29/04/2014

Translink Announces Extra Services For Giro d'Italia

Translink has announced new train, coach and bus services to accommodate the 140,000 people expected to travel to witness this year's Giro d'Italia race in Northern Ireland from May 8 - 11.

Passengers are also being advised that there will be timetable changes, diversions and alternative departure points on selected bus services in areas affected by the race.

The Giro d'Italia cycling race takes place in Italy each year and includes neighbouring countries in the route. This year, the event will begin in Northern Ireland. Translink have said commuters should expect and prepare for travel disruption.

Translink’s Ian Campbell said tailored transport plans will be in operation for each stage of the race and anyone planning on making journeys during the Giro, should plan their journey now at www.translink.co.uk/giro or call 028 90 66 66 30.

On Thursday 8 May, there will be additional train services on all lines and extra bus capacity after 08:30 to bring people home from the Team Presentation at Belfast City Hall, including services to main Park & Ride facilities at Black’s Road, Cairnshill, Sprucefield and North Side, with the last bus departing the city centre at 21:30. There will also be some bus timetable changes and alternative departure points in place.

For the Team Time Trials on Friday 9 May, there will be a dedicated train shuttle service between Great Victoria Street and Titanic Quarter Train Station, in addition to normal timetabled services. Translink will operate a shuttle bus service from 08:00 throughout the day between a special Park & Ride facility at Airport Road West (Harbour Estate) and Stormont Estate. Existing Park & Ride services for Cairnshill, Black’s Road and Sprucefield will be extended for the race finish at City Hall. There will also be additional train services on all lines and extra bus capacity to get people safely home after the event.

For the Causeway Coastal Route on Saturday 10 May, extra capacity will be provided on Larne and L'Derry railway lines. A shuttle train service between Great Victoria Street and Titanic Quarter will also operate from 07:30 - 16:00.

For the Armagh – Dublin Stage on Sunday 11 May, Translink will provide a special coach service from Europa Buscentre at 07:00 travelling to Armagh. Anyone wishing to catch the Stage 3 finish can travel on an additional return cross-border train service from Belfast to Dublin, which will also serve Lisburn, Lurgan, Portadown and Newry. Both the special train and coach services are now available to book online only.

"In summary, everyone should plan their travel in advance and leave extra time for their journeys," Mr Campbell said. "This is a great opportunity to showcase the very best of Northern Ireland and we are working closely with the PSNI, Roads Service, race organisers and the NITB to deliver suitable transport plans. We are looking forward to playing our part in successfully delivering this exciting event"

@Translink_NI

(IT)

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