'The safety of our customers and staff remains our top priority': Translink to suspend all bus and rail services due to 'expected protests'
All Translink bus departures will stop at 5pm and there will be no train services departing after 6pm today because of expected protests, the Northern Ireland public transport operator said.
The company said the decision has been made in light of “expected protests” for a second consecutive night.
A temporary suspension of some bus services until 1.30pm today has ended, with services now resuming until 5pm.
A Glider bus owned by Translink was set alight in east Belfast last night as disorder occurred across several locations in Northern Ireland after a man was violently attacked in Belfast in an incident on Monday which was filmed and widely shared online.
Sudanese man Hadi Alodid appeared in court on Wednesday charged with attempted murder, threats to kill an NHS radiographer and possession of a knife.
Explaining their reasons behind the decision, a spokesperson for Translink added: “We are working closely with a range of stakeholders, including the PSNI, our Trade Unions, and other key partners to make appropriate arrangements to keep our passengers, staff and the wider public safe.
“Passengers are advised that services may be subject to alteration or cancellation. Where possible, passengers should travel earlier in the day and allow extra time for their journeys.
“Suspending services is always a last resort, but the safety of our customers and staff remains our top priority. We want to give people as much advance notice as possible so they can plan accordingly.
“We thank our staff and customers for their continued support at this time.
“We intend to be in a position to resume normal services tomorrow morning, and passengers are encouraged to check the latest travel updates via Translink social channels and the Journey Planner app.”