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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins MLA visited Newry Train Station yesterday, 28 May, to celebrate substantial passenger growth at the facility, with rail services between Newry and Belfast up 12% in 2024/25 following the introduction of hourly cross-border Enterprise services.
Goldliner 238 coach services on the same route saw 11% growth, contributing to an additional 3 million passenger journeys during 2024/25. Combined, 88 Goldliner coach and Enterprise rail services now operate daily between Newry and Belfast, Monday-Friday, providing approximately 14,000 seats.
Minister Kimmins said: "I am therefore delighted to see the over 50% increase in customer numbers since the hourly Enterprise rail service was introduced in October compared to the same period last year. Newry is a pivotal location on our public transport network with many people using the bus and rail connections to access work, education, and leisure opportunities both north and south."
The Minister emphasised her focus on ensuring infrastructure creates foundations for better communities and connections, delivering greater accessibility and promoting inclusion across the region.
Translink's investment strategy includes the recent opening of Belfast Grand Central Station and continued fleet upgrades. Ian Campbell, Translink Director of Service Operations, said: "This sustained rail and coach passenger growth to and from Newry demonstrates how investment in public transport brings benefits."
