Mr Dickson said that, having campaigned consistently for better train services, he is delighted to see that the timetables contain improvements in many areas, including to Whitehead in his own constituency of East Antrim.
Stewart Dickson MLA said: “Translink’s new timetables are to be welcomed as they include improvements that should lead to better, more efficient services.
“I am delighted that all trains on the Larne Railway Line will now travel the whole way through to Great Victoria Street, so users will no longer have to change trains at Belfast Central Station.
“The additional services between Belfast and Whitehead is a good response to public demand, especially due to the tireless efforts of the Larne Line Passenger Group, of which I have been particularly supportive. I am sure they will be looking to get this additional services extended to the whole Larne line.
“It is vitally important that we keep making improvements to our public transport system, to help bring about a modal shift away from our dependence on the private car.
“However, I do have grave concerns about the negotiation process, which has been marred by a lack of transparency. The public will not be able to accept a significant pay increase and unless I see real numbers and hard facts that can be analysed, I cannot endorse the new contracts at this stage.”
ENDS