Northern Ireland’s public transport operator seeks new chief

Northern Ireland’s public transport operator is to seek a new leader.

Translink group chief executive Chris Conway is set to leave the role next spring, just over a decade after he joined in September 2015.

He oversaw the building of Grand Central Station in Belfast, the North-West Transport Hub as well as the roll-out of the Glider service in the capital, new trains, zero-emission buses and contactless ticketing.

However, Mr Conway warned last week that Translink is potentially facing an operating loss of up to £30 million in the current financial year, and urged the Stormont Executive to decide on what funding is available for public transport and “what level of service it can afford to operate”.

Translink delivers around 13,000 services each day and manages over £5 billion of public transport assets.

The company said Mr Conway’s term had seen record passenger growth, and hailed him as having been a “strong advocate for sustainable transport”.

Mr Conway said: “It has been a privilege to serve the public in this role and to work with an exceptional team of hard-working and dedicated people, who make such a positive impact to life in Northern Ireland.”

Frank Allen, chairman of Translink, paid tribute to Mr Conway and his leadership.

“Over the past decade, his vision and values have not only reshaped public transport in Northern Ireland but have also propelled it forward with purpose and ambition,” he said.

“Under his stewardship, Translink has undergone a remarkable transformation.

“His enduring legacy will be defined by innovation, sustainability, and civic impact – a solid foundation for future growth.”

The recruitment process for a new CEO is set to begin in the coming weeks.