Puffing commuters ticket targets

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/6586201.stm

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Although smoking is already banned on buses and trains in Northern Ireland, Translink is including information on how to kick the "filthy habit" on its tickets.

From this week the public transport company will include a series of what it is describing as "top tips on giving up smoking" on the reverse of the piece of paper that proves you've paid for your journey.

Planned to coincide with the introduction of 'smoke free' legislation on 30 April, Translink has similarly produced information cards, which it hopes customers who are smokers will pick up and keep.

The end of this month also sees the company's existing ban on smoking extended across "all networks including rail platforms, stations, offices and property".

Despite its business being getting people where they want to go as quickly as possible, a Translink spokeswoman denied it was straying into a territory it knew nothing about in giving out health advice.

"We've worked on this scheme in conjunction with the Ulster Cancer Foundation so customers can be assured they're getting the best of advice," she said.

But isn't the success of the initiative, which apparently has "no major costs", dependent on people holding on to something they might normally throw away or put into their pocket, purse or wallet never to be looked at again?

"Some people might do that, but the company just wants to do its bit to help customers try and give up smoking. So if just one person quits because of what we're doing then it's all been worth it," added the spokeswoman.

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