East Belfast Alliance MP Naomi Long has expressed frustration that Translink have announced they are going to make reductions to the number 29 bus service which provides a link across a number of areas of Castlereagh. The service is going to be withdrawn at off peak times.
Naomi Long MP said: “Alliance has been campaigning hard to try and safeguard the number 29 bus service and other services in the area. The 29 route provides an important link across a number of areas of Castlereagh and I am very disappointed about this news.
“We put our concerns to Translink about the impact on the community that a cut to this service would have, and I am frustrated that it is not being maintained in full. This is a blow to the community in Castlereagh and I would call on Translink to reconsider this move.
“It’s vital that we encourage more people to use public transport and this announcement sends out the wrong message.”
Castlereagh Alliance Councillor Michael Long said: “I had proposed that Castlereagh Council write to Translink to express concern about their plans and this was unanimously backed by the other Councillors.
“The number 29 route also serves the Ulster Hospital and I am worried about the impact of a reduced service for all the people who depend on this bus to get to hospital appointments and visit people there.”
Castlereagh Alliance Councillor Carole Howard added: “This service is one of the few that links up a number of different areas in Castlereagh and people will be deeply concerned that the service is being reduced. I would hope that Translink would reconsider this decision because this reduction will have a serious impact in the areas affected.”
ENDS