Cuts to town’s bus services

Translink has advised passengers of changes to Lurgan town services that will be put into gear on July 1.

They say local bus services have been reviewed in order to address the financial pressures in the year ahead due to the challenging economic climate.

Most town centre routes will be reduced to hourly services, however, the number 46 bus which serves Taghnevan will remain unchanged.

Randal Roderick, Service Delivery Manager for Ulsterbus explained: “In order to make the best use of the resources we have available, we have had to make some changes.

“As such we have been examining the poorest performing parts of our network and where appropriate enhancing other parts which are performing well or have the potential to sustain and grow passenger numbers.

“We have been monitoring usage of Lurgan town services for some time and unfortunately passenger numbers continue to be low. As a result we will be reducing the frequency on most routes to hourly in order to operate more efficiently and to reflect the current passenger demand.

“The frequency of Ulsterbus service 46 remains unchanged and this continues to support the Taghnevan area of the town services.”

“We have also withdrawn a morning and afternoon journey on the Ulsterbus Service 51 route, however, passengers travelling to Lurgan and Craigavon may use services 46 and 47 direct.”

Mr Roderick said: “Service changes like these are always a last resort, however, we must continue to operate sustainably and ensure we continue to provide attractive travel options that are good value for both the passenger and the tax payer.

“We will continue to monitor the market and where there is sustainable demand we will review the level of service provided,” he concluded.

A special summer Ulsterbus timetable will also be operated during July and August catering for the passenger numbers travelling during the summer months. Timetables will be available from Craigavon Bus Station from next week or passengers can call the contact centre on 9066 6630.