9th January 2025
Translink’s late-night festive public transport has been heralded as a huge success with almost seventeen thousand passengers opting for the bus and train as their convenient and reliable way home.
Representing an increase of over 50% compared to the same period during Christmas 2022, Chris Conway said the range of later departures from Belfast on Metro, Goldliner, Urby, and train services right across the network demonstrates the importance of operating extended late-night services for the night-time economy.
“Belfast has a vibrant and bustling nightlife and we have been pleased to work with a range of city stakeholders to play our part in helping to support the important night-time economy during the busy festive season.
“Train services have proved particularly popular, and we are maintaining the later Friday and Saturday night services into the new year so passengers can enjoy the flexibility when planning their later train journey home.
“With sustainable funding, we hope to offer late-night services all year round. This would better serve Belfast residents and those visiting from towns and cities across Northern Ireland, while also placing a firm focus on sustainable travel. The night-time economy in Belfast is a key part of its cultural and economic identity. These services help support the city as it continues evolving, expanding, and growing.
“We will continue to work with all interested parties that value late-night public transport to secure the essential funding to create a better connected more sustainable city for everyone”, Chris concluded.
Michael Stewart, Belfast Night Czar,
“As Belfast City Centre Night Czar, the success of the late-night transport initiative over the festive period is music to my ears.
“We now need to build on this success and secure the funding from all relevant statutory authorities so that late-night transport can be introduced all year long helping to grow our Night Time Economy. Motivation gets us started but habit keeps us going, we need to develop the habit of using services like these 52 weeks of the year. A late-night bus or train should be for life not just for Christmas”.
Martina Connolly, CEO of Belfast One,
“Belfast One is delighted to hear that Translink has decided to continue the late-night weekend rail services following the success of the Christmas Pilot. This decision demonstrates a strong commitment to the needs of the business community and the public, enhancing accessibility for visitors and locals alike. By supporting the city’s night-time economy, this proactive approach will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing growth and vibrancy of Belfast, solidifying its appeal as a thriving destination for evening and night-time activities.
“Belfast One BID will continue to work with Translink and local authorities to extend this night-time service across all other routes, ensuring we have a sustainable night-time transport network”.
Chris McCracken, Managing Director of Linen Quarter Bid,
“The success of Translink’s Late Night Christmas Service highlights the importance of public transport to the night-time economy. Belfast now needs to take the next step and establish a late-night service that will turbo-boost our evening economy throughout the year, providing customers with a safe, accessible, and reliable route home. The proposed North-South Glider also needs to be part of our enhanced evening services and Linen Quarter BID would be keen to see this investment brought forward at the earliest opportunity.”
Damien Corr, Manager of Cathedral Quarter Bid,
“Cathedral Quarter BID are excited to hear that the late-night weekend rail services are to be continued throughout the year. We are particularly grateful for the efforts of Translink drivers, conductors and support staff whose hard work and commitment made the initiative successful. We remain focused on supporting late-night rail & bus transport throughout the year”.
Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Hospitality Ulster,
“Hospitality Ulster has long argued for the provision of extra night-time transport services to boost Northern Ireland’s night-time economy, so the news that Christmas late-night services saw an increase of over 50% is very welcome.
“We are also very encouraged by the news that the success of late-night rail services means that they will now continue into the New Year. We hope that this marks the beginning of the building of an extensive, year-round, late-night travel infrastructure that will play a key part in unlocking the potential of our night-time economy.”
Gerry Lennon, Chief Executive of Visit Belfast,
“Enhancing late-night rail and bus services is vital for bolstering Belfast’s nighttime economy, positioning our city as a top destination for day trips and short breaks attracting visitors from the north and south of Ireland.
“The significant rise in passenger numbers reported over the Christmas period underscores the demand for these services and reflects a growing preference for sustainable transport options among both locals and visitors alike.
“Visit Belfast, is committed to working with our partners to showcase the city’s exceptional food, drink, and entertainment experiences, all made more accessible through reliable public transport.”
Councillor Sam Nelson, Chair of City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Belfast City Council
“Belfast’s night-time economy plays a vital role in making our city vibrant and an attractive place to visit, particularly at Christmas. “Late-night services are crucial to this, providing choice to residents and visitors and providing a safe and reliable route home. “It’s good to hear that later weekend trains will continue to be provided into 2025, encouraging more people to come into Belfast and experience everything that the city has to offer.”
