SDLP MLA for Mid Ulster Patsy McGlone has welcomed confirmation that Translink have increased capacity on the Castledawson to Derry bus service in response to a rise in passenger numbers in September.
The confirmation came in a recent Assembly written answer from the Minister for Infrastructure.
In September, Mr McGlone highlighted a number of cases where constituents had been unable to board the Translink bus service in Castledawson due to a lack of available seats. The Mid Ulster MLA had asked the Infrastructure Minister what assessment of passenger capacity had been made on the route, and what additional provision had been made for the increase in demand in September.
Mr McGlone said, “I welcome the response from Translink to the concerns of regular passengers on the Castledawson to Derry service about the lack of spaces on the buses in September.
“Translink have confirmed that they are now providing additional capacity on 212 services from Belfast to Derry, through Castledawson, during the morning peak period.
“I also welcome Translink’s longer-term plans to align its services with the demand of students attending the Ulster University campuses at Magee.
“However, even with the temporary impact of a weekend closure of the rail line from Derry to Coleraine, it is unbelievable that Translink did not foresee that there would be an increase in passenger numbers on this route in September.
“Providing extra capacity now will not help those who needed a seat on a bus then, but it should prevent further passengers being stranded.
“It is important that people in Mid Ulster are not neglected by Translink in future, and I will continue to press the Minister to ensure that the necessary resources are available, and deployed by Translink, so that does not happen.”
ENDS
Notes:
Assembly Written Question: Answered 8 October 2026
Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Infrastructure, regarding the Translink bus service from Castledawson to Derry, to detail (i) any assessment that has been made of the passenger capacity on the service, and (ii) any additional provision in place to deal with the increase in demand in September. AQW 52916/22-27
Infrastructure Minister: This issue is an operational matter for Translink. I have sought the requested information and have been advised as follows:
From the beginning of September, Translink has experienced some capacity pressures on services operating out of Belfast on the 212 services during the morning peak. Its initial assessment indicates that this resulted from a combination of factors.
Coupled with the resumption of students attending university, Translink has noted an increase in passengers above the normal demand increase it would typically see at the beginning of September, there was also a rail line closure in place between Derry and Coleraine on Saturday 19 September, Sunday 20 September and Monday 21 September. A bus substitution service was in place and operated between Coleraine and the North West Transport Hub. However, some rail passenger demand from Belfast migrated to the scheduled 212 bus service rather than availing of the rail service to Coleraine and then transferring to the bus substitution service for the onward journey to Derry/Northwest Transport Hub. This placed exceptional capacity pressures on Translink’s scheduled 212 service.
Based on this increase in demand, Translink is now providing additional capacity on 212 services from Belfast to Derry during the morning peak as it continues to assess demand. Longer term, Translink plans to align its services with the demand patterns of students attending the University of Ulster campuses at Magee and attract modal shift. However, in the current challenging financial environment, it will need to do this by using its existing resources in a way that balances this specific demand market with overall demand for services across its network.
