Translink is to provide extra train capacity over Christmas to facilitate shoppers during the festive period, following a 15% rise in passengers throughout the year.

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy said: "Translink NI Railways has committed to increasing capacity across the network with more trains operating with six carriages doubling the capacity on busy trains. In addition services from Portadown will also be enhanced with more express trains operating between Lisburn and Belfast on Saturday 7, 14 and 21 December."

The number of carriages on trains going to Belfast in the evenings and at weekends has already been increased to meet passenger demand.

Mal McGreevy, Translink General Manager, Rail Services said: "Christmas can be an expensive time of the year so we are encouraging our customers to use the range of discounted deals we have on offer to help them save money! Special fares include our popular 1/3 off day return tickets after 09:30 and our 'Family & Friends' ticket providing up to two adults and four children with unlimited all day bus and rail travel throughout Northern Ireland for just £20."

Last month Mr Kennedy announced the expansion of Park and Ride service, free of charge Park and Rides, fare promotions and an embargo on road works over the Christmas period in a bid to improve public transport measures to help shoppers and traders in the run up to Christmas.

(IT/CD)