27 September 2005:
Following the successful introduction of Metro in February of this year, Translink has launched a new and improved ‘easibus’ network and timetables serving residential communities across Belfast.
The move comes in response to the evaluation of both the Metro and ‘easibus’ services to determine passenger travel patterns and the streamlining of existing timetables to develop additional routes within areas identified as having potential demand.
Roy Sloan, ‘easibus’ Manager explained that the new service had been designed to reflect better the ever-changing transport environment in the Greater Belfast area.
“Metro previously operated eight ‘easibus’ services in East, South and North Belfast with two vehicles,” he said. “Following the recent review we are now delighted to be extending our Belfast network to eleven services and with the support of the Department for Regional Development we have replaced the vehicles operating on ‘easibus’ services with new state of the art fully accessible mini buses.
“Translink continues to be committed to providing a service for those groups who are unable to avail or have difficulty in accessing normal scheduled Metro services due to poor health or mobility. The new revised service has been devised in partnership and consultation with the Department for Regional Development, local representatives and community groups to determine how best ‘easibus’ can serve residential areas across Greater Belfast”, Roy explained.
In East Belfast key changes to the existing ‘easibus’ services include extending the routes to incorporate the Mount Merrion and Rosetta areas, providing a service along the Cregagh Road to local facilities en route to Connswater Shopping Centre.
New ‘easibus’ routes have also been developed in East Belfast providing vital links for local residents, including those in the Clarawood Estate, Ballymacarrett Road, Dee Street and Mersey Street areas, providing a link to the Lower Newtownards Road, Holywood Arches Health Centre and Connswater Shopping Centre.
A second new development in the East is the introduction of another route to serve the Connsbrook, Knocknagoney and Jackson’s Road areas providing a link to Tesco (Knocknagoney), Holywood Arches Health Centre and again Connswater Shopping Centre.
South of the city improvements to the ‘easibus’ services have allowed further penetration into the Belvoir Estate and the Markets area, while in North Belfast the service now includes the Carnmoney area and a new “Call ‘n Request” facility provides access to residents in Mill Drive, off the Mill Road and further penetration of the Fernagh area.
A major aspect of the ‘easibus’ concept is the ‘easibus’ Travel Club which delivers many benefits for members such as support for those who are apprehensive and have difficulty using public transport. Seaneen Mervyn, Travel Club Co-Ordinator confirmed that membership already exceeds 900 members who regularly avail of the services. Membership is free and everyone is encouraged to join. Further details can be obtained by telephoning 028 9073 1117.
Ends.
For further information please contact Keelin Haughey at Morrow Communications on 028 9039 3837 or email k.haughey@morrowcommunications.com
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