Translink has teamed up with Eco-Schools to launch a new project that encourages local schools to use more sustainable forms of transport. The Translink Eco Schools Travel Challenge aims to raise awareness on the impact of transport on the environment and will help participants meet Eco-Schools assessment criteria to achieve the prestigious Green Flag status.

Launching the Travel Challenge at Hazelwood Integrated PS, Newtownabbey, Ursula Kelleher, PR Officer, Translink, said: "Operating as we do at the heart of communities right across Northern Ireland we recognise our responsibility towards looking after the local environment. We believe it is important to educate young people on the benefits of both bus and train and other sustainable travel options such as walking, cycling and car-sharing to reduce harmful pollution levels, congestion and improve their health and safety.

"Translink has a strong existing relationship with schools in Northern Ireland and is the main school transport provider here, carrying over 65,000 pupils everyday. We already focus on safety using resources like our award-winning safety bus visits to schools and our Travelsafe DVD and learning pack. This new partnership enables local schools to also focus on serious environmental issues facing young people to help to build a more sustainable future for Northern Ireland."

Translink has worked closely with Eco-Schools and Tidy Northern Ireland to produce educational resources for both Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2 pupils. Materials include large classroom wall charts to monitor pupil travel patterns and a range of classroom exercise sheets. Translink bus and rail employees will also provide school visits and there will be a special prize presentation for winning Travel Challenge participants in June.

Dr Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive of TIDY Northern Ireland, which administers Eco-Schools in Northern Ireland, said: "Everyone who has been stuck in rush hour traffic will know that buses and trains are the way forward. Engaging our young students in Translink's very practical challenge is an excellent way for them to learn about the positive impact of public transport on their health, their environment and the dreaded school run congestion! The lessons that we learn from the 15 schools taking part in this Travel Challenge will be invaluable and we will pass them on to all schools involved in our Eco-Schools Programme so that in a year's time we would hope that all schools in the country will be able to take part in this wonderful Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge".

Patricia Murtagh, Principal, Hazelwood IPS, said the transport theme offers her school another creative and engaging topic for study to meet the Eco-Schools award criteria:

"Last year we received the Eco Schools Silver Award and are now working hard to achieve the prestigious Green Flag. When we first heard about the Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge we felt it would be an interesting way to introduce the topic of transport into the classroom. Public transport plays an important role in building greener and cleaner communities and we need to deliver this message to people from a young age. I am pleased that Translink is supporting Eco-Schools and the new educational resources will certainly get children thinking about the importance of using sustainable transport options to help look after the environment."

Schools interested in getting involved in the next Translink Eco-Schools Travel Challenge as part of their assessment for the Eco-Schools Awards Scheme can call 028 9073 6920 or click www.translink.co.uk/translinkecoschoolschallenge.asp .