Public transport boost

Local politicians travelled to Ballymena Bus Station last week to show support for Translink enhancements including more frequent local commuter services and the launch of an early bird journey from Ballymena to Belfast.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st Oct 2014, 11:56 BST
Pictured at Ballymena Bus Station during Translinks political stakeholder update to discuss the latest bus and rail service developments are l-r Rodney Kernohan, Ballymena Chamber of Commerce, Ciaran McHugh, Translink Service Delivery Manager Ballymena, Cllr Declan OLoan, David Simpson, Translink NI Railways Supervisor, Mayor Cllr Audrey Wales, Daithi McKay MLA, Cllr Maurice Mills, Katy Lamont, Translink Rural Transport Services, Cllr Martin Clarke, Arthur Hamilton, Translink Area Manager and Cllr Paul Maguire. Photo by Aaron McCracken/HarrisonsPictured at Ballymena Bus Station during Translinks political stakeholder update to discuss the latest bus and rail service developments are l-r Rodney Kernohan, Ballymena Chamber of Commerce, Ciaran McHugh, Translink Service Delivery Manager Ballymena, Cllr Declan OLoan, David Simpson, Translink NI Railways Supervisor, Mayor Cllr Audrey Wales, Daithi McKay MLA, Cllr Maurice Mills, Katy Lamont, Translink Rural Transport Services, Cllr Martin Clarke, Arthur Hamilton, Translink Area Manager and Cllr Paul Maguire. Photo by Aaron McCracken/Harrisons
Pictured at Ballymena Bus Station during Translinks political stakeholder update to discuss the latest bus and rail service developments are l-r Rodney Kernohan, Ballymena Chamber of Commerce, Ciaran McHugh, Translink Service Delivery Manager Ballymena, Cllr Declan OLoan, David Simpson, Translink NI Railways Supervisor, Mayor Cllr Audrey Wales, Daithi McKay MLA, Cllr Maurice Mills, Katy Lamont, Translink Rural Transport Services, Cllr Martin Clarke, Arthur Hamilton, Translink Area Manager and Cllr Paul Maguire. Photo by Aaron McCracken/Harrisons

Translink Service Delivery Manager Ciaran McHugh also told the elected representatives that passengers will soon be able to benefit from improved park & ride provision.

He said: “We are looking forward to the extension to the Park & Ride facility at Ballee over the coming months which will see an extra 30-40 spaces added to the site.

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“Since the beginning of September, our passengers are enjoying more frequent services due to recent timetable enhancements to our flagship 218/219 Goldline services - one of a number of improvements for Ballymena commuters. Enhancements include three direct morning services from Ballymena to Belfast at 6.30am, 7am and 7.25am.

“We have also launched a new early bird service leaving Ballymena at 6am that will get passengers into Belfast City Centre before 7.00am. Along with a special early bird fare of just £9 for an adult return ticket, we expect this service will attract passengers that like to avoid rush hour traffic and get into work early.

“With 28 departures every day, Monday to Friday, from Ballymena via Antrim and 29 from Belfast – passengers are now benefiting from a 15-minute frequency during peak hours and a 30-minute frequency off peak.

“NI Railways passengers can also continue to enjoy a third-off NI Railways day return tickets for travel after 9.30am or enjoy excellent discounts by using weekly or monthly tickets,” said Mr McHugh.

Related topics:BelfastTranslinkAntrim