Londonderry Chamber is marking World Public Transport Day by recognising the importance of investment and innovation in public transport across the North West, and the critical role it plays in unlocking our region’s economic potential.

As businesses across the region continue to scale and attract talent, the importance of reliable, sustainable and well-connected transport infrastructure has never been greater. Progress led by Translink is helping to improve connectivity across the North West, supporting access to employment, education and opportunity.

The North West is continuing to strive for meaningful enhancements in connectivity that will create a more integrated and accessible transport network. A recent example of progress can be seen through the development of enhanced bus connectivity serving Ulster University’s Magee campus.

As the Magee expansion progresses — a cornerstone project of our region’s economic future, improved public transport links will play a vital role in ensuring students, staff and businesses can fully benefit from this growth. Strengthened routes are helping to future-proof access to the campus, supporting increased capacity and encouraging more sustainable commuting.

This local progress is underpinned by tangible delivery on the ground. Since its launch in September 2023, Translink’s zero emission Foyle Metro service has already facilitated more than three million passenger journeys across the city, covering over 1.3 million emissions-free miles and removing in excess of 2,000 tonnes of CO₂. As one of the first cities on the island to operate a fully zero emission urban bus fleet, Derry is increasingly being recognised as a leading example of how investment in sustainable transport can deliver real environmental and economic benefits.

Building on this momentum, the launch of the Better on Board Charter, in 2024, represents a significant step forward in creating a more coordinated, region-wide approach to sustainable travel. The Charter brings together businesses, institutions and civic leaders in a shared commitment to encourage greater public transport use, reduce congestion and improve air quality.

These developments align with Translink’s wider vision to transform public transport across Northern Ireland, with a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and delivering a fully zero emission fleet by 2040.

Developments such as these reflect the broader push toward a more connected North West — one where transport is not simply about movement, but about enabling genuine growth. For employers, this means a wider and more accessible talent pool; for communities, it means better access to services and opportunities; and for the region as a whole, it strengthens competitiveness and long-term resilience.

Anna Doherty, Derry Chamber Chief Executive, said:

“World Public Transport Day provides an important opportunity to recognise the importance of enhancing connectivity across the North West. Continued investment in public transport is essential to supporting economic growth, improving accessibility and delivering on the full potential of transformative projects such as the Magee expansion.

As a Better on Board partner, Derry Chamber continues to support initiatives that promote sustainable travel and encourage greater use of public transport. With ongoing collaboration between business, government and transport providers, the region is well-positioned to build on this momentum and deliver a more connected and sustainable future in the North West.

You can show your support This World Public Transport Day by posting a selfie to social media onboard one of Translink’s bus or train services using the #WorldPublicTransportDay hashtag and tag Translink on your social media platform(s) of choice.