Translink introduce extra services

Translink has announced an extra 2,000 seats per week on trains from Portadown to Belfast as part of a range of service enhancements.
Translink intoducing an extra 2,000 seats.Translink intoducing an extra 2,000 seats.
Translink intoducing an extra 2,000 seats.

It means an extra service in the morning and a later train on a Saturday night from Belfast and a new Sunday departure from the city calling at all stations to Portadown.

Each weekday morning, an extra train will leave Portadown at 6.20am calling at Lurgan, Moira, Lisburn and all stops to Belfast, before continuing to Carrickfergus.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In addition, the 7.20am departure from Portadown to Great Victoria Street will double in capacity, from 200 to 400 seats.

Translink’s General Manager, Rail Services, Richard Knox said: “These enhancements will lead to an extra 400 seats each weekday morning, or 2,000 per week from Portadown, with trains operating every 20 minutes between 6am and 9am to Belfast, as is the case with the evening peak.

“This timetable change, which comes into effect on Monday, December 10, sees departures from Portadown at 6am; 6.20am and 6.40am rather than 6am and 6.30am.”

Richard continued: “The following enhancements will also come into effect: Saturday morning train leaving Newry at 7.05am will collect passengers in Portadown at 7.30am, arriving in Great Victoria Street at 8.04am; Saturday night 11.35pm departure from Great Victoria Street to Portadown, with a first stop at Lisburn; and a new Sunday departure from Belfast Lanyon Place at 5.29pm, calling at all stations to Portadown.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We continually review and adapt our services and network to ensure we continue to provide our passengers with a high quality service – and strong growth of 7.2% on the Portadown line since April shows the need for additional capacity.”

Full details on www.translink.co.uk or through the Journey Planner.

Local Cllr Darryn Causby said: “This is a welcome announcement from Translink enhancing the Train service from Portadown.

“It will be welcome news for commuters who now have access to an earlier train and with extra seating onboard.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“With the new park and ride facility and a greater drive to encourage people into public transport it is important that Translink respond to the growing numbers using this service and I know commuters will be pleased with this service improvement.”