Paisley welcomes plan to increase local Translink services

Their new Class 4000 fleet of 20 new trains are now fully tested and commissioned and available for passenger use, offering 20% additional seating capacity across the network, doubling busy commuter trains from three carriages to six.

Mr Paisley said Translink are also enhancing their timetable with a planned increase in the frequency of services between Belfast and Coleraine by around 50% delivering an hourly service for passengers.

To improve integration and offer greater choice of flexibility they are also making adjustments to the local Goldline Coach services 218 and 219 from Coleraine/Ballymena to Belfast in order to operate a combined half hourly rail and coach service between Belfast and North Antrim.

This autumn they have also introduced WiFi on both trains and the 218/219 Goldline services along with the introduction of modern new coaches – further enhancements to make using the bus and train a more attractive option compared to using the private car, said Mr Paisley.

Figures released show that 250,000 more people used Translink bus and rail services during 2011/12 compared to the previous year. A record 10.7 million passengers used Translink NI Railways services – 3.7% above 2010/2011 figure.

Mr Paisley said: ““I obviously welcome the announcement by Translink that the services between Ballymena and Belfast will be increased in frequency as it is vital the transport links between the two are comprehensive to encourage use of public transport.

“I will be monitoring carefully over the next few months any feedback we receive from the new services but I have been personally assured by Translink that the service is both upgraded and more efficient.

“I commend Translink for these improvements and hope the people of Ballymena will have more confidence and satisfaction when using public transport to commute to work,” he said.