Translink has announced an update of a phased opening for its ‘state of the art’ Grand Central Station.
From next month, services will be introduced in phases with buses operating from the Europa Buscentre to move over first on Sunday 8th September followed by rail operations, date to be confirmed.
Public Realm work around the station will continue into 2025.
Extensive training is underway for staff in preparation for the move alongside a comprehensive testing, training and commissioning programme for the connecting rail line and new signalling technology.
Translink Group Chief Executive, Chris Conway said: “This is a really exciting milestone for everyone. The new station, and associated railway, signalling and public realm is a game changer set to inspire people to use more sustainable transport options creating a better connected, cleaner and healthier region for everyone,” he said.
Translink has revealed updates for public transport across Northern Ireland.
Mr Conway said: “Over the coming weeks there will be a number of changes for passengers as we phase in bus and train services. These are being carefully planned to facilitate completion of all the essential commissioning and testing, to allow services to bed in, to give the public time to get familiar with the new station, and to facilitate the ongoing public realm works.
“We are urging passengers and parents of pupils returning to school after the summer break to plan their journey in advance, pre buy your ticket and allow extra time for your journey particularly travelling through the Belfast area.”
Some of the updates include a new two hourly cross border rail timetable in place from Monday August 26. This is to accommodate the new hourly Enterprise Belfast / Dublin services due to be introduced later this year.
Translink are yet to confirm a date for the reopening of the rail line between Lisburn and Belfast Lanyon Place.
The line is closed to complete the engineering works to connect the track and install new signalling for the new station as well as take forward the required safety testing, commissioning and training. It also facilitates the construction of the new bus stands.
On the weekdays bus substitution services are operating between Belfast Lanyon Place and Lisburn Train Stations to serve nearby schools.
This shuttle service operates approximately every 10mins at peak times (morning and afternoon/ evening) and every 30 minutes off peak.
Adjustments to Ulsterbus / Goldliner and Metro timetables are currently operating to help maintain bus service reliability and performance during increased traffic pressures on the city centre network. The location of some city centre stops have also changed these will continue until further notice.
For more details visit Tranlink’s website through the Translink Journey Planner and by phoning the Contact Centre on 02890 666630.
Translink said there are more updates to follow in the coming weeks, Mr Conway understands the updates may be confusing to passengers so Translink are hosting several public information events for passengers.
Mr Conway continued: “To ensure everyone has all the information they need to enable a smooth transition over to the new facility we will have information on our website and have a series of public information events in stations planned with advice to assist passengers with the changeover.
“This operational opening is a significant milestone in the project marking the next step towards transforming Northern Ireland’s public transport system. Over the coming year the programme of street works to improve pedestrian access around the new station will continue before the overall project is fully completed.
“We are excited to offer a ‘grand’ welcome to visitors and passengers and want to thank everyone for their patience and support. We know there has been much interest and anticipation in the new facility which is set to help unlock the true potential of our region as a great place to live, work and visit,” he said.
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News Catch Up – Monday 19th August