Belfast city centre landmark to disappear after more than 40 years

Once a popular stop for passengers buying and topping up tickets and smartcards, collecting timetables and looking for general travel advice, the service has seen a notable decline in use over recent years with the development and introduction of more accessible information on line and passengers preferring mobile tickets like mLink and pre-paid travelcards and smartcards.

Translink’s Belfast Area Manager Damian Bannon said: “The Metro Kiosk has been a city centre landmark for more than 40 years, now with significant advances in technology we have enhanced customer information on our website and journey planner making it even easier and convenient for passengers to get information or buy ‘on the go’ using their mobile device.

“We have also seen huge advances in our ticketing systems and products and have further exciting plans for 2021 as we start to roll out our new future ticketing system that will see cashless credit / debit card payment systems.

“While the Kiosk is closing, passengers will still be able to top-up their Smartcard tickets using Ticket Vending Machines across the city, Translink agents and at PayPoint agents. Ticket Vending Machines accept cash and debit/credit cards and allow passengers to collect tickets they’ve bought online. The mLink App is available for download on-line and allows you to buy tickets sent to your mobile device.

“Also, the Translink information desk in Visit Belfast will continue to have staff on hand to provide a range of Translink tickets and information on fares, timetables and services to customers and visitors.

“We will continue to look for ways to enhance passenger information to make it even easier to travel as we work towards building back greener and more responsibly from the current pandemic”, Damian concluded.

Passengers are advised to plan their journeys in advance by using our Journey Planner or on the website www.translink.co.uk.