29th April 2008:
Pictured at the launch of the new, improved Ulsterbus services are Paul McLean, Chairman of Magherafelt District Council and Translink Acting District Manager, David Graham.
From today (28 April) Ulsterbus passengers in the Magherafelt area are benefiting from a new Town Service with low floor buses, clockface timetabling, improved passenger information and links to Mid Ulster Hospital and the local bus depot.
The introduction of the new Town Service for Magherafelt follows Translink’s review of Ulsterbus services across Northern Ireland and not only improves access to the town’s facilities, but also means better connections with the Maiden City Flyer from Castledawson roundabout. The new 389 Town Service operates between Magherafelt Bus Station and Castledawson roundabout between 7am and 6pm, and with the introduction of ‘through ticketing’ passengers are able to purchase tickets on these Town Services for onward journeys on the Maiden City Flyer.
From today passengers will also be able to take advantage of a special £1.70 day ticket, allowing unlimited travel within the Town Service boundary throughout the day on which the ticket is purchased. In addition, from today until 31st May Translink will waive the initial £1.50 charge to purchase an Ulsterbus Smartlink Multi-Journey card, meaning passengers only pay to top up their card with journeys.
Meanwhile enhancements have also been introduced on County Key Routes including clockface timetabling and improved connections. The 110 service between Cookstown and Magherafelt now has better connections with 218 and 219 express services to Belfast, as well as the 109A service to Belfast International Airport. Passengers travelling on 110 services can also purchase through tickets for travelling to the airport.
Speaking about the Ulsterbus review Acting District Manager, David Graham said, “We are delighted to be able to offer our customers in the Magherafelt and Cookstown areas these new, improved services. We are confident that they will be welcomed by the local community. Changes are designed to enhance and improve public transport attractiveness by offering easy to use, accessible services which are more suited to our passengers’ needs.
“Low floor vehicles will be used on all Town Services enabling us to improve accessibility for parents with small children as well as those with mobility difficulties. The introduction of through ticketing will also help speed up boarding times.
“In addition, improved passenger information includes simple, easy to use timetables with colour-coded route maps and modern new bus stop infrastructure.
“This Magherafelt review formed part of Translink’s wider review of local Ulsterbus services which has been ongoing for almost 3 years and is designed to deliver passenger growth in line with the Regional Transportation Strategy targets.
“Public transport has a significant contribution to make towards delivering modern, healthy and efficient towns. As such we are committed to delivering a growing integrated public transport network, which will ultimately support the economic growth and social development of the region.”
Full timetable details for the enhanced Magherafelt services are available at the bus depot, by contacting Translink’s call centre on 028 9066 6630 or clicking www.translink.co.uk..
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For further information please contact Keelin Kelly at Morrow Communications on 028 9039 3837 or email k.kelly@morrowcommunications.com
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