26 August 2008:
Harry Armstrong from the Roads Service and Billy Gilpin of Translink launch the new Antrim Road Quality Bus Corridor (QBC).
Translink and DRD Roads Service have completed the upgrade of the Antrim Road into a ‘Quality Bus Corridor’ (QBC).
From Monday 1 September modern buses will run every five minutes, Monday to Friday throughout the day, and passengers will benefit from an extra 1.4kms of bus lane in each direction. It is hoped the introduction of the new high frequency service, together with better bus priority, will encourage even more people to change from cars to buses.
Translink’s Central Area Manager, Billy Gilpin said, “We have worked in partnership with our colleagues in Roads Service to deliver this QBC. The corridor now has considerable bus priority; around 20% of the route has a dedicated bus lane and there is bus priority at all main traffic lights using the latest Selective Vehicle Detection technology. There is also improved passenger information, modern, fully accessible buses, and bus shelters at the majority of stops with real time information to advise passengers when the next bus is due. Now with the enhanced bus frequencies, we will be able to offer even better journey times and an enhanced travel experience for our passengers.”
With mainly double decker buses operating on the route the higher frequency will also mean a 50% increase in the number of seats during the off peak period.
“We hope that these improvements will make a real difference to our regular passengers and also persuade many non-users to choose the bus as the best option. Currently 32% of people travelling in and around Belfast use Metro, and yet buses account for only 2% of traffic. More passengers on board will ultimately help reduce traffic congestion and contribute to a healthier city environment for all”, added Billy.
In addition to enhancements on the Antrim Road, service frequency will also be increased to every 5 minutes on the Shore Road (Metro 2) between the City Centre and the bottom of the Whitewell Road in Newtownabbey. A new half hourly service will operate, Monday to Saturday, between Whiteabbey and Jordanstown (Metro 2G), which together with existing Ulsterbus services on the route, will deliver 4 buses every hour, as well as a new service for the Circular Road in Jordanstown.
More direct services will also be introduced every half hour between Belfast and Monkstown (Metro 2C), and a dedicated service every half hour will operate to Rathcoole (Metro 2H).
New timetables are available now at the Metro Kiosk in Donegal Square West and other usual outlets, online at www.translink.co.uk and by contacting 028 90 66 66 30.
Ends
For further information please contact Keelin Kelly at Morrow Communications on 028 9039 3837 or email k.kelly@morrowcommunications.com
Notes to Editor
The bus lanes will be available to buses, motorcycles, bicycles and Belfast public hire taxis during the period of operation and to all vehicles at all other times. The lanes are clearly marked with white lines and associated signs.
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Stumbleupon