Belfast to Derry rail investment included in transport strategy to 2035
Rail investment on the Belfast to Derry corridor will target capacity, reliability and journey times, subject to departmental budgets being agreed.
The Belfast to Derry rail corridor is included in Northern Ireland’s transport strategy to 2035, with investment aimed at increasing capacity, making services more reliable and cutting journey times. Those plans depend on departmental budgets being agreed, Highland Radio reported on Wednesday 28 October.
The strategy points to Shared Island funding announced in June by the Irish Government for rail projects across Northern Ireland, including the Belfast to Derry route.
Access to public transport in Derry is another priority. The strategy recognises that transport still restricts many people’s travel choices, despite progress towards more accessible and inclusive services. It also identifies poor air quality among the effects of congestion experienced by Derry communities where car ownership is lower.
Continued spending on bus fleet renewal will also be needed. Much of the Metro fleet serving Belfast and Derry has already switched to electric vehicles.
Source: Highland Radio
