Translink criticised as Mid Ulster commuters left behind as demand for Belfast buses rises

COMMUTERS travelling from Mid Ulster to Belfast are facing increasing difficulties securing seats on morning bus services as rising fuel costs encourage more people to leave their cars at home.

Passengers using the Dungannon to Belfast service via Tamnamore Roundabout Park and Ride, and the Castledawson to Belfast route via Toome, have reported being left behind at designated stops because buses are already full.

The situation is causing frustration for commuters who rely on public transport to get to work, with some facing the prospect of waiting for another bus and potentially arriving late.

Tamnamore Park and Ride has become a particular concern, with queues of passengers reportedly building up as commuters struggle to board services with available seats.

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA, Patsy McGlone, said: “Increasing numbers of constituents have been contacting my office about the lack of available spaces on the Translink bus service from Dungannon to Belfast, via Tamnamore Roundabout Park and Ride, and on the Castledawson to Belfast route, via Toome.

“With the cost of fuel continuing to rise more commuters in Mid Ulster are choosing public transport as the only viable option for their morning and evening journeys to work in Belfast.

“However, they are frequently being left behind at the designated boarding stops in Toome, and at the Tamnamore Park and Ride, because of a lack of seats on the buses.”

SDLP councillor, Malachy Quinn added: “The rising cost of fuel is driving an increase in demand for public transport by regular commuters in Mid Ulster.

“People are choosing the economically sensible, and environmentally friendly, option of public transport over private cars. But Translink are letting them down by not providing sufficient buses to meet the increased demand on these routes.

“At Tamnamore Park and Ride it is now not uncommon to see queues of commuters forced to decide between abandoning their attempts to use public transport or wait for another bus and risk being late for work in the morning.”

Mr McGlone concluded: “I have asked the Minister for Infrastructure for details of the assessment of capacity on these routes, and what additional provision had been made for the increase in demand as fuel prices continue to rise.

“Translink have a responsibility to provide the bus service needed to meet that demand and, as representatives of the people of Mid Ulster, we will continue to press the Minister to ensure that service is delivered.”