Ballymena bus and rail stations secure Gold in Translink awards
Staff at Ballymena Station are celebrating after winning a Gold SPIRIT of Translink Facility Award 2026. Celebrating the Gold Award at Ballymena Bus Station are (L-R): Enda Sheridan (Translink), Christopher Allen (Translink), Anna Green (Live Here Love Here)
Thursday 08 October 2026
Ballymena’s bus and railway stations have both earned Gold recognition in the 2026 SPIRIT of Translink Facility Awards, celebrating the work of staff to maintain safe, environmentally responsible and welcoming public transport facilities.
The two Ballymena facilities were among 36 sites recognised across Northern Ireland, with nearby Antrim Bus and Rail Stations and Magherafelt Bus Station achieving the highest Platinum standard.
The awards recognise improvements in environmental performance, workplace safety and community engagement, highlighting the efforts of employees who help make public transport facilities better places for passengers and local communities.
Strong results across the local network
Ballymena Bus Station and Ballymena Rail Station were among 12 facilities awarded Gold status, while 22 locations achieved Platinum and two received Silver.
The results were particularly strong across the wider area, with Coleraine’s bus and railway stations, Limavady Bus Station and Portrush Rail Station all securing Platinum awards.
Ballymoney Rail Station, Carrickfergus Rail Station, Larne Bus Station and Larne Town Rail Station were also recognised with Gold awards.
Independent assessment of facilities
Delivered in partnership with Live Here Love Here, the SPIRIT of Translink Facility Awards recognise the standards maintained by teams working across Northern Ireland’s public transport network.
Facilities are independently assessed against a range of criteria, including:
• Resource efficiency and environmental performance
• Energy use and carbon management
• Biodiversity and initiatives supporting nature
• Health, safety and wellbeing
• Community engagement and local involvement
• Workplace leadership and organisational culture
The awards are intended to encourage continuous improvement, recognising staff who take pride in creating cleaner, safer and more attractive surroundings for passengers, colleagues and surrounding communities.
Translink praises staff commitment
Jacqui Kennedy, Translink’s Chief People & Corporate Services Officer, congratulated employees across the network on their achievements.
She said:
“Congratulations to all our SPIRIT of Translink Facility Award winners for 2026. These awards recognise the fantastic efforts of colleagues across our network who are helping to make our facilities safer, greener and more welcoming for everyone.
“As we continue to transform public transport in Northern Ireland and keep everyone Better. Connected, our people and facilities play an important role. Through a strong focus on safety, environment, health and community, our teams take real pride in their workplaces and the positive impact they have on local communities.
“Their dedication helps enhance the customer experience, encourages more people to choose public transport and contributes to stronger, more connected communities.”
More stations achieve top award
The 2026 results also mark an improvement across Translink’s network, with the number of facilities achieving Platinum status rising from 18 last year to 22.
Eric Randall, Chief Executive of Live Here Love Here, welcomed the progress and highlighted the importance of public transport facilities within their communities.
He said:
“Congratulations to all of this year’s SPIRIT of Translink Facility Award winners. Public spaces and facilities have such an important role to play in our local environment and communities, and these awards recognise that and celebrate best practice.
“It’s fantastic to see such a range of initiatives that benefit nature and people taking place across Translink sites. It’s particularly encouraging to see so many sites achieving impressive Platinum award status this year- an increase from 18 in 2025 to 22 in 2026.”
Recognition for local transport teams
For Ballymena, the two Gold awards recognise the work taking place at both the town’s bus and rail facilities, while the Platinum achievements in Antrim, Magherafelt and Coleraine reflect similarly high standards across neighbouring communities.
With more Translink facilities reaching Platinum status than in 2025, this year’s awards highlight the continuing contribution of station staff to the everyday experience of people travelling throughout Northern Ireland.
