Translink announce additional services for Derry Halloween

Translink has announced additional and enhanced services for bus and rail in Derry for the upcoming Halloween festival, ensuring thousands of locals and visitors are better-connected to the celebrations.

As Europe’s biggest Halloween festival prepares to descend upon the Northwest, public transport provides people with a safe, convenient, and sustainable way of travelling to, from and around the city.

On Halloween night (Thursday 31st October), Translink will be running a number of additional Foyle Metro, Ulsterbus and Goldliner services from Foyle Street Bus Station:

• 21:00 – additional 1a service to Culmore
• 21:10 – additional 3n service covering Kilfennan, Currynierin and Drumahoe
• 21:10 – additional 98 service to Strabane via Newbuildings
• 22:00 – additional 212 service to Castledawson
   

The public are also advised to note some service adjustments:

• 4c – 20:25 from Foyle Street and 20:45 from Currynierin not running due to road closures for the fireworks display. Passengers can instead avail of the 3n service from Foyle Street at 21:10.
• 6a – 20:20 to Newbuildings and 20:35 return not running due to road closures for the fireworks display. Passengers can avail of the 98 service to Newbuildings at 21:10
• 8b – 20:50 from Foyle Street to Creggan moved to 21:00, with return moving from 21:05 to 21:15.
• 10a – 20:40 Ballymagroarty service moved to 21:00, with return moved from 21:00 to 21:20
• 11a – 20:40 to Woodbrook moved to 21:00

At the North West Transport Hub, additional capacity has been added to the 21:38 train departure to Belfast Grand Central Station, followed by an additional rail service at 22:38 to Coleraine Station.

A special coach service will also operate from Belfast Grand Central Station on Halloween at 3pm, making its return journey from Foyle Street Bus Centre at 9pm. Tickets for this service are available to book online by visiting: translink.co.uk/events.

Mayor of Derry City & Strabane District Council, Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr, said: “I am delighted that Translink is once again supporting our world-famous Halloween celebrations by providing additional services that will allow families and individuals to use public transport to access and enjoy our events.

“Halloween continues to be our biggest event of the year and it’s fantastic that we have additional services to encourage the public to attend our events and help ease traffic congestion and parking in our city centre. A huge thanks to Translink and our partners for their continued support in helping us promote sustainability and accessibility at our festival.”

Sarah Simpson, Northern Area Manager at Translink, added: "Our commitment to sustainability and providing greener travel options aligns perfectly with the city's own aspirations, so we are delighted to be running these additional and enhanced services for Derry, ensuring better connectivity to Europe’s biggest Halloween festival.

“With these services, we aim to encourage even more people to make the switch away from private motoring, enjoy the many benefits of public transport and help create a cleaner, greener region for everyone.”

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Contactless ticketing is now available on all Translink buses and coaches, providing even more convenience and flexibility, reducing cash payments and ensuring faster boarding. Those planning on travelling to the city from further afield during the Halloween period can also avail of Translink's Family and Friends ticket for just £24, including unlimited day travel on all services - both bus and rail - within Northern Ireland. This ticket permits up to two adults and four children.

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