Lough shore residents ‘angry’ with new bus timetables

Alongside recent uncertainty around whether Cookstown bus station would close or stay open, a decline in rural services has left them angry.

Political representatives raised concerns about further cuts to bus services at a meeting of Mid Ulster council - just days after Translink organised an information day for customers following the ‘misunderstanding’ over Cookstown bus station.

Local councillor for the area, Sinn Féin’s Ronan McGinley, said: “I’ve been contacted by a number of local people over recent weeks who have been concerned that public transport in the lough shore area is declining.

“Rural isolation is something we need to take seriously and in many cases public transport is vital to ensuring that people can sustain both personal and professional,” he added.

“I have contacted Translink asking for a meeting to discuss the current timetable, and will present concerns local people have.”

A Translink spokesperson said: “Following the consultation with passengers earlier this year we have worked hard to protect the geographic coverage of the network.

“There are some frequency reductions to a number of services and some services have been retimed.

“We would encourage passengers wishing to travel on their local services to speak to our contact centre on 028 9066 6630 for details of their new timetables which came into effect on September 1.”