Issues

Joining up journeys

Translink explain why Park and Ride is the smart move for keeping Northern Ireland connected.

Park and Ride is key to unlocking greater connectivity and journey choice for commuters across Northern Ireland. There are more than 50 Park and Ride sites across the bus and rail network here. In total, they provide almost 7,000 car parking spaces with convenient connections to Translink bus and train services. In a significant number of locations, utilisation rates are in excess of 85 per cent with customer numbers continuing to grow demonstrating their popularity and success at attracting more people to take the bus or train.

The Benefits
In recent years, local traffic issues have hit the news headlines with Belfast being labelled the UK’s most congested city (TomTom Traffic Index, 2013). Park and Ride plays a central role in tackling this serious problem by making it possible for thousands of people to make at least part of their trip without a car. Other key benefits include:

• Cost savings – taking the car is expensive with fuel, upkeep and parking charges all mounting up but commuters can park for free at a P&R facility and choose from a range of great value Translink bus or rail tickets for their journey;
• Car parking availability – no need to drive around cites and town searching for free spaces;
• Convenience – P&R services operate at times that suit the majority of commuters;
• Accessibility – conveniently located disabled parking bays and new low-floor, easy access buses are part of the standard specification for existing and proposed P&R car parks;
• Avoid traffic – hassle-free journeys, many using bus lanes or rail services unaffected by traffic jams;
• Security – feel reassured that your vehicle is safe with onsite security at many P&R locations;
• Environment – contribute to a more sustainable future for Northern Ireland by reducing harmful pollution levels;
• Health – Commuting by public transport is linked to a healthier lifestyle and mental well-being (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and University College London study, 2014).

Making Progress
Recent P&R developments include the completion of a 520-space facility at Dundonald and a 50-space extension at Ballee, now providing 136 spaces. Investment at Millbrook, Castledawson and Tamnamore is also paying off with high numbers of commuters benefitting from fast and frequent Goldline Express services. A Ballymartin facility with 430 spaces is also under construction. Cairnshill facility now enjoys regular daily use of around 500 spaces and the Sprucefield/Blacks Road sites are operating at capacity.
For train passengers, plans are developing for Whiteabbey and Ballymoney stations offering additional free parking, enhanced safety and accessibility. Proposals are also in place for a new Rail Halt and Park and Ride facility featuring 350 spaces for commuters in West Lisburn subject to funding approvals and planning permission.

Future Investment
In 2014-2015, 80.4 million passenger journeys were made using Translink services exceeding the Executive’s target of 78 million. In particular, both NI Railways and Goldline coach passenger numbers have increased significantly in the last decade – 81 per cent and 50 per cent respectively – and Park and Ride is contributing to this success.

It’s clear that commuter demand for P&R is set to grow and further guaranteed capital and revenue funding alongside attractive supporting bus and rail services will be essential to ensure that Northern Ireland’s future travel requirements are met.

For more information, contact Translink on 028 9066 6630, visit www.translink.co.uk or follow us on twitter @Translink_ni #smartmovers

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