27 May 2005
NEW BUS LANES FOR EAST BELFAST
Bus passengers will save journey time with the introduction of new bus lanes on the Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast.
The Department for Regional Development's Roads Service has taken more steps to provide a 'Quality Bus Corridor' on the Upper Newtownards Road.
Two new lanes will come into operation on Monday 30 May 2005. Between 4.30pm-6.00pm on Monday to Friday, the lanes will only be available for use by buses, Belfast public hire taxis and bicycles.
- 330 metres of bus lane will be provided in an outward-bound direction from Beersbridge Road to North Road, and
- 300 metres will be provided between the two junctions with Rosepark, also in an outward-bound direction.
There are plans to introduce a 480 metre new stretch of city bound bus lane from Brooklands Road to Robbs Road. Improved boarding facilities will be provided at two bus stops on this lane.
Also, the Metro services operating from Ballybeen will be allowed direct access onto the new bus lane from Davarr Avenue. This will come into operation in mid June and will operate 24 hours a day. The lane will only be available for use by buses, Belfast public hire taxis and bicycles.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
A Quality Bus Corridor (QBC) is a package of measures designed to encourage greater use of public transport through more frequent bus services, quicker bus times, high quality buses better bus stops and improved quality shelters. They are developed through partnerships between local road authorities and bus operators. In Northern Ireland Roads Service and Translink are working together to develop and introduce QBCs.
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0372.
Click here to print this press release.
