Translink press release:Sprucefield Park and Ride
Sprucefield Park & Ride
22 August 2006
Belfast ‘Grid Lock’ Targeted by New Park & Ride Service
Sprucefield P&R facility to alleviate traffic at critical M1 Belfast entry/exit point
Belfast rush hour congestion and commuting times are set to be significantly reduced thanks to a major new Park & Ride facility at Sprucefield, and additional M1 bus prioritisation, launched today (22 Aug) by Transport Minister, David Cairns.
Introduced just ahead of the ‘back to school’ traffic increase, set to be exacerbated by the ramping up of the Westlink improvements in September, the new Park & Ride is the largest in NI offering 320 free car-parking spaces, reflecting its strategic ‘hub’ location just off the M1 at Sprucefield, where it will provide easy access to Belfast commuters from the west and south west of the province.
Translink will operate a dedicated shuttle service with fully accessible double-decker buses running every 15 minutes during morning and evening peak times to the Europa Buscentre and Royal Victoria Hospital. To support the intensive new service, Roads Service has allocated an additional 3.3km M1 Busway augmenting the existing M1 bus prioritisation from Stockman’s Lane to Broadway and into the Europa Buscentre.
“The opening of this Park & Ride underscores Translink’s commitment, working jointly with our partners in Roads Service, to provide NI consumers with a viable and more attractive alternative to car use,” explained Keith Moffatt, Translink Chief Executive. “The strategic location and scale of this Park & Ride, together with the service frequency and supporting MI bus prioritisation, has the potential to reduce journey times from Sprucefield to Belfast by at least 20 minutes during peak times,” he continued.
“If used to its full capacity, it will help significantly reduce the number of cars using the critical M1 Belfast entry/exit point which, along with the recently opened 220-space facility at Black’s Road, will deliver a positive impact on congestion levels across Belfast, improving traffic flow and benefiting the City environment.
“This example proves the case for strategic bus priority measures as an integral part of progressive transport systems. Working with our partners in Roads Service, we plan to replicate this success through the rollout of the now agreed Quality Bus Corridor programme for Belfast.
Concluding Mr Moffatt said:
“Investment across the rail and bus network is delivering more efficient, convenient and accessible services and this is bringing about real growth in passenger uptake. Further strategic investment in the transport system and the road and rail infrastructures that support them, directly in line with changing consumer and societal needs, is necessary if we are to realise the full potential of public transport in NI.”
In addition to significantly reducing travel times – and the frustration of sitting in daily traffic jams – Translink’s Park & Ride services are a more cost-effective option, ruling out city centre parking costs. Daily return fares from Sprucefield to Belfast cost £5, with a ‘free day’ for passengers buying a five-day return Smartlink pass (£20). Timetables and Smartlink booking details are available from www.translink.co.uk/parkandride
For further information, please contact Dana McCusker/Keelin Haughey at Morrow Communications. Tel: 028 9039 3837 / 0777 333 6249.
Notes to Editors
Sprucefield Park & Ride car parking spaces are free
The car park has on site security, is fully surfaced and well lit
There is the potential to extend the 320-space provision to 1000 spaces, dependent on uptake
Sprucefield Park & Ride is provided by:
- Ulsterbus Service 651 during peak times (fully accessible double-decker buses)
- Ulsterbus Service 238A during inter-peak times
Service Times – Peak:
- Every 15 minutes Monday to Friday
- Morning: 6.30am to 10.00am
- Evening: 4pm to 6.30pm
Service Times – Inter-Peak:
- Every 60 minutes Monday to Friday
- From 10am to 4pm
The hours of operation of the MI Busway are 7.30am to 9.30am and 3pm to 6.30pm
Sprucefield Park & Ride Journey costs are as follows:
- £5 daily return, OR
- £20 for five return journeys on a Smartlink card
Keelin Haughey
Morrow Communications
CIPR Consultancy Team of theYear 2005 / 2006
Hanwood House, Pavilions Office Park, Kinnegar Drive, Holywood, BT18 9JQ
Tel: 44 (0) 28 9039 3837 Fax: 44 (0) 28 9039 3830
Mobile: 44 (0) 7799 032203
Email: mail@morrowcommunications.co.uk
Website: http://www.morrowcommunications.co.uk
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