Everything we know so far about one-year pilot for late-night transport in Belfast

The scheme has been praised as a step forward for supporting a “safe, thriving and diverse night-time economy” in the city

Earlier this week, funding for a one-year late-night transport pilot scheme in Belfast was confirmed.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archbald worked with NI Executive colleagues and Belfast City Council to secure a commitment for a funding package to extend the service beyond its usual festive extension.

The scheme, which is expected to offer later Tranlink services at weekends, has been praised as a step forward for supporting a “safe, thriving and diverse night-time economy” in the city.

READ MORE: Translink CEO Chris Conway resigns after ten years in roleREAD MORE: New Belfast late night bus service on the way with one year pilot

After the announcement, Minister Kimmins said: “My Department is committed to improving our transport infrastructure for safer travel and connected communities and I am delighted that we have support to progress this scheme to help improve connectivity for people who want to travel in and out of the city.

“Late night public transport services are in high demand and encourage behavioural shift while supporting the nighttime economy and improving safety as people return home in the evenings.

“Providing this service for a 12-month pilot will provide a more consistent and dependable service, which will help stimulate demand.”

Although the exact details of the services are yet to be announced, this is everything we know so far about the new year-long late-night transport in Belfast:

What routes and services will be included?

No details of the proposed pilot have been released yet, including routes and prices, and whether trains will be involved. So far Stormont has made a reference to a weekend service.

Last year as part of the festive late-night services, trains from Belfast were in operation until midnight, with some Metro bus services going up until 1.30am on Friday and Saturday nights.

Translink’s Metro services operated across 11 main routes across the city, picking up at Metro bus stops along the route.

Goldliner and Urby coach and bus services to Derry~Londonderry, Newry, Banbridge, Dungannon, Ballyclare, Crumlin, Templepatrick, Newcastle, Ballynahinch, Downpatrick and Carryduff departed between 12 midnight and 1.15am.

It is unclear whether the year-long pilot scheme will follow the same structure as previous Nightmovers and festive transport extensions.

What has Translink said about the pilot?

When contacted by Belfast Live for further details about routes, services and timings planned in the scheme, Translink said that its upcoming Christmas service planning is underway.

A Translink spokesperson said: “Translink is currently planning late night services for this Christmas and will be releasing full details of these shortly to help passengers plan their festive journeys”.

What will the late-night transport scheme cost?

In a release issued by the Department for Infrastructure on Thursday which welcomed the Executive’s support of the project, the total estimated costs for the pilot are in the region of £650k.

Councillors at the City Hall Strategic Policy and Resources Committee on September 19 agreed to provide funding of up to £92.3K to the pilot, subject to confirmation of funding support from the Executive and further engagement with business district BID.

When could the scheme start?

Last month, in a letter from the Minister for Infrastructure Liz Kimmins and the Minister for the Economy Caoimhe Archibald to Belfast Council, it was suggested that the scheme could start as early as November 2025.

The letter said: “Late night public transport services are not currently provided for within DFI’s Public Service Agreement with Translink, and are not covered within the Department’s current budget allocation.

“Translink have previously provided a Night Mover service in advance of Christmas on a commercial basis, meaning higher costs for users and the absence of concessionary travel.

“We believe, with the necessary funding arrangements in place, extended nighttime public transport services could commence during November 2025, when the traditional pre-Christmas Night Movers service would normally begin.

“The service would then be extended beyond the normal festive period, on a one year pilot basis, on select Metro routes as well as four key Ulsterbus corridors that have no rail alternative.”

Reactions to the news:

The news has been welcomed by Belfast City Centre Night Czar, Michael Stewart.

He said: “The introduction of late-night bus services across Belfast is a landmark moment for our city. For too long, lack of safe, affordable transport has been the single biggest barrier to unlocking the full potential of the night-time economy which our research has estimated is worth £3.7 billion to local economy.

“These new services will not only help customers stay later – they will also be a lifeline for the thousands of hospitality workers, venue staff, shift workers and health service employees who keep our city running at night.

“This announcement follows an 18-month campaign led by myself, the three Belfast BIDs and the Purple Flag network – engaging our local, elected representatives, securing research that proved the economic case, and rallying more than 1,000 local businesses behind a shared vision.

“My priority now is ensuring the rollout is safe, reliable and responsive to public demand – so whether you’re catching the last show, finishing a late shift, or enjoying a night out, Belfast finally works for everyone, day and night.”

Christopher McCracken, Chair of Purple Flag and Managing Director, Linen Quarter BID added: “With confirmation of funding for late-night transport and a forthcoming announcement from the Economy and Infrastructure Ministers, we are delighted to see this long-championed project now moving towards delivery.

“In Belfast alone the night-time economy is estimated to be worth £802 million and supports 26,000 jobs. This initiative could inject a further £2.5 million GVA every year into Belfast’s supporting more jobs, stimulating investment, and helping our city centre to thrive after dark.”

Martina Connolly, CEO, Belfast One said the scheme will be a “huge boost” for Belfast’s night-time economy.

She said: “We very much welcome the announcement of a year-long pilot for late-night bus services, which will be a huge boost for Belfast’s night-time economy, providing confidence, safety and convenience for both businesses and their employees, and our hospitality venues, cultural attractions and their visitors.

“Belfast One is proud to have played a part in helping bring this initiative to life, working alongside the Night Czar, Translink, governmental partners and other city centre BID organisations to highlight the importance of these services for our city.

“This collaboration shows what can be achieved when stakeholders across Belfast come together with a shared vision for a thriving, inclusive city centre.”

Economy Minister Caoimhe Archibald said: “I am committed to supporting the development of a safe, thriving and diverse night-time economy. Reliable, late night-transport is key to this.

“My Department has collaborated with Tourism NI and the three Belfast Business Improvement Districts to commission research into the night-time economy in Belfast, Derry and Enniskillen. The interim findings estimate up to £2.5million could be added to the value of Belfast’s night-time economy by extending late-night public transport, far exceeding the cost to deliver the service.

“The night-time economy is a major economic driver, supporting many businesses and jobs right across the north. I welcome this pilot and the collaborative approach to an important issue in making us an attractive place to live, work and visit.

“I look forward to seeing the pilot rolled out, and seeing its impact and the invaluable evidence it will provide to inform potential future provision of late-night services in Belfast and other towns and cities.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter