Translink is encouraging people to choose bus, coach and train to visit Belfast this Christmas in a bid to help reduce traffic congestion in the city centre.
The public transport provider was responding to Belfast Live’s series of interviews last week asking people across the city who have been impacted by the ongoing congestion what they would do to fix the traffic issues.
We spoke to some of those working in retail, hospitality and public transport about what we can do to alleviate some of the congestion issues, especially in the run-up to Christmas.
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It comes just over two months since the phased opening of Belfast Grand Central Station with bus services only, followed by the commencement of rail services in mid-October.
When asked for figures on passenger numbers since the new station opened, Translink said: “While it is too early for definitive figures, Belfast Grand Central is very busy. Passengers have been impressed with the new modern station and facilities available”.
The current congestion due to a number of roadworks projects has caused “frustration and concern” among both residents and the business community, leading to calls for a pause on roadworks in the city to be brought forward to coincide with the Christmas light switch-on event this Saturday, November 16th.
Recent weeks have seen traffic chaos in the city centre, with ongoing work surrounding the new £340 million public transport hub and a major resurfacing scheme of the A2 Sydenham Bypass contributing to serious congestion in the city.
The gridlock has led to Translink advising of delays during the evening rush hour in recent weeks. It has prompted the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to introduce a moratorium on works from late November to early January, ahead of the busy Christmas trading period.
Translink said it recognises the importance of the critical infrastructure projects in roads and utilities currently underway across the city and “continues to work with DfI to find solutions to help ease the congestion and keep people moving around the city.”
There have also been calls for late night transport to be in place year-round, not just over the festive period.
In response, Translink said it “continues to work with all stakeholders with an interest in developing and improving the night-time economy to secure funding for a financially sustainable late-night network providing safe and attractive travel options for those who work at night and those who want to enjoy the great hospitality on offer”.
They added: “We welcome strong public interest in the value of late-night public transport services, and we hope this support will help secure the funding to create better connected, more sustainable and economically vibrant towns and cities for everyone.”
And Translink had this message for people planning to visit the city centre this Christmas: “With the opening of the new modern Belfast Grand Central Station, contactless ticketing, and a host of great value fares, travelling by Translink is the greener, flexible and convenient way to travel into the city.
“Consider park and ride options, with free parking and high frequency services operating from major sites including Sprucefield, Cairnshill, Black’s Road and Ballymartin, it’s the easy, hassle free way to go.
“We are also operating late night services in the run-up to Christmas, giving passengers more flexibility. Late-night Belfast Metro services will operate every Friday and Saturday starting around midnight and running through to 1.30am.
“Additional late night Goldliner/Urby bus services will operate every Friday and Saturday from Belfast to towns and cities across Northern Ireland departing at various times from around midnight.
“Rail services will also operate later across all lines on both Friday and Saturday nights departing at various times up to midnight. The late-night services commence Saturday 30th November and will run for 4 weekends up to and including Saturday 21st December. Full details are available on Translink’s website: www.translink.co.uk/latenightservices.”
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