Menu
17/02/2006
Consumer Council report half Metro buses run late
The Consumer Council (CC) has today released a report stating that half the buses on Belfast's new Metro service were late in reaching their destination.
The CC also found problems with cleanliness during their investigation on test routes across the city.
Over the past number of weeks, a team of Assembly members from each of the four main political parties' along with volunteers, tried out the Translink service and the majority gave positive feedback on their journeys, however punctuality problems did seem to be a constant problem.
Eddie Lynch, Head of Consumer Affairs at the Consumer Council said: “Overall, most volunteers had a positive journey and commented that the buses were convenient and accessible. However, reliability must be improved. Passengers must be able to depend on the bus getting them where they want to go on time - a late bus can make passengers late for work or miss important appointments. Passengers reported improvements in punctuality last year when the Metro was introduced so it is concerning to see so many of the journeys carried out last week ran late.
“The Challenge has further highlighted the need for more bus lanes and other bus priority measures to be introduced as soon as possible. Many passengers stated that the lack of bus lanes on some routes caused delays to the bus arriving on time. The development of quality bus corridors is clearly needed to get the best from Metro."
Mr Lynch concluded that the CC would report their findings back to Translink and the Department of Regional Development, who will also be included in a wider review of the Metro service over the coming weeks, which should hopefully lead to greater improvements on the reliability and attractiveness of the service.
(EF/SP)
The CC also found problems with cleanliness during their investigation on test routes across the city.
Over the past number of weeks, a team of Assembly members from each of the four main political parties' along with volunteers, tried out the Translink service and the majority gave positive feedback on their journeys, however punctuality problems did seem to be a constant problem.
Eddie Lynch, Head of Consumer Affairs at the Consumer Council said: “Overall, most volunteers had a positive journey and commented that the buses were convenient and accessible. However, reliability must be improved. Passengers must be able to depend on the bus getting them where they want to go on time - a late bus can make passengers late for work or miss important appointments. Passengers reported improvements in punctuality last year when the Metro was introduced so it is concerning to see so many of the journeys carried out last week ran late.
“The Challenge has further highlighted the need for more bus lanes and other bus priority measures to be introduced as soon as possible. Many passengers stated that the lack of bus lanes on some routes caused delays to the bus arriving on time. The development of quality bus corridors is clearly needed to get the best from Metro."
Mr Lynch concluded that the CC would report their findings back to Translink and the Department of Regional Development, who will also be included in a wider review of the Metro service over the coming weeks, which should hopefully lead to greater improvements on the reliability and attractiveness of the service.
(EF/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
10 May 2022
Translink Bus Strike 'Back On' From 17-23 May
The bus strike "is back on", the GMB Union has announced after their members rejected a revised pay offer. The union has said that drivers, cleaners and shunters across the company will walk out for seven days from 17 to 23 May 2022, "causing the entire bus network to grind to a halt".
Translink Bus Strike 'Back On' From 17-23 May
The bus strike "is back on", the GMB Union has announced after their members rejected a revised pay offer. The union has said that drivers, cleaners and shunters across the company will walk out for seven days from 17 to 23 May 2022, "causing the entire bus network to grind to a halt".
21 October 2011
Parade To Strut Their Stuff For Hallowe'en
The pop girl band Parade and Britain's Got Talent's quirky Stavros Flatley will headline Belfast's Hallowe'en celebrations at the end of this month.
Parade To Strut Their Stuff For Hallowe'en
The pop girl band Parade and Britain's Got Talent's quirky Stavros Flatley will headline Belfast's Hallowe'en celebrations at the end of this month.
29 January 2013
Translink Brings Back Love Metro Saturdays
Translink has announced the return of its popular Love Metro Saturdays day ticket offering unlimited travel onboard Metro services throughout Belfast for just £2 every Saturday in February. In addition, Translink will provide free bus services from both Cairnshill and Black’' Road Park and Ride sites every Saturday in February.
Translink Brings Back Love Metro Saturdays
Translink has announced the return of its popular Love Metro Saturdays day ticket offering unlimited travel onboard Metro services throughout Belfast for just £2 every Saturday in February. In addition, Translink will provide free bus services from both Cairnshill and Black’' Road Park and Ride sites every Saturday in February.
14 April 2023
Suspicious Device Discovered In West Belfast
A security operation is ongoing in west Belfast following the discovery of a suspicious object. A number of homes have been evacuated following the discovery on the Monagh Road, close to Holy Trinity Primary School. The PSNI has advised the public and motorists to avoid the area.
Suspicious Device Discovered In West Belfast
A security operation is ongoing in west Belfast following the discovery of a suspicious object. A number of homes have been evacuated following the discovery on the Monagh Road, close to Holy Trinity Primary School. The PSNI has advised the public and motorists to avoid the area.
10 November 2021
'Most' Metro Bus Services To Return To Normal
Most metro bus services are expected to return to normal service this evening, Wednesday 10 November, following two nights of suspensions and disruptions. Translink has said that will some diversions will remain, they will continue to monitor the situation in the coming days and reportedly have "steps in place to respond to any arising situations".
'Most' Metro Bus Services To Return To Normal
Most metro bus services are expected to return to normal service this evening, Wednesday 10 November, following two nights of suspensions and disruptions. Translink has said that will some diversions will remain, they will continue to monitor the situation in the coming days and reportedly have "steps in place to respond to any arising situations".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
