Translink halts evening bus and rail services as protest fears escalate across Northern Ireland

Commuters across Northern Ireland are facing major disruption tonight after Translink announced the suspension of all evening bus and rail services amid fears of unrest linked to expected protests.

The unprecedented move means no bus departures will operate after 5pm on Wednesday evening, while all train services will stop departing after 6pm as transport operators brace for potential disorder.

The decision is expected to impact thousands of passengers travelling home from work, school, appointments, and evening events across the province including Ballymena, Belfast, Antrim, Larne, Coleraine and beyond.

Translink said some bus services had already been temporarily suspended earlier in the day until 1.30pm before resuming, but confirmed wider evening shutdowns were now being introduced as a safety measure.

Safety concerns force major transport shutdown

In a statement issued on Wednesday, a Translink spokesperson said the move had been taken following expected protests and ongoing discussions with police and other agencies.

They said:

“Due to expected protests all Translink bus and rail services will be suspended this evening (Wednesday 10 June).

“There will be no bus departures after 5pm and no train services will depart after 6pm.

“There is currently a temporary suspension of some bus services until 1.30pm after which time services will resume.

“We are working closely with a range of stakeholders, including the PSNI, our Trade Unions, and other key partners to make appropriate arrangements to keep our passengers, staff and the wider public safe.

“Passengers are advised that services may be subject to alteration or cancellation. Where possible, passengers should travel earlier in the day and allow extra time for their journeys.

“Suspending services is always a last resort, but the safety of our customers and staff remains our top priority. We want to give people as much advance notice as possible so they can plan accordingly.

“We thank our staff and customers for their continued support at this time.

“We intend to be in a position to resume normal services tomorrow morning, and passengers are encouraged to check the latest travel updates via Translink social channels and the Journey Planner app.”

Impact likely to be felt across region

The suspension is likely to create significant knock-on disruption for people relying on public transport to return home this evening, particularly in areas with limited late-evening alternatives.

Students, shift workers, hospital staff, retail employees and those attending evening appointments or events may all face difficulties as services wind down earlier than normal.

Translink’s warning that services could still face further alterations or cancellations throughout the day has also added uncertainty for passengers attempting to plan journeys.

Passengers urged to travel early

Transport officials are advising passengers to travel earlier in the day wherever possible and to closely monitor updates before setting out.

The operator said safety remained the overriding priority as tensions continue to build around expected protest activity.

While Translink said it hopes to restore normal operations on Thursday morning, the situation remains fluid and further updates are expected later today.