Translink Seeks Public Feedback on Proposed Fare Reforms and Late-Night Service Reductions

Northern Ireland's public transport operator has launched a public consultation on a package of proposed fare and service changes aimed at addressing mounting financial pressures, including reductions to youth travel discounts and the withdrawal of some late-evening services.

The consultation, which opened on 8 July and runs until 30 September, invites passengers, businesses and stakeholders to comment on a range of measures that Translink says are necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the network.

Late-night services under review

Among the most significant proposals is the planned withdrawal of all scheduled bus and rail services operating after 10pm on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

A limited number of routes would remain unaffected due to their strong passenger demand and commercial performance. These include the 212 Belfast–Londonderry service, the X1, X2, X3 and X4 routes, along with the 300 and 600 airport services.

Translink says these services generate sufficient demand and revenue to justify their continued operation during late evening periods.

Youth discounts and ticket offers could change

The consultation also outlines a number of proposed changes to ticket pricing and concessionary fares.

Under the plans, the yLink discount for younger passengers would be reduced from 50% to 33%, while Off-Peak Day Return tickets for both adult and child passengers on bus and rail services would be withdrawn.

Several promotional ticket products would also increase in price, including:

• Family and Friends ticket: £24 to £26

• Metro Family Ticket: £10 to £12

• Bus Rambler: £10 to £12

• Sunday Day Tracker (Rail): £10 to £12

In addition, passengers boarding without a valid ticket would only be able to purchase a single fare onboard, removing the option to buy other ticket types once travelling.

Financial pressures behind proposals

Translink says the proposed measures are a response to increasing financial challenges facing the organisation.

According to the operator, higher operating costs combined with a decline in public funding in real terms have created significant budgetary pressures, prompting a review of both fares and service levels.

The proposals follow the announcement earlier this year by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins that public transport fares would remain frozen for a second consecutive year.

At the time, Translink Group Chief Executive Chris Conway said that five separate fare freezes over the past decade had resulted in the organisation foregoing more than £20 million in revenue, placing additional pressure on its finances.

Consultation open until September

Translink is encouraging passengers and stakeholders to take part in the consultation before it closes on 30 September 2026.

Feedback received during the consultation period will help inform decisions on whether the proposed changes should be implemented and how they could affect communities, passengers and the wider public transport network across Northern Ireland.