Minister marks Newry passenger growth

Translink has welcomed the Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins MLA, on a visit to Newry Train Station to celebrate substantial rail and coach passenger growth to and from the city.

During 2024/25, rail passenger numbers travelling between Newry and Belfast grew by 12% compared with 2023/24, demonstrating the success of the roll-out of the hourly cross-border Enterprise service.  Similarly, Goldliner 238 services between Newry and Belfast witnessed an 11% growth in passenger numbers year on year, helping to achieve an additional 3 million passenger journeys carried during 2024/25, as a result of investment and service and infrastructure enhancements. 

In all, a total of 88 Goldliner coach and Enterprise rail services operate to and from Newry in both directions everyday Monday – Friday, providing approximately 14,000 seats and offering flexibility, comfort, frequency, and reliability whenever it suits to travel.  With contactless ticketing and integrated iLink products, combined with the use of bus priority on the M1, public transport is a fast, frequent, and cost-effective greener option, helping drive modal shift on this important corridor. 

Joined by local Translink staff and management, the Minister had an opportunity to learn more about this significant passenger growth and meet some of the Newry-based bus and rail staff who work to keep the community better connected. 

Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, said: “A thriving bus and rail network offers opportunities to drive jobs and growth, stimulate development and regeneration and boost access to services and education. It will also help decarbonise transport and encourage behavioural shift to public transport. I am therefore delighted to see the over 50% increase in customer numbers since the hourly Enterprise rail service was introduced in October compared to the same period last year. I also welcome the significant rise in bus and rail passengers on the busy Newry to Belfast route. 

“Newry is a pivotal location on our public transport network with many people using the bus and rail connections to access work, education, and leisure opportunities both north and south, so it is particularly encouraging to see the growth in services in this area.    

“I am keen that we build on this success. My focus is on ensuring that infrastructure creates the foundations for better communities and better connections delivering greater accessibility, improved safety and promoting balance and inclusion across the region.”

Ian Campbell, Translink Director of Service Operations, said:  "This sustained rail and coach passenger growth to and from Newry demonstrates how investment in public transport brings benefits. 

‘‘The last year has been a momentous one for public transport, as we have opened Belfast Grand Central Station and introduced an hourly Enterprise service, helping to drive this significant passenger growth.  We have also continued to invest in our Goldliner fleet, making this service an attractive option. 

‘‘By means of ongoing investment in our services and a continued emphasis on encouraging more people to choose public transport for their journey, Translink is supporting economic, environmental, and social wellbeing, as well as Programme for Government ambitions and priorities around People, Planet, and Prosperity. 

‘‘We are delighted with this significant growth in travel to and from Newry and will work alongside stakeholders to develop this further. 

‘‘We are grateful to the Department for Infrastructure for their ongoing support, and we remain committed to investing in our fleet, facilities, and infrastructure to be first choice for travel in Northern Ireland.’’