11th January 2023
Translink has revealed over ten thousand people travelled on the late-night bus and train services that operated in both Belfast and Derry~Londonderry during the festive period in December 2022.
The company provided a range of later departures from Belfast on Metro, Goldliner, Urby, and train services right across the network with Foyle Metro also operating late night services in Derry~Londonderry on selected routes.
Welcoming this result, Chris Conway, Translink Group Chief Executive explained, “We have been pleased to work with a range of organisations to develop the package of additional Christmas services which have really helped to support the night-time economy.
“The numbers travelling were very encouraging with many telling us that having a reliable and safe bus or train home gave them the confidence and comfort to travel and enjoy a night out.
“We will continue to work with all stakeholders with an interest in developing and improving the night-time economy to secure funding for a financially sustainable late-night network providing safe, attractive and low-cost travel options for those who work at night and those who want to enjoy the great hospitality on offer.
“We welcome the strong public interest in the value of late-night public transport services, and we hope this support will help secure the funding to create better connected, more sustainable and economically vibrant towns and cities for everyone.
Joel Neill, Operations Director, Hospitality Ulster said: “The return of the Translink Nightmovers was especially welcome as we resumed the first Christmas period in three years unblighted by the pandemic.”
“The value of these services cannot be overstated; they provide a vital link that allows people to go out and enjoy our vibrant hospitality offer in the knowledge that they have a safe and reliable route home. It also supports the thousands of jobs and businesses that contribute to the evening economy of our towns and cities.”
“In difficult financial times Translink have stepped up and provided this lifeline over the Christmas period and must be applauded. We must now work with all the stakeholders to establish these services as a permanent fixture throughout the year.”
Chris McCracken, MD, Linen Quarter Business Improvement District said, “Nightmovers helped support our hospitality offer during the busy festive season and its success shows there is significant demand for these safe and effective services. However, the night-time economy extends into many other areas, from late night culture & arts to shift workers going to and from their places of work. If we are to support this diverse evening economy, it is essential that major urban centres like Belfast and Derry-Londonderry are properly connected with late night public transport throughout the year. As a next step we would ask relevant Departments to consider a feasibility study that would help evaluate this in more detail.”
Kathleen McBride, Managing Director, Belfast One BID said, “Translink’s Nightmovers initiative has enabled City Centre businesses to remain accessible and attractive during the festive period. Providing transport later in the evening encourages spend and footfall to return to Belfast from the wider surrounding regions as well as the city suburbs. Maintaining this resource is an opportunity to grow the City’s appeal as a hospitality and retail destination”.
Damian Corr, Cathedral Quarter BID Manager said, “Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District put considerable effort into promoting the Translink Nightmovers service and we are delighted to learn that it was well supported by the general public.
“We will now redouble our efforts to assist Translink to deliver a permanent night-time service which we believe to be essential if Belfast is to continue to develop as a modern European destination City.”
