Belfast Festive Transport Measures Announced

A series of measures have been announced by the Transport Minister to encourage economic activity in Belfast city centre in the run-up to Christmas.

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy revealed the measures, which will include the expansion of Park and Ride services, free of charge Park and Rides, fare promotions and an embargo on road works over the Christmas period.

"The aim of this package of measures is to make public transport even more accessible, low-cost and more attractive for people coming into their city centres over the festive season," he said.

"Park and Rides in Belfast, Lisburn, Newry and Londonderry will be free of charge and will operate for longer hours during late night shopping days and also on Saturdays. Translink will offer a number of great fare deals and promotions for bus and railtravel."

Belfast businesses were hit hard last year as a result of disruption in the city centre caused by loyalist flag protesters in the run-up to Christmas.

At the beginning of December, Belfast City Council voted to restrict the flying of the union flag on top of City Hall. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said the subsequent weeks of demonstrations and rioting cost traders around £15m in lost business.

Minister Kennedy said: "Traders have experienced a difficult time. The economic downturn has decreased footfall all around Northern Ireland as people have less disposable income. I am confident these measures will provide a welcome boost for traders. Many shoppers who previously travelled by car gave public transport a try over the last year and no doubt many more will do so again this Christmas.

"For those using the roads, all planned road works on key arterial routes in the Greater Belfast area will cease during the festive period. This includes the utility companies, as well as Roads Service. Only emergency works will take place if absolutely needed."

The roadworks embargo will happen in the Greater Belfast area including Bangor and Lisburn from 25 November 2013 until after Christmas; and in Londonderry from 30 November 2013 to 5 January 2014.

Carol Lundy at Translink said: "Along with free and convenient Park & Ride services, we have a wide range of discounted bus, coach and train tickets to help cut the cost of Christmas.

"Our popular Love Metro Saturdays £2 day ticket will be available every Saturday until 28 December providing unlimited day travel in greater Belfast.

"We will also continue to offer a 1/3 off NI Railways and selected Goldline coach services after 09:30 and customers using Smartlink can also make great savings of over 30% compared to paying normal cash fares. Our 'Family & Friends' ticket provides up to two adults and four children with unlimited all day bus and rail travel throughout Northern Ireland for just £20.We are also teaming-up with local traders to provide exclusive Translink customer discounts."

Glyn Roberts, Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) said: "This is good news for both shoppers and traders alike. Given the big challenges facing our Town Centres this is an excellent initiative to facilitate shoppers who use Public Transport or their car this Christmas."

Paul McMahon, President, Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce said: "Today’s announcement is welcomed by Belfast Chamber of Trade and Commerce and will help encourage shoppers and visitors into Belfast over the festive period, which is the core trading period for businesses in the city. We work closely alongside Minister Kennedy and the DRD to help bring projects like this to light and are delighted by today’s announcement."

The free Saturday Park and Ride Services will start on 16 November. The evening Park and Ride Services will start on 2 December in line with late night shopping arrangements.

(IT/MH)