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SDLP Opposition Infrastructure Spokesperson Justin McNulty MLA has said proposals to cut Translink's youth discounts and late-night services will negatively impact young people and the economy. Translink has launched a public consultation on a range of cost-saving measures.
The Newry and Armagh MLA said the proposals could carry serious long-term consequences despite offering short-term savings. He said: “While these proposals may deliver short-term savings for Translink, the long-term impact on young people, local businesses and our wider economy could be far greater. In the absence of an Executive Budget and with a continued lack of delivery, we are repeatedly seeing services stripped back and it is the public who are paying the price.
“The removal of late-night services would mean people arriving into Belfast from Dublin late at night on three days each week would be unable to access onward public transport. That sends entirely the wrong message to anyone considering visiting, studying, working or investing in the North. It would also have a serious impact on local businesses, particularly in the hospitality sector, by discouraging people from travelling because of the lack of reliable public transport.
“Our young people would also be hit hard by the loss of these discounts. Many rely on them to get to university, work and training and, at a time when household budgets remain under real pressure, these proposals would make everyday life even more expensive.
“I understand that Translink has difficult decisions to make, but it is deeply worrying that instead of investing in our public transport network, services and incentives are being stripped away. If we are serious about encouraging people to use public transport, supporting economic growth and reducing emissions, these proposals take us in entirely the wrong direction.”
Proposed Translink changes
- Reduction of yLink discount from 50% to 33%
- Removal of Off-Peak Day Return fares on Bus and Rail (Adult and Child)
- Increase to Promotional Fare Types:
- Family and Friends (£24 to £26)
- Metro Family Ticket (£10 to £12)
- Bus Rambler (£10 to £12)
- Sunday Day Tracker (Rail) (£10 to £12)
- On Mondays to Wednesdays the removal of last departures on the rail network and later departures across the bus network (circa from 10pm) could create necessary cost reduction for the organisation.
- No connecting bus or rail services would support the arrival of the last Enterprise service from Dublin. This service currently leaves Dublin at 2050hrs and arrives at 2258hrs.
- The only exceptional services not removed would be the 212 Belfast- Derry, X1, X2, X3, X4, 300 Airport and 600 Airport services, given that these are operating with significant demand and revenue.
