Translink increases service from Sprucefield Park and Ride in the hope of encouraging more commuters

Translink is enhancing frequency at Sprucefield Park and Ride to encourage more people to choose the convenient and easy way to get to Belfast.

From Monday May 13, passengers using the dedicated 651 bus service from Sprucefield Park and Ride will enjoy a 20 minute frequency offering an additional 4,000 seats every week.

David Curry, Translink’s General Manager, Bus Services, said: “Sprucefield Park and Ride is conveniently located just off the M1 making it easy for anyone to use the site if going to Belfast from the south or west.

"Combined with a range of good value fares such as a single costing £3.80; £4.60 day return after 9.30am; and £28.50 for a ten journey Smartlink, the service operates via the bus lane along the M1 directly into the Europa Buscentre making it a smarter option for passengers, avoiding stress of driving and traffic congestion along the motorway and Westlink.

“Park and Ride offers customers a fast, comfortable and relaxing journey experience. With free Wi-Fi, in seat USB charging points, commuters and leisure users can enjoy more productive time on board to catch up on emails, social media or just relax and have a snooze.

“As work progresses on the new Belfast Grand Central Station, we want to entice more people to use sustainable travel options making way for a better connected and cleaner environment for all. It also offers another public transport option for passengers who wish to travel to Belfast during the summer when the train line is closed between Belfast and Lisburn.

“Park and Ride has always been popular giving people the option to drive part of the journey and simply transition to public transport helping to reduce urban traffic, no parking fees, and reducing carbon emissions, creating a greener, healthier environment for all.

“There are a range of sites at bus and train stations along with other bespoke sites at Blacks Road with services operating every 20 minutes and Ballymartin every 12 minutes at peak times.

“With the commencement of the Active Travel Challenge during June, we hope these enhancements will encourage more people trial P&R and start to enjoy the benefits of comfortable, hassle-free journeys into Belfast.”