Coleraine Goldline passengers to benefit from brand new coaches

COMMUTERS travelling between Coleraine and Belfast are to benefit from the introduction of brand new coaches on the route.

The investment in Translink’s flagship Goldline coach services 218 and 219 operating between Coleraine and Belfast via Ballymena, totalling nine new coaches, is part of a wider Goldline enhanced service that will see 87 new coaches go into passenger service across Northern Ireland by early 2013.

Local customers will enjoy key benefits from additional legroom, leather seating and free WiFi making coach travel even more attractive.

Speaking at the launch Translink North Eastern Area Manager, Arthur Hamilton said: “The popularity of our flagship Goldline coach services has been increasing year on year* and we are confident that the introduction of the new coaches this month on the Coleraine/Ballymena route will make the 218/219 service even more popular.

“Our engineers have worked closely with suppliers to develop these high quality vehicles. The new features include more spacious legroom; comfy leather seating and double glazed windows to ensure a quieter travel experience and better temperature control, these improvements will help to further enhance the overall travel experience and comfort for our customers. In addition, in a world where time is becoming increasingly precious, the free WiFi now available on this route is already being well-received as it allows commuters the opportunity to relax and browse the net or to get on with some work, making better use of their time. With more new coaches due to be delivered this autumn, we are looking forward to rolling this WiFi facility out across the Goldline fleet early 2013.

“A further feature of the new coaches is that they are wheelchair accessible which was an extremely important element of our planning.

“We have also been working closely with the Northern Trust and have better integrated both Antrim Area Hospital and the Causeway Hospital into our timetables to help meet the needs of hospital employees, patients and visitors.”

* Translink NI Railways and Ulsterbus Goldline are inviting passengers to join them for a cuppa and a chance to share their views on the proposed new rail time table and the new Goldline 218 service at Coleraine Station on Wednesday, October 3 between 4.30 and 6pm.