More than 400,000 extra public transport journeys in last two months ‘just the beginning’ says Translink

The transport provider said more than 400,000 additional journeys were recorded over October and November 2024 in comparison to the same time period in 2023.

Local bus and rail services saw a 10% increase, with an increase of more than 30% recorded on cross border Enterprise passenger journeys.

The company said the opening of Belfast’s Grand Central Station in October was partially responsible for the increase, with a range of bus frequency and rail timetable enhancements also a factor.

Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive said the figures were evidence that investment in public transport was having a positive effect.

“As we have witnessed recently, a modal shift to public transport is vital for the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of our region,” he said.

“Passengers are clearly voting with their feet, demonstrating that sustainable investment in public transport services and infrastructure has benefits across the whole country.

“The new integrated transport hub offers an enhanced user experience, helping to spark real change and offers a huge opportunity to reimagine how people travel for a better, more inclusive and sustainable future for generations to come.

“We have also increased frequency on many popular Goldliner routes on locations to and from Belfast and have high frequency park and ride services operating from Sprucefield, Ballymartin, Blacks Road and Cairnshill facilities, making it convenient to travel into Belfast by public transport.

“The enhanced cross border connectivity with the hourly Enterprise services is also proving popular, with passengers enjoying more choice and flexibility.

“However, this is just the beginning.

“Through a collective effort on modal shift, together with long term investment, we look forward to building on this success and will continue to work with all stakeholders to deliver our ambitious plans to further transform Northern Ireland’s public transport infrastructure for a better-connected society for all.”

The announcement comes amid widespread discontent among motorists over traffic congestion problems in Belfast city centre.

Concerns have been raised by both the public and the city’s business community over the effect the traffic is having on the economy.

However, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd appealed to MLAs on Tuesday to stop referring to the problems as “chaos”.

“Those who claim to have the interests of Belfast at heart would do well not to be broadcasting constantly: ‘There’s traffic chaos in Belfast,’” he told the Assembly.

“There is traffic congestion in Belfast. Last Thursday night was particularly difficult as a result of a traffic accident on the M1 and M2, the weather conditions and failure of traffic lights at the Ormeau Road.

“So if people in this room have genuinely the interest of Belfast at heart, then let’s have a sensible, informed conversation about what’s going on in Belfast and ensuring that those people who want to travel to Belfast to enjoy the sights and sounds of the festive season feel confident in doing so.”

The minister said he would work with businesses to examine their concerns.

A meeting with a business representative group to discuss the concerns has been brought forward to Thursday after originally being scheduled in January 2025.