Translink encourages late-night bus and train services for Derry during the festive season

Translink is calling on festive revellers to make use of the recently launched new late-night bus and train services operating on Friday and Saturday nights over the Christmas period in Derry.

The city recently became one of the first cities in the UK and Ireland to operate a fully zero emissions urban bus service, in addition customers can now purchase their tickets using an on-board contactless payment facility, providing even more convenience and flexibility.

These latest service enhancements further reflect Translink’s efforts to make life better connected and support the local economy, environment and social prosperity.

The recent introduction of late-night services coincides with the city centre entering a traditionally bustling festive trading period, enhancing accessibility for a larger population and providing increased convenience for both work and leisure travel purposes.

Commenting on the return of the late-night timetable, Translink Group Chief Executive, Chris Conway said: “The night-time economy plays an essential role in boosting tourism, jobs and in keeping people better connected, particularly during the festive season and we want to play our part in helping more people enjoy the fantastic hospitality on offer.

“People can come into the city and enjoy all the Christmas craic and festivities knowing they have a safe and reliable route home.

“We know there has been strong public interest in the new Foyle Metro fleet and we are expecting them to be busy as more people make the most of the festive season. We look forward to working with our partners to create a more connected, sustainable, and liveable city for all.”

Jim Roddy, City Centre Manager and Chief Executive of City Centre Initiative added: “This is great news for the city as we enter an extremely busy period for our city centre traders including pubs, restaurants and retail providers.

"We hope that this announcement will encourage more people to travel to the city centre during the festive season, knowing these late-night services are available to transport them home.”

Full timetable and fares information is available at www.translink.co.uk, on Translink’s Journey Planner or by calling into Foyle Street Bus Station.  

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said he hopes the service will help to promote the local night-time economy as well as ensuring that people get home safely during the festive period.  

The Foyle MLA said: "This service will be a great addition to the evening economy whether people are buying in the Christmas shopping or joining friends and workmates for a night out."

TIMES

Rail - There will be a 23:32 from Derry to Coleraine.

Foyle Metro timetable enhancements are as follows:

The following late-night services will operate on Friday and Saturday nights:

12n - New late circular route covering Carnhill, Galliagh, Clon Elagh, Culmore 2300 ex Foyle Street Buscentre

3n - New late circular route covering Waterside 2300 ex Foyle Street Buscentre

145n – Covering Eglinton, and Strathfoyle ex Foyle Street Buscentre, Friday 22:30 and Saturday 22:00

Belfast to Derry Fri / Sat nights

Rail: The 22:40 x Belfast which runs as far as Coleraine will have a connection on to Derry at 00.15.

Goldliner: 212 will operate at 00.15am and 1.15am from Belfast to Derry

Other timetable enhancements include:

1 – Culmore – One additional Saturday morning trip at 0900 ex Foyle Street and 0915 ex Culmore

2 – Nelson Drive/ Knightsbridge – one additional Monday – Friday trip at 2110 ex Foyle Street 2130 return. Saturday one additional late trip at 2050 ex Foyle Street, 2110 return.

In addition, service 7n will run Monday – Saturday at 2305 ex Foyle Street to Nelson Drive.

6 – Newbuildings – two additional trips Monday – Friday 2030 and 2220 ex Foyle Street, returning at 2045 and 2235. Saturday one additional trip at 2120, returning at 2135.

8 – Creggan –additional trip at 2050 Monday – Friday and 2030 on a Saturday

9 – additional trip for Ballymagroarty via Rosemount and Glenowen at 1910 ex Foyle Street Monday to Friday

7n – New late circular route covering Brandywell, Creggan, Ballymagroarty and Nelson Drive Monday – Saturday ex Foyle Street Buscentre at 2237

10 – Ballymagroarty – service 7n will serve Ballymagroarty at 2237 ex Foyle Street Monday – Saturday

13 – One additional bus per hour Monday – Saturday to Clon Elagh via Shantallow and Fernabbey, with an extra evening trip. On Friday and Saturday service 12n will cover this area.

11 – Woodbrook –additional trips at 2040 ex Foyle Street Monday to Friday and at 2200 ex Foyle Street Monday – Saturday