Concern over future of local bus services

Concern over future of local bus services

2 September 2015

A LOCAL politician is seeking a meeting with Translink officials to discuss concerns about axing services in Downpatrick and along part of the Lecale coast.

Councillor Billy Walker said it is his understanding that Translink is pulling the plug on its Saturday service between its Market Street depot in Downpatrick and the Knocknashinna estate, with a 10 per cent cut being implemented on the Saturday service from the town centre to the large Model Farm and Flying Horse estates.

The Rowallane politician said he has also been informed Sunday services between Ballyhornan, Ardglass and Killough are also being axed.

“These are all vitally important services. The service between the bus depot and Knocknashinna operates six times a day and is a vital link for people, especially the elderly, living in this large, hilly estate who do not have access to a car,” he said.

“Saturday is one of the busiest shopping days in Downpatrick town centre and axing this bus service has the potential to impact on local traders. It is my understanding many people in the Model Farm and Flying Horse areas use the Saturday service as well. Axing this service will impact on them.”

Councillor Walker said there is increasing concern about the disruption to the Sunday service between Ballyhornan through to Ardglass, especially as many third level students are preparing for the new university term.

“Many university students who live between Ballyhornan, Killough and Ardglass rely on the Sunday service to take them to Downpatrick where they transfer to Belfast-bound buses. It is important this service is retained, particularly for those who do not have their own transport,” he suggested. “I have also been informed this particular Sunday service is used by people making their way to Coney Island caravan park.”

Councillor Walker said while there has been uncertainty over a number of town bus services across the district, he hopes Translink will reconsider axing the services he has outlined.

He added: “I will be asking Translink if there is any room for manoeuvre. For example, could some of the journeys to the Knocknashinna estate not be retained along with the Sunday service along the Lecale coast to facilitate university students in particular?”

A Translink spokeswoman said following consultation with passengers earlier this year the organisation worked hard to protect the geographic coverage of its network. 

“There are some frequency reductions to a number of services and some services have been retimed. We would encourage passengers wishing to travel on their local services to speak to our contact centre on (028) 9066 6630 for details of their new timetables which came into effect from yesterday.”