Permanent Extension Of Late Night Public Transport Needed

The Alliance Party has called for a more permanent extension of late night bus and train services, following the success of extended service over Christmas.

East Belfast MLA and Community Regeneration Spokesperson, Peter McReynolds, was speaking after Translink announced over ten thousand people travelled on the late-night bus and train services that operated in both Belfast and Derry-Londonderry during the festive period in December 2022.

"Belfast is a modern city and with that comes the need for a reliable, efficient and low cost night-time transportation system", Peter said.

"As well as benefiting the public, throughout the length of the scheme it was great to see our hospitality and entertainment sectors thriving after a difficult time during the pandemic.

"Alliance has long argued for the introduction of a late night bus and train service to give an extra option to the public to travel in a way that is good for our environment, reduces car dependency, and is reasonably priced during a cost of living crisis.

"Whilst we welcome the success of the scheme over Christmas, we would like to see more bus and train opportunities in Belfast/Derry-Londonderry, including permanent late night services. The figures seen here indicate that there is definitely a demand for it.

"We will continue to raise this with Translink and highlight the need for increased funding for such a project."