Translink has said it is considering “a change to staffing arrangements” at its Dundonald park and ride.
It follows concern the facility, which also supports Glider services, is being considered for closure in a bid to save money.
The Department for Infrastructure budget is facing a 14% cut in resources for 2023/34 following a decision by Northern Ireland Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris in Stormont ’s absence.
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A source working within transport told us: “Dundonald park and ride building is being considered for closure to save money.
“This is apparently a cost saving exercise by Translink and has been put to the DFI.”
They said closure of the facilities would mean no access to toilets or ticketing machines at the busy park and ride, which also provides shelter for hundreds of schoolchildren.
They also raised concern about staffing numbers, saying a range of shifts are currently unfilled.
A Translink spokesperson said: “There are no plans to close Dundonald Park & Ride, however we are considering a change to staffing arrangements.
“Translink continues to recruit front line staff and key support positions.”
Public transport fares have already increased as have tickets for the Rathlin Ferry while we reported in January how the number of potholes have risen in three Northern Ireland council areas.
DfI’s budget cut has caused alarm with SDLP infrastructure spokesperson Mark H Durkan voicing serious concerns about its impact on public transport services.
He said: “In January this year I attended a briefing with the Permanent Secretary, where officials detailed their ‘worst case scenarios’ should the budget fail to meet their £100 million deficit.
“Sadly, the bleak picture painted four months ago has now come to bear with the very real possibility that streetlights will be turned off, the lifeline that is community transport will end, gritting services will be scrapped this winter and road maintenance will be reduced to ‘emergency only’ in an effort to save costs.
“That’s just a snippet of what this budget will mean in real terms for the public.”
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