Bus service to Downe begins next Monday

Bus service to Downe begins next Monday

12 April 2023

A NEW bus service is to operate from Downpatrick town centre to the Downe Hospital.

The new service starts on Monday of next week after work was carried out at the hospital’s Struell Road base to widen the road to accommodate buses which will ferry passengers.

As part of the work at the hospital, a dedicated bus lane has been provided with passengers ped off and collected immediately outside the main entrance to the building.

The South Eastern Trust’s service lead for transport and travel planning, Richard Walker, is

delighted the road works have been completed to accommodate Translink buses.

“This improvement work has totally transformed the road layout with the new bus lane giving Translink vehicles direct access to the main entrance and a clear route off the hospital site, without obstructing other vehicles, creating a free flowing traffic system,” he explained.

“A new bus stop has also been installed with a shelter to shield passengers from the elements while they wait on their transport to arrive.”

Mr Walker explained the work at the Downe is part of work to improve access to all of the health trust’s sites.

“Now that this work at the Downe is complete, we look forward to our visitors using this fantastic public transport service and hope that the user numbers will increase to assist in easing vehicular congestion,” he added.

Translink service delivery manager, Ciaran McHugh, said the transport company is committed to providing “convenient and comfortable services” for customers and supporting the South Eastern Trust in its efforts to ease congestion across the Downe hospital site.

“We’re pleased to be able to deliver services to the main entrance and hope that visitors will take advantage of this public transport option when travelling to the hospital,” he said.

The 315A service will operate from Downpatrick bus centre with departures from 7.25am to 5.15pm from Monday to Friday and from 8.30am to 4.30pm on Saturdays.

Customers can also use Translink’s good-value tickets, including £1.35 per journey using a Smart Link travel card or £3 for a town service day ticket. 

Full timetable details are available from the Downpatrick bus centre and at the new Downe Hospital bus stop.