Northern Ireland’s public transport operator, Translink, has announced details of service cuts from Monday (23 March) in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The move follows cuts to public transport announced last week across the UK, most of which also come into force on Monday.
Translink Bus Services (Ulsterbus, Metro and Glider) will operate a reduced service timetable and NI Railways will operate a Saturday timetable.
A Translink in Ballyhalbert, County Down Ulsterbus
Translink has also reduced the service timetable for cross-border coach and Enterprise rail services. It said this is in response to a significant reduction in passenger numbers.
Full details of the new timetables are available on Translink’s website and journey planner.
Group chief executive Chris Conway said: 'We are committed to maintaining public transport services at a level which will allow people to make essential journeys.
‘The reduced service timetables will ensure we protect the geographic coverage of the network with reduced frequency on some services, which is more in line with what is currently needed given the recent health advice and numbers of people now working from home.
‘We have enhanced our cleaning regimes and are minimising contact between staff and customers to ensure the safety of everyone involved, including encouraging purchase of prepaid tickets like m-link or using contactless payments at stations, on board trains and at Glider TVMs.
‘We are urging our staff and the public to follow the advice given by the public health agency, including applying social distancing, while using our services, to ensure we all stay safe and limit the spread of the virus.
‘We would encourage our customers to familiarise themselves with any changes to their specific services in case they need to adapt their usual travel plans.’
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