People Encouraged To Use Public Transport This Christmas

With a range of extra services, increased capacity and late-night services, Translink is encouraging more people to get on board and choose bus or rail for shopping, socialising and enjoying festive days.

The public transport provider is also offering a range of discounted ticket options to help make everyone's Christmas budget go further.

Shoppers, theatre goers and festive party revellers are reminded of the range of services available to help travel to local events or support local businesses. So, why not hop on board to meet friends at the Enchanted Winter Garden in Antrim or enjoy some festive shopping in Newtownabbey without having to worry about parking – find more information at www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events.

Translink continues to provide everyday great value offers including 1/3 off day returns after 9.30am, or an off peak mLink day ticket for £3.00 for unlimited Metro day travel after 9.30am. And with frozen fares to help with rising living costs, making travel more affordable and sustainable.

Ian Campbell, Director of Service Operations at Translink said: "We know it's a busy time of year for many, with Christmas shopping, meet ups with family and friends and trips to the theatre often on the agenda to create lots of memorable Christmas connections. To make this even easier, we've introduced additional rail services and enhanced our capacity with extra carriages and our new longer trains, making days out even easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

"With fares frozen at 2019 prices, it's also a more affordable way to travel, making it budget friendly too as everyone is feeling the pinch this year. Meanwhile our late night Nightmovers service enables sustainable travel while supporting local retail and hospitality as part of the night-time economy."

Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Councillor Leah Smyth added: "Council is pleased to support Translink in championing our town centres. We have an array of local restaurants, cafes, and a strong retail offering right across our town centres and using public transport to enjoy time out and about this winter, is one less stress, can be cheaper and greener. These added services and offers will allow more people to come into the town centres and bolster the area's night-time economy."

For the latest timetable information, details of special offers and best value fares and help in planning your journey visit www.translink.co.uk/Christmas or download the Translink Journey Planner app.