Metro Revised

31 August 2005:

Translink has made some changes to services in the Metro network, the changes come into effect from tomorrow (1st September), new timetables are available from all Greater Belfast rail and bus stations including the Citybus kiosk in Donegal Square West.  Translink say that they are still committed to conducting a fundamental review of the Metro network in conjunction with the General Consumer Council in the forthcoming months.

Billy Gilpin Translink’s Central Area Manager explained; “The implementation of Metro earlier this year proved to be a significant shake up of bus services in Belfast and Greater Belfast and we have carried out this initial review in response to feedback and monitoring of passengers.  Key improvements are as follows;

On the Malone Road route (Metro 8), the A/B corridor will increase its combined frequency from 10 minutes to 7½ minutes, which would increase the service to 8 buses in an hour.

On the Shore Road corridor (Metro 2), the 64 Downview service will extend beyond the current terminus becoming the 64A before travelling down Donegal Park Avenue, along the Shore Road and up the Lower Whitewell Road, across Arthur’s Bridge to the AbbeyCentre, past the Valley Leisure Centre and Carnmoney Cemetery towards the Fairview Road.  This service will reconnect the community in Lower Whitewell to the AbbeyCentre, give better connections to the AbbeyCentre and reinstate a bus service past the cemetery. 

On the Falls Road service (Metro 10), we are introducing a new 10H Metro service which will operate along the Falls Road,  Stewartstown Road and travel down Blacks Road towards the terminus near the Balmoral Hotel.  These buses will have the service number 10H.  This will provide a 30 minute service on the Blacks Road towards the Falls Road. 

“Metro is already proving to be a success, since the service was introduced in February there has been a 6.3% growth in passenger numbers which suggests that we are achieving our goal of bringing better services to more people. A second phase of enhancements to improve Metro service quality is currently being developed and we are also reviewing a number of Easibus service solutions in the East and North of the city.”

Mr Gilpin concluded; “We will continue to review and monitor Metro services with the goal of continually delivering a modern, sustainable public transport system which will attract additional passengers, contribute to the economy, environment and social inclusion and improve everyone’s quality of life.”

For more timetable information call 02890 66 66 30 or click www.translink.co.uk

ENDS