Translink has announced the introduction of more frequent services on a number of its flagship Goldline coach routes from Monday 2nd September 2013.

The routes set to benefit include:• Derry~Londonderry to Belfast – Service 212 – Every 10 minutes at peak• Newry to Belfast – Service 238  - Every 15 minutes at peak• Larne to Belfast - Service 256 - Every 15 minutes at peak

Ciaran Doherty, Translink General Manager, Bus Services said, “Our Goldline Services  have continued to attract more and more people on board with a massive 45% increase over the last 8 years.  We now carry over 3 million passenger journeys on Goldline each year. 

“These latest timetable enhancements on some of our most popular routes will mean we can give our customers more flexible and convenient travel options to attract even more people on board. Serving the North West we will have a coach every 10 minutes between the two main cities in Northern Ireland. We are also maintaining the direct GX212 service from Derry~Londonderry to Belfast which has proved popular over the last year and have also made some adjustments to give our 212 passengers arriving into Foyle Street in Derry~Londonderry a connecting shuttle service to Strand Road to cater for the main areas for employment and education.

“Passengers can make great savings using the Goldline services compared to travelling via private car.  For instance, commuters travelling from Belfast to Derry~Londonderry can save up to £437.96 per month whilst passengers travelling from Belfast to Newry can save up to £145.86 per month compared to private car travel.*

“With the introduction of modern new coaches last year, free on board WiFi, leather seats and additional legroom together with great value tickets our customers are enjoying a top quality travel experience.

“In addition, our cross border coach services and great value on line fares have also been successful over the summer months with the introduction of the new X2 service direct to Dublin Airport / Dublin.  We have had some great positive feedback from customers who welcomed this hassle free option and no big parking costs at the airport. As such we plan to continue to operate both the X1 service via Lisburn and Banbridge and the X2 services throughout the winter period.

“We also launched a new X4 service over the summer between Derry~Londonderry and Dublin also serving Mid Ulster to give people even more flexibility and choice -  this service will also continue to run until December this year.

“With our great value commuter deals such as smartlink along with our 1/3 off day return off peak fares, and top quality service it’s clear that more people are choosing to leave the car at home and use our coach services for their everyday journeys, whether it’s business or leisure.

“In addition to route enhancements, recent customer information developments such as Translink’s Journey Planner app and website and social media platforms have added further to passenger convenience with real time journey information available at the push of a button.

“Our Journey Planner app is at the forefront of passenger transport technology allowing passengers to quickly discover when and where the most convenient service for them is available.  Currently the new app is being downloaded over 3,000 times per day while our social media presence offering travel updates has a following of upwards of 30,000,” Ciaran concluded.

Details of the enhancements and all Translink services can be found at www.translink.co.uk

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