Londonderry line to open next month

The completion of this first phase of essential engineering work marks the next stage in the development of rail services for the North West.

Catherine Mason, Translink Group Chief Executive said, “We are delighted to be reopening this line in time for the Easter holiday period and hope many people will take the opportunity to travel on this very scenic part of our network.

“In recent weeks we have been busy talking to our customers and stakeholders in the North West to get a consensus on the preferred timetable option. This has proved very helpful for our planning and our thanks must go to everyone who took part.

“There was a clear preference to operate the first train into Derry~Londonderry before 9am and we have taken this feedback on board with a train to arrive into the city at 8.25am.

“We believe this will be the first time in the history of our railway that we have had a train arrive into Derry~Londonderry from Belfast before 8.30am. From listening to our customers this should be a very popular morning train for both commuters and students travelling to Derry~Londonderry.

“Huge effort has gone into getting this work done on time and on budget and praise must go to our infrastructure team and contractors for their hard work on this project. Thanks must also go to our customers for their patience and understanding during the closure period.

“We are very much looking forward to getting services back on track for our customers whether they are travelling to Derry~Londonderry or to Coleraine and beyond. And as official Transport Partner to the UK City of Culture, the rail line will play a key role in bringing visitors to the range of exciting events and celebrations planned throughout the year”, Catherine concluded.

Full timetable details will be available from late February from main stations and on the Translink website www.translink.co.uk or from the contact centre 028 90 66 66 30.