Fiona McCarthy Workers Party Representative calls on Translink to provide additional services for Large Scale Events .

Ms McCarthy said the Workers Party is calling on Translink to explain why an additional and reliable public transport system does not appear to be available when major concerts, cultural events, and large scale public gatherings are taking place.

She added for example on Sunday night Mela in conjunction with Fidget Feet put on the the production of Earth Child at the Titanic Slipway the event attracted a large audience however once again there appeared to be little or no consideration given to how those attending the event would get using public transport as the transport time tables were not adjusted or enhanced.

Ms McCarthy said there was not a shuttle service provided from the city centre nor additional bus services to bring people to and from the event. The last Glider service from the Titanic Quarter left at 9.45pm while the final Glider service connecting the city centre to West and East Belfast went 10pm. Most of the events do not finish until 11pm. Leaving no public transport options and event goers are forced to rely on cars and expensive taxi journeys to get home.

The public are constantly being encouraged to leave cars at home and use public transport which is a positive message, yet, when major events are taking place there is a failure to provide the additional public transport that is needed especially for night events when safe and reliable transport services are imperative. The workers party holds the view that when major events are being held Translink must review their transport time tables to provide all additional services needed to meet the needs of those travelling to and from events.

Ms McCarthy finished by saying if people are to leave cars at home then they must be provided with affordable, accessible and efficient public transport services. Instead of seeking to cut services they should be enhancing them to meet all the needs of the citizens of Northern Ireland.