Translink all set for new Metro service

Translink has released further details of its new Greater Belfast area Metro bus service, which begins on Monday.

Designed for ease of use, the newly liveried Metro network integrates Citybus and the outlying Belfast Ulsterbus services, into 12 key arterial routes and an additional network of services within the greater Belfast area.

The new service will operate throughout the day Monday to Friday (7am- 6pm) at 5, 7.5 or 10-minute frequencies, along the 12 key corridors, with a lower frequency operating at other times.

“The new Metro service will mean better services for more people, improved punctuality, reliability and significantly enhanced Sunday services,” Translink Chief Executive, Keith Moffatt, said.

“The introduction of Metro is not simply a change of vehicle livery and bus stop signs,” he continued. “It will mean a number of changes to service numbers, routes and departure points. To communicate these changes, we have developed an all-new simplified colour-coded timetable, route map and how to use guide, which are being mailed to over 225,000 households and businesses in the Belfast area this week.”

Mr Moffatt explained that the introduction of Metro is the first phase of major change for public transport services in Belfast, and will become the foundation for the future development and growth.

“It is recognised that traffic conditions are also a major cause of delay and following on from the introduction of Metro we will be urging Road Service and other bodies to deliver enhanced bus priority measures such as bus lanes together with rigorous enforcement to ensure delivery of faster and more frequent services which will attract more passengers.

“Our ultimate goal is to achieve frequencies of between 5 and 10 minutes on all the 12 key corridors and we are confident that in time and with appropriate funding Metro will achieve this.

Commenting on concerns of possible teething problems as the new routes come into force, Mr Moffatt added: “We acknowledge that with any major change it will take time for our passengers to gain confidence in the new system. Once Metro is established we will carry out a review in conjunction with our colleagues in the General Consumer Council,” he concluded.

(MB/SP)