Translink has teamed up with the Irish Football Association and the Gaelic Athletic Association to remind young people to ‘Play it Safe’ when using public transport to attend sporting activities.
The ‘Play it Safe’ campaign encourages young people to pay attention and behave responsibly when using public transport by showcasing the positive values associated with playing sport and how being a team player should be attributed to everyday life and behaviours.
It has been launched to ensure young people use public transport safely when taking part in the activities they love and enjoy and behave appropriately while travelling on and around Translink’s services.
As part of Translink’s commitment to creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable environment many vehicles have moved to cleaner hybrid fuel or use zero emission technology.
This means a quieter fleet so ‘Play it Safe’ also reminds passengers to follow station safety procedures such as staying behind the yellow line on platforms and following safety notices and announcements.
The campaign aligns with Translink’s ‘Better Connected’ strategy to connect people and communities as well as improve health and the environment.
Translink’s Head of Safety and Corporate Responsibility, John Thompson, said: “With the support of the Irish FA and GAA we will provide passengers with a series of safety messages that are delivered in a fun and engaging way.
“Our staff and services help young players get to training and matches and stay better connected to their family, friends and community, so it’s important that they represent the values and behaviours they practice and value when playing sport while using public transport.
“Everyone deserves a safe and pleasant journey and anti-social behaviour in any form is not acceptable. The ‘Play it Safe’ campaign will highlight safety messages and the importance of respecting staff and other passengers to younger users of our services in a fun way by incorporating a sporting element to it and the importance of being a team player.”
Regan McFarland, Marketing and Commercial Partnerships Officer with the Irish FA, said the association was fully behind the campaign.
She pointed out: "Values in sport can be applied both on and off the pitch, especially when it comes to playing it safe. That's why the Irish FA is proud to support Translink's 'Play it Safe' campaign.
“Public transport connects supporters to football at all levels, whether it's travelling to grassroots football or a senior international fixture. We want the entire football family and beyond to always 'Play it Safe' on public transport."
Michael Geoghegan, Vice President of Ulster GAA, also expressed support for the initiative.
He said: "Maintaining respect for our communities, whether in the midst of competition or in our everyday lives, stands as a fundamental principle within the GAA.
“We strongly advocate for responsible conduct among our members when utilising public transportation. The safety and welfare of our members remain our top priorities, and Ulster GAA is proud to collaborate with Translink on its 'Play it Safe' campaign."
The promoted messages are friendly reminders to treat Translink staff with respect as they work to provide a vital service for passengers, ensuring everyone is connected to essential services and opportunities.
The messages also reinforce that passengers must stay alert when using public transport, especially when getting on and off the services. The messages say it’s important to stay alert, visible and vigilant - and to avoid getting distracted.
For more information on how to stay safe on and around Translink’s services, visit https://www.translink.co.uk/corporate/corporateresponsibility/gosafe.
Image: Reminding young people to ‘Play it Safe’ when using public transport to attend sporting activities are: Regan McFarland, Marketing and Commercial Partnerships Officer with the Irish Football Association; Michael Geoghegan, Vice President of Ulster GAA, and John Thompson, Head of Safety and Corporate Responsibility at Translink. With them are Darragh McCann (Irish FA JD Academy), Caolan McCallin (St John's GAC, Belfast), Braiden Graham (Irish FA JD Academy) and Maeve Devlin from St Paul's GAC in Belfast.
