Translink Unveils New Train Service Between L'Derry And Belfast

A new train service has launched between L'Derry and Belfast.

Translink unveiled the new hourly Monday - Saturday timetable following a £46.4 million investment earlier this year to complete a passing loop and installation of new signalling and telecoms on the Coleraine to L'Derry line.

Translink Group Chief Executive, Chris Conway, said the improvement will give more choices to passengers travelling between NI's two main cities and along the route.

"We are pleased to be introducing this new hourly timetable, making it more convenient and attractive for passengers to travel to and from Derry~Londonderry, connecting people and supporting the local economy, attracting visitors and investment," he said.

"The enhanced train timetable together with our fast, frequent 212 Goldline coach services make transport between Derry~Londonderry and Belfast more attractive and accessible than ever before with over 50 rail and coach return services, every day to choose from.

"Other plans for the city include the introduction of the new Foyle Metro Services in the Autumn and a planning application is also underway for the new Transport Hub within the refurbished Waterside railway station."

Londonderry Chamber of Commerce President, George Fleming, added: "Connectivity is extremely important to the North West region and the introduction of the new hourly rail timetable will bring much more choice to passengers looking to connect to the two largest cities in the region."

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said: "I was pleased to visit the Railway Station here in Derry today and congratulate staff on the new hourly service. It was fantastic to see the station buzzing with happy passengers, many of which expressed their delight at the long needed more frequent service.

"While, I recognise the fact that this service will make travel more convenient for passengers, particularly commuters between the two cities. It is only the first step in the right direction.

"In order to deliver for Derry we need to execute a much more ambitious plan for our infrastructure and that includes our railway. The next step must be to bring forward plans for a new station, one that is fit for purpose and one that delivers faster, more attractive travel options for people in the North West.

"I congratulate all involved in delivering this new service and encourage them to keep going. We can work together to deliver a service fit for a modern city. The SDLP will continue to push the need for all political parties to prioritise investment for infrastructure in the North West. We now need others to show political will to get this over the line and off the shelf."

(LM)