Public transport in NI: Your questions answered

Thousands of passengers will pass through the new Grand Central Station in Belfast every day.

The station is only open for buses at this stage and there is no date yet for when train services will begin.

Translink say the new station will cater for 20m passenger journeys per year.

BBC News NI put some questions from readers, in relation to the new station and other transport issues, to Translink’s Chief Executive Chris Conway.

One reader who passed through the new station on Monday commented that there seemed to be a lack of seating.

Mr Conway explained that given media interest in the opening, less seating had been in place to keep the space open.

He said seating would be in place at each platform and added that due to the new station being larger there was a “perception” that seating had been reduced.

The chief executive also said seating would be in place at the new restaurants and cafes when they are in place.

Retailers confirmed for the station include Pret A Manger, Marks and Spencer and Brew Dog.

Mr Conway said the opening of cafes and other stores at the station will be phased.

He said Pret A Manger should open its doors before the end of the month with others to open in the coming months.

At the moment, a pop-up offering hot beverages and snacks is currently in place.

Other readers have commented on Belfast’s Glider service not being connected to the new station.

Mr Conway said that phase one of the Glider, which connects the east and west of the city, currently stops on Great Victoria Street which is a “short walk” to the new station.

He added that while no consideration has been given to changing this route, there could be “flexibility” when in comes to phase two which will run from north to south Belfast.

A question which is brought up time and time again is the lack of public transport provision later in the evening in Northern Ireland.

Readers have commented on how it leads many to opt for the car if attending events in Belfast.

Mr Conway said this was something Translink would look to do and the new station increases the capability to do so.

“We have previously done it with the Metro service, particularly around Christmas but we are exploring having it more all year round,” he said.

Mr Conway also pointed to later services which are currently in place to both Londonderry and Newry from Belfast.

Readers have also been asking about travelling to Belfast International Airport from the city centre.

Mr Conway said the All-Island Strategic Rail Review included a recommendation to reinstate the Lisburn to Antrim line which would enable Belfast International to be served by a rail link.

He added there had also been engagement to improve connectivity between the Sydenham train halt and Belfast City Airport.

One reader, who is a wheelchair user, spoke of having to wait on another bus due to buses only being able to accommodate one wheelchair user or pram.

Mr Conway said that all single decker buses currently have low floor access and one space dedicated for wheelchair users.

Meanwhile, on the Glider he said there are spaces dedicated for wheelchair users only.

In terms of coaches, Mr Conway said for access there are lifts in place but he accepted low floor accessibility would be preferred and would be explored in any future purchase.

He added that Translink works with disability groups in order to increase accessibility on their services.

Another reader asked when the rest of Northern Ireland would catch up with Belfast in terms of bus stops with electronic timetable signage.

Mr Conway said given the amount of bus stops in Northern Ireland this would not be feasible.

He also stated that this was only possible with Metro services due to there being real time information as the buses are tracked.

However, Mr Conway said work had begun to add this to the Ulsterbus service with its first introduction to be with Goldliner routes.

He added that although digital timetables may not be on every bus stop, the best way to keep up to date is on the app.