Translink has announced bus timetable changes from 1st July, as well as some bus stop changes in Belfast City Centre.
These changes are being introduced to ensure people can continue to move into and around Belfast as rail infrastructure works intensify and significant public realm improvement works are underway to enhance walking routes, accessibility and cycling around the new Belfast Grand Central Station due to open this autumn.
Passengers are being encouraged to plan their trip ahead of time using information on the website www.translink.co.uk or Journey Planner and allow extra time for their journey.
From Monday 1st July, adjustments will be made to some city centre bus stops with relocation of some Ulsterbus services to Laganside Buscentre to help maintain bus service reliability and performance during increased traffic pressures on the city centre network*.
Passenger Information will be displayed on impacted bus stops and is available on the website www.translink.co.uk.
Translink has also introduced enhanced bus timetables with more seats available on both Metro services and popular Goldliner routes across Northern Ireland.
There will also be changes to rail timetables due to essential engineering works taking place on the railway line between Belfast and Lisburn, with a line closure planned from Wednesday 3rd July until early autumn. Further information can be found on the Translink website: www.translink.co.uk.
There will be additional staff on the ground on the run up to the changes to help guide passengers.
Translink’s David Curry, General Manager Bus Services, said:
“I want to thank all our passengers and local neighbours for their support and patience as we progress these essential works which will be worth it when Belfast Grand Central Station and the public realm works around it are fully complete next year.
“Ten times larger than current facilities, Belfast Grand Central Station on schedule for operational opening this autumn will be a game changer helping inspire and reimagine the city - one where more people travel on public transport, walk, wheel and cycle.
“The hub will be a major international gateway with enhanced connectivity across Northern Ireland, cross border and local airports creating a better connected, cleaner and healthier city for everyone.
“Designed to be fully inclusive and able to cater for 20 million passenger journeys a year, it will be the largest integrated transport facility on the island of Ireland bringing the opportunity to further enhance service frequency in the longer term.
“Beyond transportation, this new facility will be a new destination in the heart of the city where people meet thanks to a range of popular hospitality and retail outlets offering a unique blend of convenience and leisure.
“With reduced passenger numbers during the summer period, we have carefully planned a range of travel options to minimise the overall impact and ensure people can continue to make their journeys and access the city.
“The important message to all our passengers is to check the Journey Planner or website for timetable information before their journey. Our teams will be hosting pop-up information days at train and bus stations later this month and I encourage the public to attend to find out more about these works and their impact.”
Further details on Belfast Grand Central Station and the works programme can be found here:
For more information on timetables, visit www.translink.co.uk or call the Contact Centre 02890 666630.
Goldliner / Ulsterbus - Route Changes in Belfast from Monday 1st July
*To facilitate Belfast Public Realm Improvement Works the following services will no longer operate to and from Europa Buscentre and will instead operate to and from Laganside Buscentre:
• 218, 218a, 219a, 221, 222 Antrim, Ballymena & Coleraine area
• 256, 256a & 653b Larne & Ballyclare area
• 502 Bangor area
• 5, 505, 7, 507, 9b, 10 Newtownards area
• 511, 511b Comber and Shrigley
• 512 Ballygowan and Raffrey
These services will operate from Donegall Square North:
• 203 Bangor area
• 206, 655 Newtownards area
These services will operate from Adelaide Street; (inbound arrival) Linenhall Street:
215, 515 Downpatrick area
518a, 520, 237 Newcastle area (237a will no longer operate)
652 Cairnshill Park & Ride
*All other scheduled services continue to operate to and from Europa Buscentre.
*Passengers are advised that some service times may also change and are advised to check timetables on the website www.translink.co.uk and allow extra time for their journeys.