Park and ride hoursextended for Christmas

The Minister said the park and ride facilities at Sprucefield and Blacks Road will have extended opening hours to accommodate those commuters who are already in Belfast city centre and who want to remain there for late night shopping.

From next Monday, December 12, until Friday 16 December the Black’s Road site will remain open until 10pm. From Monday December 19 to Friday December 23 the site will remain open until 11:00pm.

During this period the Sprucefield Park and Ride site will stay open Monday to Friday inclusive until 9pm. While throughout this period there will not be any additional dedicated late-night weekday bus services from Black’s Road and Sprucefield Park and Ride sites, intending passengers must use the Metro 9 and an on-request diverted Ulsterbus 538 service which leaves the Europa 8pm.

“Regular users will know the benefits of parking their vehicle at a Park and Ride facility and then continuing the rest of their journey into the city centre by public transport” said Mr Kennedy. “As the traffic builds up in the city centre in the run up to Christmas, the Park and Ride services will offer a convenient and less stressful alternative to the car. With a dedicated bus every half hour, shoppers and families can benefit from a quick and reliable journey into the city centre avoiding congestion.”