Bus services suspended following hijacking
Last updated 8th Nov 2021
Some evening bus services will be suspended following the recent hijackings of buses that were later burnt out.
On Sunday, four masked men boarded a double decker in Church Road at an entrance to the Rathcoole estate at about 7.45 and ordered the driver and passengers off.
The bus was then set alight across the road.
In response, Translink has announced some service will be stopped, while other will be re-routed.
The routes affected include some of Belfast's busiest roads, including the Antrim and Shore Roads, the Newtownards Road and the Crumlin Road.
The routes will resume on Tuesday morning and daily decisions will be taken over future evening services.
Ian Campbell, Director of Service Operations explained, “We utterly condemn this incident. The safety of our passengers and employees is paramount and our highest concern. Our staff want to provide essential public transport to keep society connected. But this attack on our people and services is simply unacceptable.
"As such, from today (Mon 8th November), from 6.30pm some evening bus services will be suspended while other routes will be adjusted as follows:
- Metro corridors 1,2,4,11,12 will be suspended.
- Metro Corridors 3, 5-10, will operate as normal with some diversions.
- The majority of Ulsterbus services will operate as scheduled with some localised adjustments.
- Glider services will operate as normal with some diversions to the east.
- Rail Services will operate as normal.
“We are very mindful of everyone’s safety and understand the level of concern expressed by our staff and their families. We will work closely with the PSNI, the local community, our unions and all stakeholders as we monitor this difficult situation. Our plans will always put safety first as we work towards reinstating essential public transport for those who rely on us.
“This situation is very changeable, and we would encourage people to frequently visit www.translink.co.uk or follow us on Twitter or call the contact centre on 028 90 66 66 30 to get the latest service information before they travel.”
“We would like to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and continued support as we strive to deliver bus services throughout Northern Ireland”, Ian concluded.
Police have appealed for information over the attack in Newtownabbey.
PSNI Detective Inspector Lenaghan said: "It was reported at around 7.45pm that four masked men got on to the bus as it made a stop at Carnreagh Bend, and ordered its passengers to get off.
"The men, who were reported to have been carrying a hammer and a bottle of petrol, then forced the driver to make the journey to Church Road, and proceeded to smash windows and set the bus alight.
"The suspects were said to have been dressed in black, and believed to be aged in their 40s.
"One of the men was described as being around 5ft 7in in height, whilst two of the others were estimated as being 6ft or taller.''
The officer added: "This was a distressing and frightening ordeal for everyone involved, and we are thankful that no-one suffered any physical injuries.
"This reckless incident also continued to cause disruption for those who live and work in the area, and we would ask drivers to avoid it as we continue to carry out our investigations.''