink Corporate Challenge’ with fantastic prizes including £500 worth of cinema tickets, £100 voucher for Victoria Square and one month’s free travel with Translink’s iLink Smartcard.

John Brolly, Irish News marketing manager commented, “"We would encourage as many companies as possible to take up this challenge as it is a win situation on all fronts - the environment, the company and the individual. It is a great idea as employees can really make a difference as regards financial savings for themselves, improving the green credentials of the company that they work for and making a difference to the environment that they live and work in."

As part of the initiative Translink are challenging employers to nominate a ‘Translink Corporate Challenge Champion’ who will drive the initiative internally and encourage participation and up-take within their organisation. The champion will be required to register company involvement by Tuesday 31 January 2012 and submit to   translinkcorporatechallenge@translink.co.uk.

For further information and to download a registration form log onto www.translink.co.uk/corporatechallenge