Private bus companies providing services to Dublin Airport from Belfast say they are being left out in the cold at a new location and have pleaded with the Department for Infrastructure to let them in to the new £340m Grand Central Station.
Dublin Express and Aircoach previously used Glengall Street as a pickup and dropoff location for increasing numbers of passengers travelling south to avail of cheaper and a wider variety of flights.
It was hoped following the opening of the new transport hub that the companies could use stands at Grand Central, but have been told that may not happen until summer 2025.
They have been given a temporary location of Upper Queen Street, which Dublin Express says has led to safety concerns and has seen falling passenger numbers.
“Upper Queen Street is proving to be not for purpose unfortunately and is not the best experience for customers,” Dublin Express general manager Rory Fitzgerald told The Irish News.
“This is because of the crowded nature of the street and indeed the surrounding area as traffic is so heavy.
“As a result of the crowded nature of the street on both the footpath and the designated stop, we are finding it very difficult to park safely for passengers to board or disembark.
“This makes things especially difficult for people with mobility issues such as wheelchairs.
“The sooner the better Dublin Express can be accommodated at Grand Central Station as it will result in a better customer experience for the travelling public of Belfast and Northern Ireland in general.”
Both Aircoach and Dublin Express offer direct routes to the airport from Belfast, while many of Translink’s services make multiple stops along the way.
The Irish News reported last month Translink could be missing out on £120,000 per year by not allowing the companies to use the new transport hub.
Translink says applications from private operators for stands at the new station will be considered when the public realm scheme around Grand Central Station has been completed.
The Department for Infrastructure was contacted for comment.
