COVID-19 | Our Latest Guidelines
Essential Travel Only
There will be a reduction in services from Monday 11 January 2021. Please plan your journey before you travel.
In line with Government guidance, wearing a face covering is mandatory on public transport. It is also mandatory for all post primary pupils to wear a face covering at all times when travelling on all forms of public and school transport.
There is medical evidence to suggest that wearing a face covering can help us protect each other and reduce the risk of transmission from someone who is suffering from Covid-19, but unaware and not showing symptoms.
The rules will apply to all passengers in public areas, however, exemptions will apply for those who are not able to wear a face covering for specific medical reasons and children under the age of 13. Further information is available on nidirect at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/coronavirus-safer-travel-guidance and www.nidirect.gov.uk/face-coverings
The step is a further collective way we can work together and travel safely together. We recommend that you continue to follow the advice below when using public transport.
Before You Travel
If you need to travel consider walking or cycling for shorter journeys.
Do not travel if you are feeling unwell with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) e.g. a high temperature.
Planning your journey
Timetable check: We are monitoring passenger numbers travelling on bus and train services and will make amendments to timetables as necessary to make sure we have enough capacity for social distancing. Always check the journey planner or download a timetable on the day you wish to travel.
Time of travel: If you can, travel at off peak times when services are less busy and leave some extra time for your journey.
Buying your Ticket: Use pre-paid tickets such as mLink, Smartlink, dayLink, iLink or contactless payments - don’t forget there will be no change given on board the bus or train. Find Out More
Face coverings: Wearing a face covering is mandatory on public transport from Friday 10th July. For information about wearing and making face coverings click here
Hand washing: Please ensure you wash or sanitise your hands before you travel and as frequently as possible when you travel – Take a hand sanitiser with you if you can.
On your Journey
Keep your distance: Respect other people’s space - we have lots of new signage on board buses and trains and in stations to remind you to keep your distance from other passengers and our staff. If taking the bus – use the bell to tell the driver you want off. Watch Video
Capacity: With social distancing in place, buses and trains carry fewer people, so please be prepared to wait for the next service even if your bus or train appears to have space.
Seating: Please use window seats and leave an empty row of seats in front and behind where possible. When using the bus – avoid using the seats behind the driver. Members of your household can all sit together.
Patience: Please be patient while getting on and off servcies and if you need to queue, please remember to keep your distance.
Respect our colleagues: Please be patient and treat transport staff and fellow passengers with respect and follow instructions and notices
- about which seats to use or how to queue
- requests to board through different doors or to move to less busy areas
- be aware of additional screens, barriers or floor markings
Our staff are helping to ensure your wellbeing and protection.
The virus is not gone. It's important everyone in Northern Ireland, young and old, plays their part too.
We are also working to play our part in protecting our passengers, colleagues and our community.
Perspex screens: We have new screens fitted to our bus drivers cabs and in stations to shield you and our staff.
Hygiene: Our front line staff all have gloves and hand sanitisers. They have also been provided with additional PPE equipment as required.
Hand sanitisers: We have installed public sanitisation units in most of our stations across the network.
Cleaning: We have rigorous deep cleaning regimes in place for our buses and trains and mobile cleaning teams are travelling throughout the day to keep multi-touch points clean. Watch Video
Social distance measures: As well as new signage in stations and on board, we have a range of new systems on place to help passengers keep a safe social distance. Watch Video
Wash or sanitise your hands as often as possible – new public sanitation units now in stations for your convenience
Ensure you wear a face covering and maintain social distance, where possible, including at busy entrances, exits, under canopies, bus stops, platforms or outside of stations
Be prepared to queue or take a different entrance or exit at stations
wait for the next service if you cannot safely keep your distance on board a train, bus or coach
Wait for passengers to get off first before you board
Respect other people’s space while travelling
Avoid consuming food and drink on public transport, where possible
Be aware of pregnant, older and disabled people who may require a seat or extra space. Be aware that some individuals may have hidden disabilities.
Travel outside peak times, stagger working hours if possible.
Use pre-paid tickets such as mLink, Smartlink, dayLink, iLink or contactless payments.
The health and safety of our customers, employees and the wider public is paramount, and we will continue to follow all public health instructions as issued by PHA. Information is also available from NI Direct. For the latest updates please follow us on Twitter or Facebook.
Please keep well and thanks for your ongoing support.
When you are ready for us, we are ready for you.
This guide is to help the community, including schools and businesses, plan their journeys on public transport for when they are ready to return. Find Out More
We work hard to support the local community we serve. Whilst life as we all know it may have changed dramatically, our Translink Spirit certainly hasn’t. Find Out More
Free use of their public transport networks for health and social care staff during the Covid-19 immediate response period Find Out More
We are encouraging passengers to use prepaid tickets such as mLink or multi-journey tickets and contactless if purchasing at stations, on board the train from the conductor or Glider TVMs. Find Out More
Translink continues to be guided by the Public Health Agency (PHA) to inform our decisions regarding the latest coronavirus developments. Find Out More