Funding agreed for late-night buses pilot

Translink said the scheme would allow it to "build on the success of previous seasonal services"

Funding for a one-year pilot scheme extending hours for late-night transport in Belfast has been confirmed by the Northern Ireland Executive.

The late-night buses will run on Friday and Saturday evenings.

The total estimated costs for the pilot are in the region of £650,000.

Last month, Belfast City Council had agreed to co-fund, alongside Stormont, a late-night public transport pilot.

Translink welcomed the news, saying it would build on "the success" of previous late-night services at Christmas, and help to "explore the long-term potential for extended late-night operations".

At present, the last services on Belfast Metro bus routes leave Belfast City Hall at or before 23:00 local time.

The details of the pilot late-night services have not yet been announced.

Enhanced connectivity

"Late-night public transport plays a vital role in enabling safe, sustainable travel and supporting the vibrancy of our night-time economy," Translink chief executive Chris Conway said.

Further details on the one-year pilot are expected to be announced by Translink in the near future.

Translink said it "reflects a shared commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting the night-time economy, and improving safety for those travelling in and out of the city at night".

'Major economic driver'

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald confirmed funding for the scheme on Thursday.

Kimmins said: "Late night public transport services are in high demand and encourage behavioural shift while supporting the night-time economy and improving safety as people return home in the evenings.

"Providing this service for a 12-month pilot will provide a more consistent and dependable service, which will help stimulate demand."

Archibald said she had agreed a joint funding approach to the scheme with the Department for Infrastructure.

She said she was "committed to supporting the development of a safe, thriving and diverse night-time economy" and "reliable late-night transport is key to this".

"My department has collaborated with Tourism NI and the three Belfast Business Improvement Districts to commission research into the night-time economy in Belfast, Derry and Enniskillen," she added.

"The interim findings estimate up to £2.5m could be added to the value of Belfast's night-time economy by extending late-night public transport, far exceeding the cost to deliver the service."

Belfast City Council said it was "delighted" with the announcement.

It described the scheme as "a crucial step towards building a vibrant, accessible city", and said it would boost hospitality, tourism, and culture sectors.

"The service will be particularly valuable in making our city feel more welcoming and secure for everyone especially in the lead up to the festive season," a council spokesperson added.

Michael Stewart believes "the introduction of late night bus services across Belfast is a landmark moment" for the city

Last month, Belfast's night tsar Michael Stewart said a weekend late night service all year round was his primary objective as he began his second term.

He had said the lack of late-night transport for Belfast's Culture Night was a "missed opportunity".

Mr Stewart said he believed "the introduction of late night bus services across Belfast is a landmark moment" for the city.

"These new services will not only help customers stay later – they will also be a lifeline for the thousands of hospitality workers, venue staff, shift workers and health service employees who keep our city running at night," he added.

On Friday, Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) NI director, Ruth Sloan, said the announcement was "great news for pubs and consumers who have been crying out for night buses and late-night services for years".

However, she called on the Executive to now "modernise" Northern Ireland's alcohol licensing laws, to enable a "diverse range" of venues and drinks.

Clara Priestley said the scheme will help people get home safely

Clara Priestley said the scheme will be especially beneficial for women and girls.

"I think it's great for girls to get home safely and not have to use taxis on their own," she said.

"I would worry about unlit areas when getting off, but I will definitely be using them over Christmas."

Caolan Johnston said walking in Belfast late at night is dangerous

Caolan Johnston said late-night transport will be a "blessing" for students in Belfast.

"My wee sister lives in Belfast now, and I'll tell her to get that bus instead of walking, especially for girls, you can't be walking in Belfast at two in the morning."