A new £340m transport hub in Belfast will start to operate from next month, it was announced today.
Translink has revealed a phased opening of its Grand Central Station.
Buses operating from the Europa Bus Centre will move over first on Sunday September 8.
However, a date is still to be confirmed for trains.
Public realm work around the station will continue into 2025, Translink said.
The new station, situated near the current Europa station, will be the largest integrated transport hub on the island of Ireland.
Extensive training is underway for staff in preparation for the move alongside work for connecting the 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.”
Mr Conway said the coming weeks will see changes for passengers as Translink phases 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,” he added.
“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 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.
Translink said there are more updates to follow in the coming weeks.
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.”
Read more
News Catch Up – Monday 19th August