Translink service changes

The changes, which will alter rail services from August 30th and bus services from September 1st, are part of Translink’s overall plans to reduce costs due to the significant reduction in public funding in 2015/16.

They come into effect following the company’s largest ever public consultation earlier this year, and after agreement with Trade Unions.

Translink’s Ciarán Rogan said, “The service changes have been made based on feedback from our customers and a range of stakeholders and will enable us to continue providing services that are accessible and efficient, while providing the best value for money.

“We have worked hard to minimise the impact of the reduced funding on front line services and have been able to protect the geographic coverage of the network, albeit with some reduced frequency on some services.

“We would now encourage our customers to familiarise themselves with any changes to their specific services in case they need to adapt their usual travel plans, especially as a number of services have been retimed and there are also some Ulsterbus and Metro bus stop location changes in Belfast City Centre.”

Ahead of the changes, Translink will hold a public information session for rail services in Portadown Train Station on Tuesday 18th August from 7am to 9am. A second session will be held for bus services in Craigavon Civic Centre on Tuesday 25th August from 10am to 12pm, to assist passengers with planning their journeys. Translink staff will also travel on board local rail services to engage with passengers from August 17th.

For further details on Translink bus and rail service changes - including the public information sessions - visit www.translink.co.uk/newtimetables or call 02890666630. Printed timetables will also be available to pick up from local stations in coming weeks.