Larne Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark McKinty has welcomed last week's confirmation from Translink that the previously discussed reductions in train services from Belfast/Whitehead to Larne will not now proceed, and some time has been bought to reassess the viability and demand on the route.
Speaking to residents in Larne today, Cllr McKinty said "The rail link between Whitehead and Larne is of vital importance to domestic users and to businesses. I am glad Translink have listened to representations made by local politicians, including myself, member of the Larne Line Passenger Group (LLPG), and local business/community representatives, and are prepared to continue monitoring the line, rather than cut services".
While the proposed reduction has been put on hold temporarily subject to ongoing review and monitoring, Cllr McKinty, who was involved in the organisation of the recent LLPG public meeting in Larne, reitterated the importance of residents in the wider East Antrim area to utilise train services. "We will only be able to guarantee the long-term survival and investment in our railways if people continue to use them for work, social travel, and if they are marketed effectively for tourists visitors to the region" he said. "We have been thrown a lifeline, and won this battle, but that is not to say Translink could determine sometime in the future the service has got to go. It is now up to everyone who values this essential public transport link to start using it more frequently and indeed up to local politicians and Government to make sure the service offered meets with customer demands".
Cllr McKinty concluded, "I am making further representations to see how we can limit further price hikes in fares, which could potentially result in lower commuter demand. I acknowledge there has been no fare increase for the past 2 years, and the proposed 3% increase falls well below inflation over that time. However, while we all need to be conscious of the effects of rising operating costs, we also need to keep to the forefront of our minds value for money and wider economic implications at the loss of such a service. In order to assist my representations, I would encourage residents to contact me with any information which may be relevant".
Email: mmckinty@gmail.com
Mobile: 07771 925546
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