Banbridge / Newry and Mourne Area Plan 2015
Strategic Plan Framework: Public Transport

The Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company, under the 'Translink' brand name, operates most rail and bus services within the Plan Area.

The Belfast to Dublin railway line runs through the Plan Area with stations at Newry, Scarva and Poyntzpass. The RSTNTP proposed a new/upgraded railway station in Newry with associated park and ride provision. Planning permission for this has been granted.

The RTS identified the need to improve public transport travel opportunities by providing new bus services in urban and rural areas. Inter-urban express bus services link Newry and Banbridge to Belfast, Dublin and other main towns. Local town bus services operate in the larger settlements and further services operate in rural areas.

The RSTNTP proposes a new bus station in Banbridge, an accessible (bus) docking point in Dromore and dedicated park and ride facilities at Newry Bus Station. The SRTP makes further provision for bus transportation within the Plan Area. Such provision includes the introduction of networks of high frequency radial, cross-town and orbital services in urban areas and innovative "demand responsive services" in rural areas.

Some essential services in the rural area, such as Group Transport and Door - to - Door Transport, are provided by Community Transport Partnerships funded through the Rural Transport Fund.

Specific public transport schemes are, where appropriate, detailed in Volumes 2 and 3 of the Plan and shown on the relevant maps.