Translink confirms July holiday timetable changes as passengers urged to plan ahead

Ballymena Rail & Bus Centre

Thousands of public transport users across Northern Ireland, including commuters and families travelling from the Ballymena area, are being urged to check their journeys in advance after Translink confirmed revised bus and rail timetables for the July holiday period.

The changes will affect rail passengers, Ulsterbus users, Goldliner services and Metro routes over the Twelfth celebrations, with additional disruption expected in Belfast due to road closures and traffic restrictions linked to events on Monday, July 13.

For many passengers across Mid and East Antrim who rely on public transport for work, shopping, day trips and family visits, services will operate differently from normal schedules over several days in July.

Rail passengers face timetable changes

Translink has confirmed that NI Railways services, including the Enterprise cross-border service, will operate a normal Sunday timetable on Sunday, July 12.

However, passengers travelling by rail on Monday, July 13, and Tuesday, July 14, should note that trains will instead operate to Saturday timetables on both days.

The changes mean some early morning and late evening services may operate at different times or not run at all compared with standard weekday schedules.

Bus services also affected

Ulsterbus services, including Goldliner routes used extensively by passengers travelling to and from Ballymena, Antrim, Belfast, Coleraine and other destinations, will operate a normal Sunday timetable on July 12.

On Monday, July 13, and Tuesday, July 14, revised holiday timetables will be in place across the network.

Metro and Glider services in Belfast will also operate differently during the holiday period, with a Sunday timetable running on Monday, July 13, followed by a Saturday timetable on Tuesday, July 14.

Meanwhile, Foyle Metro services in Londonderry will operate Saturday schedules on both days.

Belfast road closures expected to impact services

Passengers travelling to Belfast for shopping, work, events or onward travel connections are being warned to expect additional disruption on Monday, July 13.

Road closures and traffic restrictions associated with Twelfth events in the city are expected to affect a number of Metro, Glider, Ulsterbus and Goldliner services.

As a result, some routes and bus stops will operate differently from normal and Translink is advising passengers to check arrangements before travelling.

The transport provider says advance planning will help passengers avoid delays and ensure they can reach their destinations with minimal disruption.

Summer timetables begin from July 1

Separately, Translink has reminded passengers that its annual summer timetable changes will come into effect from Wednesday, July 1, coinciding with the start of the school summer holidays.

The seasonal timetable adjustments affect Ulsterbus, Goldliner, Metro, Glider and Foyle Metro services, as well as Park and Ride operations.

Summer schedules typically reflect changing travel patterns during July and August, with some services operating at different frequencies while schools remain closed.

How passengers can check their journey

Translink is encouraging passengers to check services before travelling using its Journey Planner app or online journey planning tools.

Passengers can also contact the Translink Contact Centre for assistance with travel information and timetable enquiries.

Further information is available at www.translink.co.uk or by calling the Contact Centre on 02890 666630.

With the July holidays traditionally among the busiest periods for travel across Northern Ireland, passengers are being encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys and confirm service details before setting out.