Meetings over changes to bus and rail timetables

Translink is set to hold a number of local meetings over proposed changes to bus and rail timetables that come into effect later this month.

Changes to rail services will commence from August 30, with bus service changes coming into effect on September 1.

Translink says the changes are part of overall plans to reduce costs due to the significant reduction in public funding.Translink will hold public information sessions at Antrim Bus & Rail Centre on Monday, August 24, and Ballymena Bus Station on Tuesday, August 25, from 10am to 2pm on both days to assist passengers with planning their journeys.

Translink staff will also travel on board local rail services to engage with passengers from August 17.

Translink’s Ciarán Rogan said: “We have worked hard to minimise the impact of the reduced funding on front line services and have been able to protect the geographic coverage of the network albeit with some reduced frequency on some services.

“We would now encourage our customers to familiarise themselves with any changes to their specific services in case they need to adapt their usual travel plans, especially as a number of services have been retimed and there are also some Ulsterbus and Metro bus stop location changes in Belfast City Centre – including Ulsterbus 220, 220A, 222 and Goldline 218 & 219.”

Passengers will be able to use the new Ballymartin Park & Ride Facility located near Templepatrick just off the M2 motorway (Junction 5) and benefit from Ulsterbus Express services operating to and from Belfast City Centre every 15 to 20 minutes during morning and evening peak times and every 20 minutes throughout the rest of the day.

The facility will be served by Ulsterbus services 253A and 300A.

Passengers are also advised that Airport 300 overnight services will be curtailed with the last service from Belfast operating at 11.30pm and the first morning service departing Belfast City Centre at 4.20am. Service frequency will be between 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day.

For further details on Translink bus and rail service changes including the public information sessions click www.translink.co.uk/newtimetables download the Translink Journey Planner App or call 028 90 66 66 30.

Printed timetables will also be available to pick up from local stations in coming weeks.