Calls for Extra express Goldline services for the Derry to Belfast 212 bus service
She was speaking after securing unanimous support for her motion on Translink services at the full meeting of the Derry City and Strabane District Council on Wednesday afternoon.
As a result of the motion, Council will write to Translink expressing its support for the new direct services. Council is also asking that Translink secures a long-term solution for special rail and bus services for sporting events.
Said Cllr Barr: “Improving the reliability and efficacy of our public transport network and enhancing the connectivity of our region is key to the economic prosperity of our city.
“While many will be rightly delighted that the second phase of the A6 road project is finally complete, I have also heard from many constituents who are understandably disappointed that journey times by public transport have not improved and Derry is still lacking a direct service to Belfast or Dublin.
“Public transport commuters have also faced a 5-year delay and disruption in their journeys while the A6 upgrade was ongoing, so it is deeply frustrating that still the quickest journey time on the 212 bus service is 2 hours.
“For me, this is about our economic potential.
“How are we supposed to be a region where investors want to come and invest if our connectivity is so poor?
“How are our tourists supposed to spend their time and money here if we cannot assure them of fast and reliable transport between the international gateway of Dublin and Derry or indeed between the North’s biggest city and Derry either?
“We are the North’s second city and that must be reflected in the infrastructure investment in this region.
“We will also continue to fall further behind on dealing with the climate crisis if we do not reduce the number of cars on our roads and increase public transport.
“And given the fact that we are all advocating for a green economy and sustainability, direct services should be considered as a priority.
“We need to make investments into our economy in this city which has been left behind for far too long. That starts with infrastructure and building the conditions necessary for a thriving city and region.
“I hope when an Executive is restored in Stormont that this is a day one priority for the new Minister for Infrastructure.
“In the meantime, I am pleased that Council supported this motion so that we can assure ourselves that we are taking action to improve the connectivity of our region.”
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