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As a result of the COVID-19 crisis Translink Bus Services (Ulsterbus, Metro and Glider) will operate a reduced service timetable and NI Railways will operate a Saturday timetable. Translink is also reducing the service timetable for cross-border coach and Enterprise rail services. This is in response to a significant reduction in passenger numbers.
Full details of the new timetables are available on Translink’s website and journey planner.
The changes have been introduced in response to the latest government advice to avoid all non-essential travel and on social distancing.
Department for Infrastructure Minister Nicola Mallon said “These measures will have a dramatic impact on our public transport network but it is the right step to take given the clear advice from government to avoid all non-essential travel and on social distancing and its effectiveness in the fight against COVID-19. Advice we must all follow.
“The changes to the timetables will ensure we can continue to provide public transport coverage across Northern Ireland while responding to the impact of reduced demand. The public should be assured for those who need to travel, public transport will continue to operate and we will continue to ensure all those using public transport can do so safely in line with guidance on social distancing.
“Keeping communities across the North safe at this very concerning time is my priority and I want to reassure the public that my Department is doing everything it can to ensure essential services and connections are maintained for those using and reliant on our infrastructure network. I will keep the public transport situation under constant review in line with government advice on public health”
Chris Conway, Group Chief Executive of Translink said, “We are committed to maintaining public transport services at a level which will allow people to make essential journeys.
“The reduced service timetables will ensure we protect the geographic coverage of the network with reduced frequency on some services which is more in line with what is currently needed given the recent health advice and numbers of people now working from home.
“We have enhanced our cleaning regimes and are minimising contact between staff and customers to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including encouraging purchase of prepaid tickets like m-link or using contactless payments at stations, on board trains and at Glider TVMs.
“We are urging our staff and the public to follow the advice given by the public health agency, including applying social distancing, while using our services to ensure we all stay safe and limit the spread of the virus.
“We would encourage our customers to familiarise themselves with any changes to their specific services in case they need to adapt their usual travel plans.
For the latest timetable updates use the Journey planner or visit the website or call the contact centre on 028 90 66 66 30.
