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NI Railways to celebrate 50th anniversary with steam train journey and special fares

history: An NI Railways steam train at Whitehead in 1968 		          Picture: 	   courtesy of Irish 	   Railway Records 	                Society
history: An NI Railways steam train at Whitehead in 1968 Picture: courtesy of Irish Railway Records Society history: An NI Railways steam train at Whitehead in 1968 Picture: courtesy of Irish Railway Records Society

NORTHERN Ireland Railways is to celebrate 50 years of service with a commemorative steam train journey and special fares.

Under the Transport Act of 1967, Northern Ireland Railways took responsibility for rail services across the north becoming a legal entity, on April 1, 1968.

This Easter, the service marks 50 years of providing rail services for travellers and is celebrating the anniversary with a commemorative steam train journey and special fares for its customers who can enjoy 50 per cent off day return tickets after 9.30am.

A special commemorative steam train journey will also depart Belfast's Great Victoria Street station on Wednesday April 4 at 10.55am and Belfast Central at 11.07am, arriving in Whitehead at 11.40am.

Full details of the special journey is available at www.translink.co.uk/Special-Offers/steam-train-journey

Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive, said: "This is an important point in our history and it is good to reflect on our achievements and the important role our rail services and our staff play in helping people get to work, education, shops, hospitals and social activities.

"To celebrate this golden anniversary we have gathered a range of vintage photographs and a potted history with the help of both retired and current staff to publish a commemorative brochure, that is available on our website www.translink.co.uk

“We also have special commemorative logos displayed on all NI Railways trains and there will be a range of images and anecdotes released through our social media channels capturing the memories and nostalgia across the decades".

anniversary: From far left, Belfast Mayor Nuala McAllister and Chris Conway, mark the 50th anniversary of NI Railways; Chris Conway, centre, with NI Railways long-service staff Billy Patterson (L), Ian Stewart, Martin Mould, Brian Robinson, Michael McKinty and Kathleen Hamill
anniversary: From far left, Belfast Mayor Nuala McAllister and Chris Conway, mark the 50th anniversary of NI Railways; Chris Conway, centre, with NI Railways long-service staff Billy Patterson (L), Ian Stewart, Martin Mould, Brian Robinson, Michael McKint anniversary: From far left, Belfast Mayor Nuala McAllister and Chris Conway, mark the 50th anniversary of NI Railways; Chris Conway, centre, with NI Railways long-service staff Billy Patterson (L), Ian Stewart, Martin Mould, Brian Robinson, Michael McKinty and Kathleen Hamill
Translink Group CEO Chris Conway (centre) with NI Railways long service staff William (Billy) Patterson (L), Ian Stewart, Martin Mould, Brian Robinson, Michael McKinty and Kathleen Hamill
Translink Group CEO Chris Conway (centre) with NI Railways long service staff William (Billy) Patterson (L), Ian Stewart, Martin Mould, Brian Robinson, Michael McKinty and Kathleen Hamill Translink Group CEO Chris Conway (centre) with NI Railways long service staff William (Billy) Patterson (L), Ian Stewart, Martin Mould, Brian Robinson, Michael McKinty and Kathleen Hamill
celebrate: Staff Michael McKinty, Kathleen Hamill and Billy Patterson celebrate the anniversary
celebrate: Staff Michael McKinty, Kathleen Hamill and Billy Patterson celebrate the anniversary celebrate: Staff Michael McKinty, Kathleen Hamill and Billy Patterson celebrate the anniversary