Train service still inadequate, but fares are going up blasts Dickson

Carrickfergus Alliance Councillor Stewart Dickson has stated his annoyance that Translink are not providing a good enough train service, yet they feel able to increase ticket prices. His comments come after he received complaints that commuters had to stand on a train from Lurgan to Belfast, even though this is the height of the summer and fewer commuters are using the service.

Cllr Stewart Dickson, who is a long-standing campaigner for improved public transport, said: “Our train services as they currently stand are simply inadequate. People want to get out of their cars and take public transport to go to work, yet when they do some have to stand the whole way through long journeys.

“I have received complaints that commuters had to stand on the train from Lurgan to Belfast yesterday morning. Given that this is the summer and less people than usual would be using commuter trains, this is quite alarming. It is unacceptable that people are facing higher fares for public transport, yet the service is often inadequate.

“Trains often do not have enough carriages attached to fulfil seating demand. If the Stormont Executive and Translink are serious about getting people to leave their car at home and take the train, then improved services are needed.”

ENDS