On the right track
Founded in 1996, Translink is Northern Ireland’s government-owned transport operator. It runs all rail and bus services in the country as well as services to Dublin
The company operates 12,500 services each day with a fleet of 1,400 buses, coaches, and trains which between them, travel 44 million miles each year
All aboard
Translink currently operates city services out of Belfast with Metro & Glider, along with a similar service in Derry/Londonderry under the name of “Foyle Metro”
Ulsterbus is responsible for most bus services in Northern Ireland and operates 22 bus stations. Upgraded “Urby” services run to key commuter towns out of Belfast
Goldline is a key inter-urban coach network, essentially running as a rail service where there are none
Translink also owns and operates all rail infrastructure in Northern Ireland
In 2018 Translink introduced Glider, the first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Belfast, running from East to West.
The system includes bendy buses, new dedicated lanes, a tap-on system, and increased frequency with buses running every 7 minutes.
Since its introduction, Glider has cemented itself as part of Belfast’s “skyline”, as instantly recognisable as the H&W cranes.
Glider has become a blueprint for BRT success, with a 70% increase in ridership along its routes, an 8-9% modal shift from cars, and a reliable, accessible, unrestrictive method of travel for many.
A bold new age
In 2021 Translink announced a re-brand, including a modern hexagonal logo calling to the shape of the stones found at Giants Causeway
In 2022, Translink announced the purchase of new zero-emission buses for its Metro and Ulsterbus network. In 2023 the entire Foyle Metro fleet was converted
The same year, contactless ticketing was introduced, a step towards the planned Translink Future Ticketing System (TFTS), the largest system in the UK outside of London
Work also started on Belfast Grand Central Station which, when completed, will be the largest integrated transport hub on the Island of Ireland
Looking to the future
Northern Ireland is preparing itself for something of a public transport renaissance
Grand Central Station is currently on time and on budget and once opened in 2024, will give Translink the capacity needed for major transport projects such as the re-opening of key rail lines, new stations including one at International Aiport, and the introduction of Glider 2
