McGlone criticises Translink’s failure to cope with the increase in demand for Derry buses

The Mid Ulster MLA has asked the Minister for Infrastructure what assessment of passenger capacity had been made on the Castledawson to Derry route, and what additional provision had been made for the increase in demand in September.

Mr McGlone said constituents had got in touch with his office saying they had been unable to board the bus due to a lack of space.

He said: “Several constituents contacted my office recently after being unable to board the Translink bus service from Castledawson to Derry due to a lack of space. In a number of cases they had waited an hour for the next bus only to find the same situation applied. One elderly couple who regularly travel by bus to Derry, waited for more than two hours and three buses and eventually only got seats after other passengers voluntarily offered their places on the bus.”

The SDLP representative said “those kind passengers” were then left stranded until they could find a place on another bus.

He continued: “It is unbelievable that Translink could not foresee that the start of the new academic year in September would coincide with an increase in demand for the bus service to the university and colleges in Derry.

“Given that, questions must be asked about the lack of additional provision on this route at this time.

“Putting extra buses into service on the route now will not help those who needed a seat on a bus at the start of September, but it would prevent further passengers being stranded and unable to reach their destination on time.

“I have asked the Minister for Infrastructure for details of the assessment of capacity on the route, and what provision was actually put in place to cope with the increased demand.”

Mr McGlone added that it is imporant that Translink take the necessary steps to ensure that their failure to provide an adequate bus service for the people of Mid Ulster does not happen again.